A reflection can be the mirror image of what you are looking at, but it can also show you a different side.
Stop playing with me!
I’m not. Take this lily, the image in the water is not a mirror image but a highlight of the unseen parts. It’s showing the hidden.
Uh huh. So? What are you hiding?
Nice try…
It is probably good that only one lily at a time is making an appearance at the botanical garden. An observer can immediately tell when I spot one. My whole focus changes. I’m not seeing anything else until I have grabbed a few views of the floating princess. Tuesday was no different.
Well, maybe a little different. Although it was early in the afternoon, I was at the garden between the raindrops. The light was filtered through the clouds and I didn’t have to fight the bright white. Made it a lot easier to show the detail in the flower.
Lily Reflecting Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/500s, f/5.6, ISO 100
Of course, I couldn’t leave it alone. Lily was calling to me to ‘electrify’ her. I didn’t want to disappoint her.
Electric Reflection Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/500s, f/5.6, ISO 100
It wasn’t that it had been a long week, it was about the feeling I get exploring the garden with the sun warming my face. I woke on Friday and immediately knew I should get to work early so I could escape with time to visit the botanical garden. Eating lunch outside reinforced my plan, and if I’m being honest, had me debating cutting out even earlier. Luckily, for the company I guess, I was deep into my current task and wanted to get as far as I could before the weekend (damn that geek inside me)… 🙂
I suppose it is wrong of me to enjoy having the gardens to myself. A family was leaving as I entered and I only saw one couple walking around as I poked my camera into the face of every blossom. Such a great way finish the work week!
Light Me Up Nikon Z6 III, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/800s, f/5.6, ISO 100
On my third day in Florida I went to Bok Tower Gardens which is about an hour South of Orlando. borrowing from Wikipedia…
Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre (100 ha) contemplative garden and bird sanctuary located atop Iron Mountain, north of Lake Wales, Florida, United States, created by Edward Bok in the 1920s. Formerly known as the Bok Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower, the gardens’ attractions include the Singing Tower and its 60-bell carillon, the Bok Exedra, the Pinewood Estate now known as El Retiro, the Pine Ridge Trail, and the Visitor Center.
Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark. The 205-foot (62 m) Singing Tower was built upon one of the highest points of peninsular Florida, estimated to be 295 feet (90 m) above sea level,[4] and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[3] The national significance of the gardens and its tower come from their associations with Edward W. Bok and his team of designers.[3] The adjacent Pinewood Estate is separately listed on the National Register as El Retiro.
The Singing Tower Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1/100s, 35mm, f/11, ISO 100
It is more impressive in-person. If you find yourself in central Florida with a day to spare, I highly recommend visiting these gardens. There are a lot of trails to explore and I passed quite a few fellow photographers. Based on the lenses attached to their cameras, most were at the gardens for birds and/or butterflies. I did meet an unexpected resident…
Unexpected Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/200s, f/2.8, ISO 100
I was also very happy to find the azaleas were in bloom. I’m now very excited for these to bloom around Columbus.
Aza Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/500s, f/3.2, ISO 100
Lea Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/100s, f/5.6, ISO 100
My Backside Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/800s, f/3, ISO 100
As I was exploring around the tower at the heart of these gardens I met another group of visitors. I had my zoom lens with me and quietly changed to it. The group was foraging through the grass but were on the move. I was able to get around and in front of their path. I’ll admit I got a little lucky…
What in the Sandhill… Nikon Z f, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/250s, 300mm, f/6.3, ISO 100
Of course, I can’t pass up a good reflection…
Florida Upside Down Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, 1/500s, f/2.8, ISO 100
I was a good day. I will be going back to Bok Tower on a future visit to Florida.
