Sliding Through

Posted by Mike on April 1, 2018

Union Station, Utica, NY

The warming temperatures of Spring always bring the muddy browns to any landscape photography efforts until the green starts to fight its way to the surface. This always has me trying to be a little more creative with my sunrise/sunset images. Saturday morning I thought I would try the train station down in Utica. I was lucky!

A couple of freight trains passed through the station while I was there. They provided some interesting opportunities. This East bound train came into the station as I was on the walkway above the tracks. It is always difficult photographing through a window and doubly so when shooting toward the rising sun. I loved the fact I was able to capture the locomotives slightly blurred as they slowly rolled through the station.

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Sliding Through

Sliding Through
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/4s, 16mm, f/11, ISO 200

Setting the Barge

Posted by Mike on March 28, 2018

Barge Canal near Rome, NY

Setting the Barge – Portfolio Blog

This is the image I went out on Sunday evening to capture. I think the view of Bellamy Park looking East turned out better but this is the view I anticipated that got me off my butt and off the couch. There is another bridge support pylon on the opposite side of the canal. I think I should try looking down the canal from that side. I’m sure it would change the whole scene. Also, I seem to be in a sunset/sunrise mood lately. There appears to be a theme running through my latest posts…

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Setting the Barge

Setting the Barge
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/40s, 21mm, f/16, ISO 200

Bench

Posted by Mike on March 27, 2018

Bellamy Harbor Park, Rome, NY

Bench – Portfolio Blog

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Bench

Bench
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 1/125s, 12mm, f/16, ISO 200

Twilight

Posted by Mike on March 26, 2018

Bellamy Harbor Park

Twilight – Portfolio Blog

I ran out last night to catch the sunset. I had a few thoughts of places that might be interesting but they failed me. I ended up at Bellamy Harbor Park with the thought of capturing the setting sun aligned with the Barge Canal. Looking West from the park along the canal you can see a steel structure bridge (South James Street) and there was a mixture of ice and open water. I thought would be interesting. I think I managed to capture a few good images. Of course, you should always check out your surroundings as you photograph…

This was the view behind me as I was attempting to capture the setting sun. So as you look this image over imagine me running back and forth between the edge of the canal where the Mohawk River enters and the support pylon under Erie Boulevard bridge trying to get both the sunset and the twilight colors reflected in the clouds in the East. I got a little exercise in last evening…

MLCreations Photography: Blog Post Related &emdash; Twilight

Twilight
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 0.6s, 19mm, f/22, ISO 100

Harambe Lights

Posted by Mike on March 25, 2018

Africa, Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Harambe Lights – Portfolio Blog

If it hasn’t become obvious maybe I should explain that I am on the downward slide toward next trip to Disney. Only 35 more days! As typically happens with me, there is an increase in postings of my Disney images. I like reviewing what I have done on previous trips and try to plan a little of what I would like to capture while I am back home! So I guess I should apologize now for the content during the next five weeks! LOL

I have captured this view in the Africa area of the park numerous times. This is from the bridge over the Discovery River as you enter the African village of Harambe. This is looking toward the Harambe port. Normally I am photographing this at sunrise, or early morning, and have not been able to capture a good sunset image. I originally planned this as an HDR image, capturing a four bracket set, but the software had issues with the bright sky behind the trees. It was creating some off color artifacts that I did not want to deal with. Upon closer review of -1 exposure image I felt there was plenty of detail in both the highlights and shadows for me to work with.

I have been using the new, to PC anyway, Luminar program from Skylum Software to post-process my images. It has allowed me at lot more creative control and helped me improve the look of my images. If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive program to process your images, I would highly recommend Luminar. There is a lot of tutorials online and a growing amount of presets available for this program. Definitely worth a look…

MLCreations Photography: Animal Kingdom &emdash; Harambe Lights

Harambe Lights
Olympus OM-D E-M1, M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8, 2.5s, 23mm, f/16, ISO 200

Rising Lighthouse

Posted by Mike on March 21, 2018

Crescent Lake, Walt Disney World

Rising Lighthouse – Portfolio Blog

When I go to Walt Disney World it is not always about the theme parks. There are amazing areas throughout the property and some of the best theming occurs at the resorts. The first time I stayed at the Beach Club I fell in love with the Crescent Lake area. To this day I can still find enjoyment exploring around the lake. A particular favorite subject of my photography is the Yacht Club lighthouse. I can always capture a beautiful sunrise or sunset that includes this iconic structure. This is one of those sunrises…