Daniel Novak Photo: Blog https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog en-us (C) Daniel Novak [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) Sun, 27 Sep 2026 22:24:00 GMT Sun, 27 Sep 2026 22:24:00 GMT https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/img/s/v-12/u364181526-o825092777-50.jpg Daniel Novak Photo: Blog https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog 120 60 Ithaca, NY in the Fall https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/7/ithaca-ny-in-the-fall 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 film camera with an AF 24mm f/2.8 lens and lenshood.Minolta Maxxum 5Minolta Maxxum 5, AF 24mm f/2.8 I am not sure how but Ithaca, NY somehow escaped our visit for almost three decades of living in Western New York. At least part of the problem was me being confused and thinking we did visit, even if a long time ago. I must have mixed it up with a trip that we explored waterfalls around Watkins Glen on. Either way, for one of the Fun Fall Fridays in 2026 Ithaca was penciled in for and the trip happened.

And it was a wonderful trip! It turned out to be a beautiful warm sunny Friday and walking around Fall Creek, the Cornell University Campus, and later the village of Ithaca and the Cascadilla Creek was a blast. No problems getting enough steps for the day on days like this!

I love black and white photography for several reasons but for fall foliage it really is not ideal. Therefore, Minolta Maxxum 5 loaded with Kodak Colorplus 200 joined me on this trip. Yes, I still have a frozen stash of that version of the film that can now also be purchased under the Kodacolor  200 branding.

And while I was really happy with the beautiful fall day for walking, sunny days create photographic challenges with too much contrast between deep shadows and bright sunlit areas. For deep gorges and waterfalls a cloudy day often works better but one can't win it all. Maybe another visit on a partially cloudy day? We'll see

Forest Falls, Fall Creek, Ithaca, NYForest Falls, Fall CreekIthaca, NY in the Fall

Forest Falls, Fall Creek, Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Ithaca, New York, is uniquely situated at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake in the scenic Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. New York's surveyor general, Simeon DeWitt, mapped the area in the late 18th century and named it Ithaca after the ancient Greek island in Homer’s Odyssey. As of recent estimates, Ithaca has a population of 33,600 residents. Its growth was accelerated by the founding of Cornell University in 1865 and Ithaca College in 1892.

Horseshoe Falls, Fall Creek, Ithaca, NYHorseshoe Falls, Fall Creek, Ithaca, NYIthaca, NY in the Fall

Horseshoe Falls, Fall Creek, Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

During the last Ice Age, massive continental glaciers carved deep, U-shaped valleys into ancient river beds. When these glaciers melted roughly 12,000 years ago, debris dammed the valleys, filling them with water to create the Finger Lakes we know today. Because the main valleys were carved much deeper than their smaller side tributaries, it left shallower streams suspended high above the lakes as hanging valleys. Water plunging over the steep cliffs eroded the soft sedimentary bedrock over millennia. This dramatic geological process carved the iconic, deep gorges and waterfalls found throughout the region today.

Suspension Bridge over Fall Creek, Ithaca, NYSuspension Bridge over Fall CreekIthaca, NY in the Fall

Suspension Bridge over Fall Creek, Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

The first part of our walk explored the cliffs and waterfalls on Fall Creek as we gradually made our way to the Cornell University Campus. From there, something of a second part took us around the small but beautiful Beebe Lake, and eventually back to our starting point. The last part took us through the village to the Cascadilla Creek and along its banks. Unfortunately, there was a closure at the end of the creek trail, and we had to return the same way we came. But who'd complain about another chance to see the beautiful creek?

Living by Fall Creek, Ithaca, NYLiving by Fall CreekIthaca, NY in the Fall

Living by Fall Creek, Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

The Fall Creek Suspension Bridge on the Cornell University campus is one of Ithaca's most iconic and pedestrian crossings. The bridge is 270 feet long and is suspended 140 feet above the waters of Fall Creek. While the current steel structure was erected in 1960, a pedestrian suspension bridge has existed at this exact location since 1913. It is engineered to have a noticeable sway and bounce under foot traffic, giving pedestrians an exhilarating, elastic sensation. In the 2010s, Cornell added a stainless-steel cable net barrier that wraps underneath and around the bridge truss to improve safety without blocking the scenic views. Local student lore dictates that if someone refuses a kiss while walking across the bridge at midnight, the entire structure will collapse into the gorge (that and other myths).

Beebe Lake, Ithaca, NYBeebe LakeIthaca, NY in the Fall

Beebe Lake, Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Beebe Lake is a scenic reservoir located directly on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, NY. It was originally created in 1838 by damming Fall Creek to provide water power for local mills. Over time, it evolved from an industrial pond into a popular campus recreation hub for ice skating, boating, and walking. A one-mile trail loops around the lake offering a short walk through the surrounding woods. A popular student legend claims that walking around the lake with a partner means you are destined to marry them.

Canoes by Trail, Beebe Lake, Ithaca, NYCanoes by Trail, Beebe LakeIthaca, NY in the Fall

Canoes by Trail, Beebe Lake, Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Above Sackett Foot Bridge, Ithaca, NYAbove Sackett Foot BridgeIthaca, NY in the Fall

Above Sackett Foot Bridge, Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

The historic Sackett Foot Bridge is an iconic stone arch structure located at the eastern head of Beebe Lake. Funded by Colonel Henry Woodward Sackett, it spans a gorge over waters that historically served as a student swimming hole. Today, it stands as one of the most photographed landmarks on the Cornell campus, especially during autumn.