My walk at Flat Rock Park on Sunday brought me an unexpected surprise. I didn’t anticipate the recent rains would have created enough water flowing down the rocks for a waterfall. I had the 28mm lens on the camera and the tripod was back in the car but by decreasing the aperture to f/16 I was able to get a 1/15th shutter speed. Not quite the silky smooth look I prefer but I’m not going to complain. I spent most of my time in this area exploring all the possibilities. How could I refuse the one with a reflection as well…
Unexpected Nikon Z f, Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8, 1/15s, f/16, ISO 100
If you are here, you probably know I love a good reflection in my images. I have been known to stop the car to capture a reflection. When I go to Callaway Gardens, there are plenty of opportunities for me. Add in some autumn color and I’m drinking the reflection Kool-Aid. I’m also fascinated by this walkway bridge in the Azalea Bowl area of the gardens. The close-up felt like it should be a painting so that is how I processed it…
Less Troubled Waters Nikon Z6 II, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/80s, 70mm, f/11, ISO 110
October Tranquility Nikon Z6 II, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, 1/125s, 100mm, f/11, ISO 450
I originally thought I would be posting an image of Cinderella Castle this morning. My first sunset at Disney was in the Magic Kingdom and obviously I captured the required castle view. It is written into the membership card for Disney photographers as a requirement on every visit. But, once I saw the images I captured yesterday morning, I needed to bring you for a walk around Crescent Lake.
One of the benefits of staying at the Beach Club while I’m at Disney is the opportunity to enjoy the mile long path around Crescent Lake. It allows me to get great views of the resorts as well as the Boardwalk area. Oh, and there is the benefit of me not being so sedentary. I’ve been coming to this resort/area since 2008 and I am always amazed at what I find. To be fair, some of the charm has left due to Disney’s policies, i.e., less performers on the Boardwalk, less activities, etc., but I can still enjoy the scenery.
OK, let’s go for a walk. It was a little less than ideal as the sky was full of clouds with a hint of fog in some areas. I wasn’t going to get any of those picturesque sunrises but maybe I could use some of that creativity I think I have… 🙂
Frequent readers will know this lighthouse as I have shown its many sides throughout the years. I would have loved some sunrise color but I could not be happier with the calm, glass-like water. A good reflection is a very close second to a sunrise. With most of the scene grey and white it was any easy choice to convert this one to monochrome.
Looking at You Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 10s, 35mm, f/11, ISO 400
I am definitely a creature of habit. I walk the path around the lake in a counter-clockwise direction. I’m not sure why I do it this way, but hey, it works for me. After the lighthouse my next great view was of the Swan and Dolphin resorts. Over in this area there was more morning fog (or maybe it was haze, unclear). I really liked how the Dolphin resort was crisp and clear, while the Swan Reserve resort was draped in mist. And who can resist the light reflections.
Obscured Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 6s, 32mm, f/11, ISO 800
Working my around the lake brings me to the Boardwalk. I’ve stayed at the resort here a couple of times and really enjoy being in the middle of all the nighttime activity. It is also one of the areas I have photographed consistently over the years. This morning I wasn’t looking for the big, beautiful landscape, I wanted to see some of the details. The boat launch for the Friendship boats fit the bill. From here you can get a ride to Epcot, Hollywood Studios or the other resorts. Highly recommended as it is a great way to see unique views of the area.
Magical Day Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1s, 34mm, f/11, ISO 400
The boardwalk is full of restaurants, stores and a few clubs. There have been changes over the years but the front facades are always photogenic. I haven’t eaten as this restaurant but you can’t deny the signage. Throw in a bench, with water still dripping, and we have a winner.
Flying Fish Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 1s, 24mm, f/11, ISO 400
I have always enjoyed the Boardwalk Bakery. It is good for a morning coffee and croissant, or a sandwich for lunch. The red and white awnings have fascinated me, and have been the subject of more than one image. What did I find this time? Red and white umbrellas protecting white table and chairs. I practically ran as soon as I spied these treasures.
The hanging lights, the cloudy blue sky, the detail in the boardwalk itself… is giddy the right term? The darn tripod couldn’t get setup quick enough. Hey, other people out this early, pause your walking for a few minutes. I need to capture this.
Damn! This is the image that changed what I was going to post today.
Umbrellas Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 3s, 36mm, f/11, ISO 400
The last third of the trail back to the Beach Club doesn’t have as many opportunities for images. I tried a few but they weren’t doing it for me. Luckily, the beach area still has the swings. Next time I walk the the trail I think I’ll stop and enjoy the view from this swing.
Interesting tip, well, I think it is interesting. This is two images blended in Lightroom. For one image I focused on the swing and the other I focused on the resort in the background. Blending the two gives me an image that is in focus front to back.
Sit and Swing Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, 0.4s, 46mm, f/11, ISO 400
Just about time to go for another walk around the lake. Looks like another overcast, foggy morning so I’m not sure what I’ll find. Doesn’t matter… it’s the walk that counts.
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