Tag Archives: photography

Isolated

Posted by Mike on

Haiku
Flat Rock Park

My daughter came down for a visit this weekend. We had a good time. She had heard enough from me about the taqueria I tried a few weeks ago that she wanted to see what the hype was all about. Of course, we ate too much. I suggested we go for a walk at Flat Rock Park.

It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the warmth of the sun as we attempted to work off our lunch. As we walked, me sans camera, I was making mental notes of images I saw that I would need to return to capture. I did stop and grab a couple with my phone but nothing worth mentioning.

Sunday wasn’t as warm as Saturday but still a great day to be out and exploring. This time, the camera was definitely with me. It was early afternoon which means direct, harsh light but I knew I could use that light for a few of the images in my head. Light, shadows and texture. You’ll see, as soon as I process them.

When my daughter and I were leaving the park I had pointed out a view of the pond/lake(?) that I always tell myself I need to capture. So, this time I made sure I stopped the car. No excuses! Take the damn picture.

Alright, don’t get so worked up about it.

I still believe this view at sunrise would be better and now that I mentally recorded that the park opens at 6am, I’ll be back. Anyway, here it is…

Isolated – B&W
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/200s, 41mm, f/8, ISO 100

I also had this running through my head…

Isolated 

Stoic in nature
Isolated and alone
Standing with resolve

Now, I’m a fan of B&W images and I think it works for this one. I couldn’t leave it alone though, I wanted to play a little more with it. I tweaked the color version with a blue fade process.

Isolated – Blue Fade
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/200s, 41mm, f/8, ISO 100

And for those of you that prefer a good color image…

Isolated – Color
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/200s, 41mm, f/8, ISO 100

You’ll have to let me know which image you prefer…

Seeing It All

Posted by Mike on

Rivers of America
Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Seeing It All
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/160s, 24mm, f/8, ISO 100
{7 image panoramic}

Rise and Shine

Posted by Mike on

Silent Sunday
Boardwalk, Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

Rise and Shine
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/30s, 29mm, f/11, ISO 100

Early Light

Posted by Mike on

Yacht Club Lighthouse
Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

Morning is my favorite time of the day. Maybe it’s because I’m an early riser. I’ve been getting up around 4am for years. Originally it was for necessity but now it’s habit. I can go to bed late and still I wake up early (I’ll admit a good nap might be needed later).

Maybe being a photographer is another reason I still get up early. Some of the best light is before the sun pops above the horizon to right after it makes its appearance. Same can be said for sunset but at sunset there are generally more people around. In the morning, most people are still sleeping. I guess I like having the light all to myself.

This penchant for the morning is even stronger when I’m on vacation, especially when I’m at Disney. This is definitely related to the “less people” comment above. When I stay at the Beach Club I get the added benefit of the walking/running trail around Crescent Lake and the amazing views to be found. Just look at this view…

Early Light
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/13s, 33mm, f/11, ISO 100

The View

Posted by Mike on

Yacht & Beach Clubs
Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

The View
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S, 1/400s, f/8, ISO 100
{13 image panoramic}

Playing With Water

Posted by Mike on

Flat Rock Park

It was another nice day on Friday. I didn’t want it to end sitting on the couch. After getting the boys fed I returned to Flat Rock Park to play in the water. I was hoping the park would be as empty as it was on Thursday but I could see as I drove in there was a lot of activity around the water.

My first inclination (and why is this how I am now?) was to drive through the park and go find another activity. I think the design of the park will work in my favor. The road through the park is one way, and you have to drive completely around to exit. As I approached the waterfall area on the opposite side of the creek, I made up my mind not to let a few people stop me. I parked the car, grabbed the tripod, threw the camera bag over my shoulder and headed to the creek to explore.

There were a group of young kids playing on the rocks near the water where I really wanted to setup my camera. As much as I remember those days, I wanted them to go play somewhere else so I could have the spot to myself. Luckily, as I crossed the stone bridge over the creek (see these older posts featuring the bridge, Autumn Bridge & Bridge) I thought this area might produce a few interesting images.

Find A Way
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1.3s, 70mm, f/11, ISO 100

OK. Not terrible. What else is there to see?

Holding Back
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.8s, 53mm, f/11, ISO 100

Interesting. A little too much shine on the water. What does this look like from the other side?

Transition
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1.3s, 30mm, f/11, ISO 100

I like this one. Anything else to see?

Arc
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1.3s, 58mm, f/11, ISO 100

I eventually walked to the area near the kids. I’m unsure if their mom(?) saw me and told them to play in another area, or if she finally thought they were getting dangerously close to falling on the rocks and sliding down the water. Either way, I had the area to myself for a few minutes. Time for me to play.

Those images can wait for another day..

Go enjoy your Saturday.