Lover's Falls, Fall Creek, Ithaca, NYLover's Falls, Fall CreekIthaca, NY in the Fall

Lover's Falls, Fall Creek, Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Beebe Lake below Sackett Foot Bridge, Ithaca, NYBeebe Lake below Sackett Foot BridgeIthaca, NY in the Fall

Beebe Lake below Sackett Foot Bridge, Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Fall at Ithaca Falls, Fall in Ithaca, NYFall at Ithaca Falls, Fall in Ithaca, NYFall in Ithaca, NY

Fall at Ithaca Falls, Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Fall in Ithaca, NYFall in Ithaca, NYFall in Ithaca, NY

Fall in Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Octopus, Fall in Ithaca, NYOctopusFall in Ithaca, NY

Octopus, Fall in Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Fall Leaves at Cascadilla Creek, Fall in Ithaca, NYFall Leaves at Cascadilla CreekFall in Ithaca, NY

Fall Leaves at Cascadilla Creek, Fall in Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Cascades of Cascadilla Creek, Fall in Ithaca, NYCascades of Cascadilla CreekFall in Ithaca, NY

Cascades of Cascadilla Creek, Fall in Ithaca, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Sunset over Cascadilla Creek, Fall in Ithaca, New YorkSunset over Cascadilla CreekFall in Ithaca, New York

Sunset over Cascadilla Creek, Fall in Ithaca, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Thanks for joining me on this fall daytrip and until the next one!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

The Lost Mossy Well House, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York. Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400, C-41.The Lost Mossy Well HouseChestnut Ridge Park in the Fall Bridge across Bubbly Waters, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York. Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400, C-41.Bridge across Bubbly WatersChestnut Ridge Park in the Fall Old Brick Well House, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York. Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400, C-41.Old Stone Well HouseChestnut Ridge Park in the Fall

Mighty Old Tree in the Fall, Letchworth State Park, New YorkMighty Old TreeLetchworth State Park in the Fall Thomas L. Kelly Covered Bridge in Colors, Allegany State Park, Salamanca, New York (NY)Covered Bridge Covered with ColorsAllegany State Park in the Fall

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm adventure architecture autumn bright c-41 cityscape color colorful colorplus 200 colors creek fall film film photography foliage fun fall fridays gorge ithaca kodak landscape maxxum 5 minolta nature new york outdoors sunny urban photography water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/7/ithaca-ny-in-the-fall Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT Late Winter Sunrise at Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/7/late-winter-sunrise-at-green-lake-orchard-park-ny Olympus Stylus Zoom 140, vintage 35mm Film CameraOlympus Stylus Zoom 14035mm Film Camera It's been hot for several weeks, thus, I am choosing a cool off post today with a few images from late winter 2026. There were just a few frames left in the camera from Exploring Johnson City, New York and I had the itch to go out, enjoy the sunrise, and document the last bits of winter hanging around for one final look. Catching the daybreak is certainly easier in winter than in summer and one does not even have to set the alarm. On the other hand, sunrises roll too quickly into a workday.

There is usually a flock of geese or several spending the night on Green Lake and arriving at sunrise is a great time to watch them wake up and start the flight prep. Eventually, they start taking off one group at a time making quite a racket and provide opportunities for those that arrived on time. It's similar at Birdsong, however, I think the likelihood of catching the geese taking off is a bit higher here at Green Lake.

Last Ice on Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY.Last Ice on Green LakeYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Last Ice on Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

While the 140mm zoom on this automatic camera is no birder's dream set up it comes handy thanks to its compact form factor and just being available for the random opportunities. As the geese started the take-off procedure I figured why not, panned with them for a bit, and clicked the shutter. More than a longer zoom I missed any type of manual settings or override for the below frame as it was very bright and the autoexposure definitely underexposed the scenes quite a bit. However, the scanner and the software were able to bring the scene back to life and I quite like the imperfect moody rendering of the photo.

Geese over Ice on Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGeese over Ice on Green LakeYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Geese over Ice on Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

The camera definitely worked better with the more average light situation at the below scene when it worked with the sun rather than against it. I have photographed this eye-catching winding path through Yates Park many times and am sure I will in the future. Whoever designed the curve of the path did very well and I thank them!

Winding Path around Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYWinding Path around Green LakeYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Winding Path around Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Moody Morning at Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, New York, photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 black and white film.Moody Morning at Green LakeOrchard Park, NY Leaning over the Creek in Birdsong Park on Infrared, Orchard Park, New York. Yashica LM, Rollei IR 400, D-23.Leaning over the Creek in Birdsong on InfraredOrchard Park, NY Birdsong Park Creek in the Woods, Orchard Park, New YorkBirdsong Creek in the WoodsOrchard Park, NY

A Creek Flows Through, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY. Pentax Spotmatic, Lomochrome Purple Film.A Creek Flows ThroughOrchard Park, NY Birdsong Tree Phalanx Guard by a Boardwalk, Pentax Spotmatic, Lomochrome Purple FilmBirdsong Phalanx GuardOrchard Park, NY

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm black and white cityscape D-23 daybreak film ice landscape late winter new york ny olympus stylus orchard park outdoors point and shoot snow sunrise ultrafine urban urban photography water winter xtreme ufx400 zoom 140 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/7/late-winter-sunrise-at-green-lake-orchard-park-ny Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT California 2026, Day 1: Solvang https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/6/california-2026-day-1-solvang Nikon FE, 35mm Film CameraNikon FE35mm Film Camera After the travel day and arrival we decided to take it easy on our first day in Solvang, California and stay local and just walk the town. Despite my usual aversion to touristy places and civilization in general I found it pretty easy to enjoy the town. Solvang, CA is a town that pretends to be in Denmark and most of its buildings are show of architecture that could fit in. I have never been to Denmark so I can't be a good judge but it certainly looked a hint more European than other American towns. As a result, there was plenty to point my cameras at and I made good use of both of my cameras I had for this trip.

