Watkins Glen State Park

Today was another State Park day. The confluence of events all worked out for me. No work for me or either of the kids. No commitments. Beautiful weather. I decided last night to take off early in the morning for Watkins Glen and Fillmore Glen State Parks. I arrived at Watkins Glen a little after 8am and was starting the Gorge Trail before 8:30.

It was a good thing I am an early bird. By the time I walked the 1.5 mile trail it was getting very crowded and my photographic opportunities on the return walk were slim to none (that is if I wanted the view people free). Patience does win out on a few occasions and this view of Rainbow Falls was captured on the return trip. If you look closely you can spot a few people on the stone bridge. 🙂

Rainbow Falls
Nikon D7100, Sigam 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1.3s, 26mm, f/16, ISO 125

Buttermilk Falls State Park

On my state park day a few weekends ago, my trip to Buttermilk Falls was especially enjoyable due to the amount of people I met. It was definitely a different type of trip for me. I was able to get a lot of photography done on my hike along the gorge trail but I also managed to meet a lot of people. I kept checking for the sign I must have been wearing because I was approached/engaged by more people than I usually am. Maybe it was me that changed and I was projecting a more open aura!

As I was setting up my tripod for this image I was watching this guy work the scene trying to get the shot he wanted. He apologized for stepping into my frame but I explained I was still composing and I was not in any hurry. He told me he was just starting out and made an excuse about not being at my level (probably due to all my gear). I explained how I was just out having fun too and that we all learn everyday. I told him to take his time and get all the shots he wanted. I couldn’t help myself and grabbed this image as he was getting his. He thanked me and we went our separate ways.

This new budding photographer was typical of the interactions I had this day. I also used quite a few iPhones for people to grab a picture they couldn’t get together without the classic one-arm selfie look. All in all it was a great hike.

Photographer in the Making
Nikon D7100, Tokina 12-28mm f/4, 0.8s, 12mm, f/20, ISO 100

Chittenango Falls State Park

Let’s complete the trifecta during my state park day and quickly visit Chittenango Falls. As I was heading home I debated if I should visit this park. It was right in the middle of the afternoon. The clouds had cleared giving me a beautiful blue sky but I was worried about too much sun on the waterfall.

Well, as we know I can not resist this park. I’m not sure if it is because it is the first waterfall I photographed once I got my DSLR or that every time I visit I find something interesting. Maybe it is because the waterfall is constantly changing depending on the amount of water in the Chittenango Creek. Probably I just have a soft spot for the cascade style waterfall and want to see how the water is falling across the steps.

After the Rains
Nikon D7100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/5s, 26mm, f/16, ISO 100