Tag Archives: sunset

Delta Reflections

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

We all know I have a “thing” for a reflection. If I can incorporate a reflection into the image, the odds are good I will. The odds increase whenever I’m at Delta Lake, and they go through the roof when there is no wind at sunset.

Sunday evening the clouds had taken over the sky. I had a good thirty minutes until the official time of sunset but I was determined to stick it out and see what developed. It didn’t hurt I was joined at my spot on the beach by a grandmother and her two grandchildren. We chatted away the minutes, pointing out the changing colors as the sun marched into the horizon.

We were desperately hoping the sun would break through the clouds at the last minute and illuminate the trees at the edge of the point. I had managed a single image earlier when the color in the sky was a little flat. I really wanted another chance as the sky turned magenta. Alas, it was not meant to be…

My determination to see trees shine did allow me to capture the changing color reflected in the clouds. All in all, it was a good end to the day.

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; On the Edge

On the Edge
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/8s, 25mm, f/11, ISO 200

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; See it in the Sky

See it in the Sky
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/6s, 25mm, f/11, ISO 200

Just Up Ahead

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

The day started off by attempting to set a new record for low temperature. Mother Nature gave it a good try but she didn’t quite make it. I refused to turn the heat back on so the apartment was a little on the chilly side until later in the day.

By dinner time I was ready to go outside. I assumed the cooler temps would have kept the people away from Delta Lake and my chance for a quiet sunset would be pretty good. Driving to the park I noticed the sunlight illuminating the trees along the shore. I had my first destination once I parked the car. I probably should have parked in the upper area lot but I knew I would end the evening on the beach so the walk from the opposite corner of the park would do me good.

The water levels are a little low for the start of summer but it allowed me to get a nice image of the rocks leading off to the right as the sun peaked out from behind the clouds and lit up the trees along the shore. Definitely loved the clouds in the sky but I knew they were going to present a problem as the sun approached the horizon.

I ended up staying past the official sunset as I was right to worry about the clouds. I wasn’t able to get a “sunset” image but the I did walk away with a nice reflection image. Once the sun was below the horizon it cast some great color on to the clouds. The minimal wind kept the rolling waves to a minimum and allowed for a nice reflection. More on that image later…

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Just Up Ahead

Just Up Ahead
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/320s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

 

Resist the Storm

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

I wasn’t positive how much time I would have before the rains but after a long day at the desk I needed to be out of the apartment. I was amazed at how many boats there were on the lake. The line of boats waiting for the boat ramp was almost comical. It appeared that everyone waited until the last minute before deciding to disembark the lake.

Rather than go for my usual view from the beach I walked out to the point which is typically on the right in my images from the beach. This allowed a better look at the setting sun, even if it was behind the clouds at the time. I waited until the sun was almost visible before capturing the colors. The orange separation between the blue in the clouds and the blue in the water was very striking.

As soon as I captured my view I felt the first rain drop. It was time to go. I made it back to the car with a minute to spare. The rain wasn’t the downpour I imagined it would be, but I wasn’t in the mood to get soaked…

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Resist the Storm

Resist the Storm
Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4, 1/50s, 61mm, f/11, ISO 200

 

The Light Within

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

Another drama filled sunset, another trip to Delta Lake to see the show. The day was cooler than it has been and the evening wasn’t going to be any better. At least the clouds passing through the area provided some interest in the sky at sunset. It was a good time to visit Delta Lake.

I almost had the beach area to myself. There was only one family and we managed to maintain our social distancing without any issues. I found a spot where the water barely breached a small sand bar and it created a great opportunity for a reflection. Probably wouldn’t be one of my sunsets without that reflection… 🙂

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; The Light Within

The Light Within
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/200s, 17mm, f/11, ISO 200

 

Bellamy at Both Ends

Posted by Mike on

Bellamy Harbor Park

Yesterday was supposed to be my trip to Ithaca, NY to explore a few of my favorite state parks. Luckily, before I headed out on my adventure I checked the state park website for each park and realized most of my favorite trails were closed. Taughannock Falls trails were open but I didn’t want to spend the two hour drive for only one park. I will be patient and wait until I can make a day of it in Ithaca.

With the change in my plans I quickly ran down to Bellamy Harbor Park for the sunrise… totally worth it! The trees are showing more of their green each day and the few clouds from the approaching rain caught the morning colors perfectly. I wish the water was a little smoother but at least the center caught the reflection of the Mill St. bridge.

Apparently my luck was not to improve. My grand plan for the sunset was to return to the Utica Marsh. I knew my normal trail into the area has been neglected over the years but I thought I had another way in. I failed to notice the bridge I planned to use had been blocked off by the city of Utica. I still think there is a way but last night I didn’t want to waste the sunset searching.

I drove back to Rome and parked at Bellamy Harbor Park figuring I could bookend my day at a familiar location. Mother Nature did not disappoint, she put on quite a show before sunset. I crossed the Mill St. bridge and captured the sunset from across the canal. The water was very smooth and the reflection of the clouds totally highlights Bellamy Harbor Park. I’d say my earlier misfortune was erased by this sunset…

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; G'morning Bellamy

G’morning Bellamy
Olympus E-M1 Mark II , M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 0.6s, 31mm, f/11, ISO 200

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Highlighting Bellamy

Highlighting Bellamy
Olympus E-M1 Mark II , M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/160s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 200

Along the Shore

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

I eventually did make my way to the lake the other day. Although I explored the area near the entrance and was able to capture a good balance between the light and dark, I had plenty of time to see what else the park could offer me. Due to the weather there were more people than I would have liked and it becomes a challenge to explore while not running into people in unexpected places. It is usually a safe option to walk the shore below the upper area overlook. I really liked the golden glow on these rocks and trees…

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Along the Shore

Along the Shore
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/30s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 100

 

Color on Glass

Posted by Mike on

Delta Lake State Park

I mentioned in my ‘…as the sun goes down‘ post, before the sun was in its best position I ran around the water’s edge grabbing long exposure images. Sadly, I realized when I went to process those images that my 10-stop ND filter has a small scratch on it. This creates a very visible sun spot when shooting into the sun.

Sadly, as I researched getting a replacement it appears I bet on the wrong horse. I bought a set of square ND filters with a holder capable of installing a circular polarizer from Vu Filters. I have been very happy with the results. Because I use a micro four thirds system with smaller lenses I did not need big filters and Vu had a 75mm wide system that would be great for all my lenses. Doing a little research, it appears Benro bought out Vu and incorporated the filters into their own line. Hopefully, I can get a replacement without having to switch do a different system.

Luckily, for you I was able to salvage one image from my ruined long exposure fun. I found a grouping of rocks at the edge of the water to use as foreground interest for the color show happening at the horizon. With the clouds partially obscuring the sun combined with 10-stops of light filtering I captured a 30 second exposure. This long exposure smoothed out what little waves were undulating on the water and created a glass-like look reflecting the colors in the sky.

I did minor tweaking to the image in Lightroom sticking with a few adjustments to highlights and shadows. I then processed it in Luminar to enhance the colors, mainly to bring out the blues and brighten the oranges. Add a subtle vignette and the image is ready for display…

  

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Color on Glass

Color on Glass
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 30s, 12mm, f/11, ISO 100