For color, I went very lightweight with an Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 point and shoot 35mm camera, and for black and white my trusty Nikon FE. Which one to raise was often driven by the location and sometimes by the subject itself. I usually did not have to hesitate and think, the choice seemed to be easy.

WorldMark Solvang, CaliforniaWorldMark Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

WorldMark Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Olympus Stylus Zoom 140, a 35mm Point and Shoot CameraOlympus Stylus Zoom 14035mm Point and Shoot Camera For the longest time I was confused about the windmills scattered through the town. I have always associated these historic windmills with the Netherlands, not with Denmark. But a little bit of time with the Internet and I learned that they used to be common in Denmark too and feature some clear distinguishing features. In the end, why not, they provided quite the visual magnet to capture.

While the Olympus point and shoot can be limiting in some exposure situations, like on a bright beach, it does very well for the most part and it's convenience, small size, light weight, and handy zoom range is hard to beat on a vacation with anyone who is not a crazy photographer. It makes it easy to move things along without driving them crazy. There is one annoying thing I will need to figure out soon though. At the top center of the frame, there's some type of a hair caught somewhere forming a loop down into the frame and back up. When the aperture is more open, the hair gets blurred out. Other times it gets lost in darker scenes where the top of the frame is busy or with patterns. With clear blue skies, it becomes rather annoying quite rapidly and I am thankful for the healing feature of photo software.

Colors of Mission Santa Ines, Solvang, CaliforniaColors of Mission Santa Ines, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

Colors of Mission Santa Ines, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

The morning was cool and very foggy and the whole valley to the east was covered. We were told that was not usual for Solvang, however, when it repeated day after day I had my doubts. We headed out the back way that started under our balcony and led through a field to the Santa Ines mission. Yes, the mission was featured in the Day 0 blog post too, but with its absolutely wonderful architecture it simply had to be. Plus in the morning I was hoping for sunshine on the stucco unlike the evening before when that side of the building was in shadow. The fog had its own plans though and my morning light was bright, yet wonderfully diffused providing for a whole different photographic opportunity.

I also kept searching for different angles to prevent coming back with the same angles repeated over and over. It's not always easy as some of the perspectives just looked so appealing!

Welcome Garden at Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CaliforniaWelcome Garden at Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

Welcome Garden at Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

From there, we wondered through the town in an unplanned fashion in a vague effort to hit every single street and see every bit of the town. As you can see below, we were out early enough on Saturday to catch the town still sleeping or barely waking up. And that was just fine with me as the tourists did not start arriving until about noon. Thus, even the weekend was very enjoyable. That's true almost everywhere. Get up early enough and one can have a place to themselves.

Panino Sandwich Shop. Solvang, CaliforniaPanino Sandwich Shop. Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

Panino Sandwich Shop. Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Copenhagen Sausage Garden, Solvang, CaliforniaCopenhagen Sausage Garden, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

Copenhagen Sausage Garden, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

I can't help but insert a negative comment in here. While the Copenhagen Sausage Garden looked appealing with their sausages and beer, and it did suck us in for a supper on this Saturday, I was rather disappointed. It was very overpriced, significantly more than the rest of the town, and the care was not all that great. I enjoyed both my beer and the sausage but did not go back for seconds on this day or for the rest of the week. I guess they get enough one-time visitors that they don't have to worry about repeat business. We were staying right in town and I would have gone back had it not been so ridiculously priced.

Now we're finally getting to those windmills mentioned earlier. They are very photogenic, buggers, aren't they?

Hamlet Square Windmill, Solvang, CaliforniaHamlet Square Windmill, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

Hamlet Square Windmill, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

Solvang Brewing Company Windmill, CaliforniaSolvang Brewing Company Windmill, CaliforniaCalifornia 2026

Solvang Brewing Company Windmill, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Unlike the beer garden mentioned above, most other restaurants, bakeries, and ice cream shops were priced all right for California. We just had to learn to be price aware. If there was a place that seemed a bit on the high end, there was usually another similar one within 5 minutes to compare to. And there was plenty of selection to satisfy both hunger as well as various cravings.

Mortensen's Danish Bakery, Solvang, CaliforniaMortensen's Danish Bakery, Solvang, CaliforniaCalifornia 2026

Mortensen's Danish Bakery, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

Solvang Tours, CaliforniaSolvang Tours, CACalifornia 2026

Solvang Tours, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

Wine Valley Inn, Solvang, CaliforniaWine Valley Inn, Solvang, CaliforniaCalifornia 2026

Wine Valley Inn, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Banquet House, Solvang, CaliforniaBanquet House, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

Banquet House, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

Bit o'Denmark Restaurant, Solvang, CaliforniaBit o'Denmark Restaurant, Solvang, CaliforniaCalifornia 2026

Bit o'Denmark Restaurant, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

I'll probably get in trouble for saying that here but the Bit o'Denmark Restaurant did not draw us in despite walking by it many times as it was on the same street where we stayed and under 5 minutes away. The menu did not have anything that screamed "you can't leave Solvang until you eat me" and the prices here were also a bit high for the cheap me. This was despite having a pre-trip recommendation from a friend of a friend. I had to wonder though, was that simply because of the history and prominence of this restaurant or their menu? Since we skipped I can't judge. Maybe next time.

We did have the last breakfast of the day at the Red Viking Restaurant, a plateful of eggs, potatoes, and a few other things I can't remember but I'll say it was very good and filling. And I felt really bad for the waitress who was haggled by a customer sitting next to us. She orders eggs over easy and complained they were too easy. I could not keep my cool for too long with customers like that, I'd show them the door and then get fired shortly after.

On the way for a short afternoon break and rest from walking, we went by the Santa Ines Mission again to catch it in yet another light. The sun did not hop over to the other side of the building yet and provided the brightest illumination of the stucco yet. Some repeat shots, some new angles, and also making up for a metering mishap from the night before.

Fenced Garden at Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CaliforniaFenced Garden at Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

Fenced Garden at Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

Compared to the morning shot in color, you can see the fog has lifted and the garden has a nice hilly background.

The Cross at Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CaliforniaThe Cross at Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

The Cross at Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

Colonnade Arches, Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CaliforniaColonnade Arches, Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

Colonnade Arches, Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

The below angle became my favorite at the Old Santa Ines Mission. Actually, both of them. The angles photo of the chapel door and the colonnade in the background, as well as the head on photo of the door and cross.

Chapel & Colonnade, Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CaliforniaChapel & Colonnade, Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

Chapel & Colonnade, Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

Chapel Door, Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CaliforniaChapel Door, Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, CaliforniaCalifornia 2026

Chapel Door, Santa Ines Mission, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

After recharging our internal human batteries, it was time for another round of a town stroll.

Renaissance Antiques, Solvang, CaliforniaRenaissance Antiques, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

Renaissance Antiques, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

Roof at Renaissance Antiques, Solvang, CaliforniaRoof at Renaissance Antiques, Solvang, CaliforniaCalifornia 2026

Roof at Renaissance Antiques, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

HRS Clock & Watch Repair, Solvang, CaliforniaHRS Clock & Watch Repair, Solvang, CaliforniaCalifornia 2026

HRS Clock & Watch Repair, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

The Good Life Garden, Solvang, CaliforniaThe Good Life Garden, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

The Good Life Garden, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

The Book Loft, Solvang, CaliforniaThe Book Loft, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

The Book Loft, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

The Solvang Bakery and Windmill, Solvang, CaliforniaThe Solvang Bakery and Windmill, Solvang, CACalifornia 2026

The Solvang Bakery and Windmill, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

Thanks for joining me on this first episode of our California 2026 trip. There should be 7 more coming up soon and I hope you'll be back.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more travel photographs? Visit my Travel Photography and Landscapes Faraway photo galleries for glimpses of places beyond my usual Western New York.

California 2026 Series: California 2026: Day 0: Arrival, California 2026, Day 1: Solvang, ...

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2026 35mm black and white california cityscape color film nikon fe olympus olympus stylus zoom 140 outdoors photo walk solvang travel photography ultrafine urban photography windmill xtreme ufx400 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/6/california-2026-day-1-solvang Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT Exploring Johnson City, New York https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/6/exploring-johnson-city-new-york Olympus Stylus Zoom 140, 35mm Point and Shoot Camera.Olympus Stylus Zoom 14035mm Point and Shoot Camera While visiting Binghamton, New York, we took advantage of the trip and hopped a town over to Johnson City to continue our exploration of the area. We walked through Binghamton itself on our previous visit.

The starting point was at Sole City Coffee on Main Street but wow, shame on me, no front photograph of that place! There is one from the back alley coming later on but I completely failed to document the tasty start. That leaves a reason for another visit, doesn't it?

I changed things up completely as far as the photo gear for this trip went. I only packed a single point and shoot camera, the Olympus Stylus Zoom 140. This was to keep things very light and not drive my wife too crazy :-) I usually use autofocus cameras with color film but for this mostly urban stroll I wanted black and white. Thus, bulk-loaded Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 became the film of choice.

Tri-Bros Transportation, Johnson City, NY. Olympus Stylus Zoom 140, Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film.Tri-Bros Transportation, Johnson City, NY on Film

Tri-Bros Transportation, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

I really like the camera and how light it is and the quality of the photos one can get out of it. But yes, it can be limiting with its full automation and no exposure compensation. As long as scenes are balanced, photos turn out great. However, on a bright beach, in snow, and other unbalanced situations it's easy to end up with underexposed photos. And while it does not allow for easy filter mounting, which I always do with my other cameras, this roll turned out to my satisfaction even without a yellow, orange, or red filter. The mix of blue sky and white clouds must have been just about perfect to prevent a washed out whitish sky.

Avenue C, Johnson City, NY on Film. Olympus Stylus Zoom 140, Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film.Avenue CJohnson City, NY on Film

Avenue C, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

There's also this pesky hair that has been bothering me for months! I can't get to the bottom of that sucker! It shows up in some photos and not others in the center top of the frame. My guess is that when the camera stops down to smaller apertured and the depth of field increases, the hair becomes more visible. Since it is at the top of the frame, I should be able to find it in the center bottom on the camera. So far, I have not. I checked the front, the inside of the camera, no hair. When it shows up and I can crop out the top of the frame, I sometimes do. Other times, the healing brush comes to the rescue. I want it gone though!

JC Deli, Johnson City, NY Johnson City, NY. Olympus Stylus Zoom 140, Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film.JC DeliJohnson City, NY on Film

JC Deli, Johnson City, NY Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Dubai House, Johnson City, NY on Film. Olympus Stylus Zoom 140, Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film.Dubai HouseJohnson City, NY on Film

Dubai House, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Main & Broad Streets, Johnson City, NY on Film.Main & Broad StreetsJohnson City, NY on Film

Main & Broad Streets, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Main & Broad Intersection, Johnson City, NY on Film.Main & Broad IntersectionJohnson City, NY on Film

Main & Broad Intersection, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Fat Cat Comics, Johnson City, NY on FilmFat Cat ComicsJohnson City, NY on Film

Fat Cat Comics, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

8-bit Bites, Johnson City, NY on Film8-bit BitesJohnson City, NY on Film

8-bit Bites, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

8-bit Bites Sign, Johnson City, NY on Film.8-bit Bites SignJohnson City, NY on Film

8-bit Bites Sign, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Back of Sole City Coffee, Johnson City, NY on Film.Back of Sole City CoffeeJohnson City, NY on Film

Back of Sole City Coffee, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Above Back Alley, Johnson City, NY on Film.Above Back AlleyJohnson City, NY on Film

Above Back Alley, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

After enjoying the town for a bit it was time to see what's around. We still had plenty of time, looked at the map, and the hills to the north caught our attention. It was not all that easy though. Accessing the area from the east from Robinson Hill Road did not seem possible. From the south, we thought parking at the Traditions at the Glen would be possible as a starting point for our hike. However, that turned out to be a private golf course and even the entrance to the trails was marked as private. We opted to stay out of trouble and went back to the map. While the name IBM Glen seemed like a potential for another private property the map and quick Internet search seemed optimistic about public access. And indeed, that was the place to park and head into the woods.

Bricks at IBM Glen, Johnson City, NY on Film.Bricks at IBM GlenJohnson City, NY on Film

Bricks at IBM Glen, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Bridge at IBM Glen, Johnson City, NY on Film.Bridge at IBM GlenJohnson City, NY on Film

Bridge at IBM Glen, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

The last photograph below of the walking tree was a photographic trap in the making. It would be so easy to spend an hour just there looking around for the best angle, wait for the best light, repeat. I still walked around couple times, only took two pictures, and then selected this one to share here. A reminder to myself, this needs to go through the darkroom and through the cyanotype process. So many ideas, so little time.

Walking Tree at IBM Glen, Johnson City, NY on Film.Walking Tree at IBM GlenJohnson City, NY on Film

Walking Tree at IBM Glen, Johnson City, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Thanks for stopping by again for another mostly urban photo walk. See you soon!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Duke of Kent Pub, Midtown Toronto, Canada. 35mm Nikon FE2, Agent Shadow 400, D-23 developer.Duke of Kent Pub, Midtown TorontoB&W Travel Photography Old-Time Village Square, Burlington, ON, Canada, Photographed on Lubitel 166B and Fomapan 400 FilmVillage Square, Burlington, ONB&W Travel Photography Film photography: Froggy's French Cafe, Highland, Illinois (near Chicago)Froggy's French CafeB&W Travel Photography

Old Ladder in an Old Shed, Southern Moravia, Czech Republic. Starý žebřík ve staré kůlně, jižní Morava, Česká republika.Old Ladder in an Old ShedB&W Travel Photography Down the Pier in Black & White, Boathouses of Canandaigua City PierDown the Pier in Black & WhiteB&W Travel Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm black and white cityscape d-23 film ibm glen johnson city landscape photography olympus outdoors stylus zoom 140 Ultrafine urban photography Xtreme UFX400 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/6/exploring-johnson-city-new-york Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT California 2026, Day 0: Arrival https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/6/california-2026-day-0-arrival Olympus Stylus Zoom 140, 35mm Point & ShootOlympus Stylus Zoom 14035mm Point & Shoot So many times in the past have I tried to share trip photographs as a whole story and so many times have I not made it to the end. If you visit my blog once in a while. you know what I am talking about. How about that 2023 trip to Alabama? Not finished yet. Remember that Czech Republic trip from 2016? Yep, still not finished! Why am I starting a blog post on this note? Maybe it's a fair warning to you not to expect too much. Maybe it's a challenge for myself to do better and make it through. After all, this one was just a week, I can surely finish that, can't I?

I kept my photographic equipment very light for this trip. Everything fit in a single small over the shoulder bag. I stuck to my usual two-camera system, one for color film and one for black and white. But I still managed to scale down the overall size and weight by leaving my usual SLR candidates for color at home. Those would be either the Nikon N75 or the Minolta Maxxum 5. For this trip, I went with the Olympus Stylus Zoom 140. For black and white. I rotated back to the Nikon FE, which was the camera that restarted me on film back in 2015.

First Glimpse of Lake Cachuma, CaliforniaFirst Glimpse of Lake CachumaCalifornia 2026

First Glimpse of Lake Cachuma, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

As we were nearing Solvang, California, we left the 101 and went up into the mountains leaving the crazy traffic behind and instead being treated to some breathtaking mountain vistas. Too bad there were not more spots to stop at along the 154 but maybe that was good, otherwise we'd have never made it to Solvang in daylight.

Lake Cachuma Vista, CaliforniaLake Cachuma VistaCalifornia 2026

Lake Cachuma Vista, California, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

We checked in to our Solvang, CA base for the week and quickly headed out as the sun started going down over California. We wanted to get a quick initial peek at what we were in for and to get our bearings around town.

Nikon FE, Top, 35mm Vintage Film CameraNikon FE, Top35mm Film Camera Over the last couple years, I started making this annoying and expensive mistake while loading my Nikon FE. Not expensive in money terms but expensive by ruining hard to repeat or unrepeatable photos from faraway places.

For the first 5+ years I used the camera in manual mode and for each picture set both the shutter speed and the aperture based on the match needle meter in the viewfinder and the light situation. That allowed me to easily do exposure compensation without using the +/- dial that is not very natural on this camera and is easy to forget in the wrong position.

Then at some point I switched to aperture priority and started leaving the shutter speed at A. For the most part, that made photography simpler and quicker. Exposure compensation became trickier as I had to start using the top left dial but all was well. However, that is where the mistake comes in. When loading the camera, I insist on having the lens cap on and that throws the meter off and the shutter would take forever in the A mode. Thus, while I need to click away the initial three frames, I switch the shutter speed to 1/1000 sec. Things go bad when I leave it there and since I am now used to aperture priority I may not immediately notice. This results in quite underexposed pictures, sometimes still usable, other times not really.

On this evening we first headed to the Old Mission Santa Inés. And wow, was it photogenic. Despite the sun and light coming in from the wrong side at sunset I still felt the itch to photograph about ten frames despite knowing I would have the opportunity to return at sunrise and take advantage of better light. But I was there then! Almost all of those ten frames ended up being lost due to the very low light and the 1/1000 sec shutter speed. Fortunately, we were staying for the whole week and realizing this mistake a little while in I knew I had to come for a do over.

The photo of the chapel at the mission is one I like despite it also being underexposed and rescued on the computer after scanning. The huge empty wall with this single vintage door fed the minimalist in me and I was happy. I also like this black and white version quite a bit as removing the stucco color further simplified the scene. I would really like to run this frame through the darkroom and also as a cyanotype to see how that comes out.

Old Mission Santa Inés, Salvang, CaliforniaOld Mission Santa Inés, Salvang, CACalifornia 2026

Old Mission Santa Inés, Salvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black and White Negative Film

I will skip ahead a little here and finish my troubles with this first black and white roll. Apparently, goofing up the exposure on the first ten frames was not enough. At the end of the roll, for the first time ever with my bulk loaded film, the tape failed to hold the film attached and it came loose. That meant rewinding could not be done by standard means.

Back at the hotel, I took advantage of the windowless bathroom, placed a towel along the bottom door gap, opened the camera and pulled the film out manually. As the roll was now outside of its original cartridge, it needed to be kept from light by other means. I placed it into the black opaque canister the cartridge originally came in and wrapped the canister in a thick aluminum wrap harvested from a chocolate bar. This shows the canisters really should be opaque black and not transparent gray as they often are.

The final problem was that with a film secured this way I did not feel asking for a hand-check at the airport on the way back would be a success as it looked rather fishy. Therefore, this roll went into the carry-on that went through one of the new CT scanners at LAX. It did not raise any alarms and went through. I have to admit, while I certainly noticed the underexposure of the first ten frames that I goofed up due to camera settings I did not notice any CT scan induced problems with the rest of the roll. Maybe the first ten were so bad that I became blind to subtle problems?

First Windmill, Solvang, CaliforniaFirst Windmill, SolvangCalifornia 2026

First Windmill, Solvang, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

We are ending the day with color as the final rays of the setting sun bathed Alisal Road in spectacular warm light that turned the colorful Solvang buildings into structures straight from a fairy tale, especially The Solvang Bakery below. Wow, was I glad I had the two-camera combo with me!

The Solvang Bakery, CaliforniaThe Solvang BakeryCalifornia 2026

The Solvang Bakery, California
Photographed with a 35mm Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

Thanks for joining me on this pilot episode of our California 2026 trip. If things go as planned there should be 8 more coming up soon and I hope you'll be back to travel with me.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more travel photographs? Visit my Travel Photography and Landscapes Faraway photo galleries for glimpses of places beyond my usual Western New York.

California 2026 Series: California 2026: Day 0: Arrival, ...

Sodus Bay Lighthouse, Sodus Point, NY. Photographed with a.35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros 100 black and white film. Developed in D-23.Sodus Bay LighthouseTravel Photography Inside Fort Mississauga, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.Inside Fort MississaugaTravel Photography The Pier Bar & Grill, Fairhope Municipal Pier, Alabama. 35mm Nikon FE camera on Ilford Delta 100 black and white negative film.The Pier Bar & GrillTravel Photography

In a Fairy Tale at Pískovna, Adršpach-Teplice Rocks National Park, Czech RepublicIn a Fairy TaleLandscapes Faraway Painted Tree, Valley of Fire, NevadaPainted TreeLandscapes Faraway

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2026 35mm black and white california cityscape color film nikon fe olympus olympus stylus zoom 140 outdoors solvang travel photography ultrafine xtreme ufx400 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/6/california-2026-day-0-arrival Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:20:23 GMT The Magic of Niagara Falls in Winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/3/the-magic-of-niagara-falls-in-winter Black Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F, a vintage 35mm Film Camera and a box of 100 feet of Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 film for bulk loading.Pentax Spotmatic F35mm Film Camera While Niagara Falls are impressive all year round, I have always enjoyed visiting in winter. The colder, the better. Yes, maybe I am a little bit of a glutton for punishment but it's worth it.

In the cold temperatures of winter, the rising mist that falls on everything around and quickly turns into ice. First inches of ice, then feet of ice. Everything becomes white and shiny and clean and simple. Unlike the city snow and ice, nature keep the ice here pristine. There are no salt trucks mucking it up and as long as temperatures remain low fresh layers of ice constantly keep the view picturesque. Water and ice become a wonderful combination that lands itself very nicely to black and white photography.

It also does not hurt that there are barely any people in winter. The crowds of summer are exchanged for a handful of people and at times, one can have the viewpoints for themselves. I also like the more intense experience. Cold air feels fresh, and when the cold chills the bones the whole experience feels more rewarding.

For this visit, I came with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F loaded with Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 film that I later developed in Rollei Supergrain developer.

American Falls Plunging into Mist, Winter at Niagara FallsAmerican Falls Plunging into MistNiagara Falls in Winter

American Falls Plunging into Mist, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

I love the walks through the Niagara Falls State Park on the American side of the gorge. While still in civilization one at least gets a hint of the natural wonder and can mentally disconnect from the nearby urban area, especially in winter when there aren't too many people as a reminder. I like to start the walk from the edge of the American Falls at Prospect Point and that's where the two opening views of this post are from. Can you feel the cold and the intensity?

Going over the American Falls, Winter at Niagara FallsGoing over the American FallsNiagara Falls in Winter

Going over the American Falls, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

From there, I'll go up the river towards the Goat Island Rd bridge, which you can see in the next photo. During this winter visit, I really enjoyed the snow and ice covered sidewalk that added to the charm of the location. And of course on the right the wonderful Upper Niagara Rapids are showing of the power and volume of water rushing through.

The bridge is still the wonderful old stone bridge but the steel reinforcements across it limit picture taking opportunities from the bridge and also take a bit away from taking photographs of the bridge. Then, we find ourselves on Goat Island and can turn right and go towards another bridge, this time to Luna island.

Winter Perfect Sidewalk by the Niagara River, Winter at Niagara FallsWinter Perfect Sidewalk by the Niagara RiverNiagara Falls in Winter

Winter Perfect Sidewalk by the Niagara River, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

The beautiful lower sidewalk by the river is closed in winter and we have to stay on the upper walkway. The same is true about Luna Island itself too and looking at the below photograph it's not difficult to identify why. The whole island is covered in a thick layer of ice. You can see the narrow braid of water flowing under the bridge and going over as Bridal Veil Falls. Right past it where you can see a hint of a railing is the usual summer viewpoint but standing there at this point would probably be no fun.

Past Luna Island you can also see a barrier of ice protruding into the gorge at about 45 degree angle and then disappearing in the mist. In freezing temperatures, this ice barrier grows tall and covers the American Falls from view from the Canadian side. Media then tends to turn this into a sensation claiming that. Niagara Falls have frozen. And that usually generates more curious visitors to observe the site. But secretly, behind the barrier Niagara Falls keeps doing its thing.

Luna Island in White Coat, Winter at Niagara FallsLuna Island in White CoatNiagara Falls in Winter

Luna Island in White Coat, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

From that view we continue the walk along the gorge towards the next big vantage point. I really liked how these trees in the foreground provided additional context to the hole below. The gorge is deep and wide and the water there flows slower allowing it to freeze when it's really cold. This winter, we had a stretch of about 4 weeks of temperatures around 0ºF - 10ºF, which did it.

The Gorge behind Trees, Winter at Niagara FallsThe Gorge behind TreesNiagara Falls in Winter

The Gorge behind Trees, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

Now we have arrived at another well knows vantage point by the Horseshoe Falls. The Terrapin Point allows visitors to be inches away from the horseshoe of the falls. Well, it does so in summer but in winter, it is down there on the frozen tip of the three feet of shiny ice. From the place I took this picture down to Terrapin Point and over it feels like one giant unstoppable toboggan. I am always in awe of the ever present and thick layers of ice. And the trees that appear to be in trouble are just fine. Come spring, they'll turn  wonderful green again. It's pretty amazing how resilient they are.

Ice-Wrapped Horseshoe Falls, Winter at Niagara FallsIce-Wrapped Horseshoe FallsNiagara Falls in Winter

Winter Shelter, Hamburg Beach in Winter, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

Trees Become Sculptures, Winter at Niagara FallsTrees Become SculpturesNiagara Falls in Winter

Trees Become Sculptures, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

The tour does not end at Terrapin Point. It continues up the river towards the cluster of small islands called Three Sisters Islands. It's an area I have always enjoyed as it's less known, there are fewer tourists even in summer, and mornings offer solitude at almost any time of the year. However, even there civilization and safety measures made their mark. There are more railings trying to keep out of the pictures and they also limit one's exploration. I treasure my memories when no railings were present.

Crossing to Visit Three Sisters Islands, Winter at Niagara FallsCrossing to Visit Three Sisters IslandsNiagara Falls in Winter

Crossing to Visit Three Sisters Islands, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

The bridges here offer great views of the river both up and down stream. I always click the shutter here no matter how repetitive it feels. It never looks exactly the same anyway. The view below always strikes me with its forced combination of the natural world and that of humans.

Down the River between Islands, Winter at Niagara FallsDown the River between IslandsNiagara Falls in Winter

Down the River between Islands, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

From Three Sisters Islands one can finish the loop around the Goat Island, which offers additional views of Niagara River, cut through the island for a shortcut that does not offer much other than black squirrels running around, or return the same way. That was my choice on this winter visit. As the sun was getting lower and lower getting ready for a sunset I wanted another look at the Horseshoe Falls.

Braving the Elements, Terrapin Point Lamps, Winter at Niagara FallsBraving the Elements, Terrapin Point LampsNiagara Falls in Winter

Braving the Elements, Terrapin Point Lamps, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

And yes, it was the lamps that captivated me this time just like the trees before. A solid 3-foot layer of ice all around Terrapin Point, however, the black lamps bravely towered over the area as if on guard. And in the next photo, the lamps were joined by mysterious balls of ice rolling down the icy toboggan towards the lower viewing area. And another view of some brave frozen tree sculptures, and another completely frozen sidewalk. This one was pure ice and skating would totally work here. A single pass of Zamboni would turn this section into a picturesque skating trail.

Ice Balls Rolling Down the Hill, Winter at Niagara FallsIce Balls Rolling Down the HillNiagara Falls in Winter

Ice Balls Rolling Down the Hill, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

Trees in Hibernation, Winter at Niagara FallsTrees in HibernationNiagara Falls in Winter

Trees in Hibernation, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

Skating Path by the Falls, Winter at Niagara FallsSkating Path by the FallsNiagara Falls in Winter

Skating Path by the Falls, Winter at Niagara Falls
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 Black & White Negative Film

Thanks for joining me on this frigid winter expedition to Niagara Falls. If you've never seen Niagara Falls or never visited in winter, hopefully this allowed for a stress-free virtual travel experience. Below this post, I've included a selection of Niagara Falls photos from the past.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! If you liked today's cold white post, the Winter Photo Collection has more. For a collection of black and white photographs, I carved out the World without Color page, and finally, there's a collection dedicated to Orchard Park, NY.

Lower Niagara River Rapids - The Wave Crash, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Negative FilmThe CrashNiagara River Isolated Brave Trees, Upper Niagara River Rapids, The Edge of Niagara Falls in WInterIsolated Brave TreesNiagara River Winter Rainbow at Niagara Falls, Goat Island, Luna Island, and American FallsWinter RainbowNiagara Falls

Niagara Falls Mist on Fire at SunsetNiagara Falls Mist on FireNiagara Falls Sunset Frosty Horseshoe Falls of NIagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and New York State (NY), United States (USA).Frosty Horseshoe FallsNiagara Falls

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy american falls asahi black and white cold film frozen horseshoe falls ice landscape landscape photography nature niagara falls niagara river ny outdoors pentax spotmatic f photography river rollei supergrain season snow ultrafine ultrafine xtreme white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/3/the-magic-of-niagara-falls-in-winter Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:46:35 GMT Newfield Covered Bridge, a Roadtrip Surprise https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/3/newfield-covered-bridge-a-roadtrip-surprise Nikon FE2, 35mm Film CameraNikon FE235mm Film Camera We were on our way to Ithaca, NY and there it was. A sign pointed right and said "Newfield Covered Bridge". Many moons ago, we actively searched for and visited covered bridges on our short and long roadtrips and this one just showed up out of nowhere with no planning involved. Of course I made the right turn! I was hoping it would not be one of those tourist traps where a sign takes you on a not so short detour. However, this one was literally right there and it was not just a preserved museum not to be touched. It was still operational with a road through and we had to take it to get to the small parking area by an overlook..

Yep, we got to drive through it, walk through it, enjoy it from the overlook, and of course, photograph it. While the rest of this trip was in color, this vintage bridge definitely deserved to be photographed in black and white. As I am typing this, I am wondering how I still did not spend time with this negative in the darkroom. Hopefully, I'll be able to show of some prints soon.

Newfield Covered Bridge, a roadtrip surprise on black and white film.Newfield Covered BridgeRoadtrip Surprise

Newfield Covered Bridge, Newfield, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

Newfield Covered Bridge, Sideview, a roadtrip surprise on black and white film.Newfield Covered Bridge, SideviewA Roadtrip Surprise

Newfield Covered Bridge, Sideview, Newfield, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

From there, we walked the streets towards the beach and pier finding a few unplanned points of interest along the way.

Inside the Newfield Covered Bridge, a roadtrip surprise on black and white film.Inside the Newfield Covered BridgeRoadtrip Surprise

Inside the Newfield Covered Bridge, Newfield, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

To more adventures and surprises!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Holliwell Covered Bridge, Bridges of Madison County, Winterset, Iowa (IA)Holliwell BridgeCovered Bridges Trading Post in Georgetown, ColoradoTrading Post in Georgetown, ColoradoRoadtrip Adventure Heading for the Grand Mesa, Lends End Road, ColoradoHeading for the Grand MesaRoadtrip Adventures

Boathouse Row in Black & White, Canandaigua City PierBoathouse Row in Black & WhiteRoadtrip Adventures Historic Chautauqua Belle Steamboat at Harbor Hotel, Celoron, New York near Jamestown, NYChautauqua BelleRoadtrip Adventures

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm adventure architecture black and white covered bridge d-23 film fuji fuji acros II 100 fun fall fridays historic new york nikon nikon fe2 photography road trip surprise https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/3/newfield-covered-bridge-a-roadtrip-surprise Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT When the Lake Effect Machine Freezes Over https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/3/when-the-lake-effect-machine-freezes-over Black Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F, a vintage 35mm Film Camera and a box of 100 feet of Ultrafine Xtreme UXF400 film for bulk loading.Pentax Spotmatic F35mm Film Camera Not that I intend on counting all year long but let's make it to three. After sharing winter photos from Reinstein Woods and from Birdsong Park, in this third winter expedition we find ourselves on the shore of one of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie. It's been a while since sustained low temperatures brought a sight like this to us but the mid-January to mid-February stretch accomplished that. I always find the sight hard to believe, and rather otherworldly, like visiting Mars or Moon.

This roll of black and white film actually covered two visits. First, a very frigid gloomy morning with temperature just under 10ºF. Then a second visit a day later at noon, with clear blue sky, and balmy 20ºF. I have to admit, the degrees and sunshine made quite a difference.

Driftwood Roots in Snow, Hamburg Beach in Winter.Driftwood Roots in SnowHamburg Beach in Winter

Driftwood Roots in Snow, Hamburg Beach in Winter
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 Black & White Negative Film

I wanted to make sure I did not let all of the whiteness disappear in a muddy dark grayness on the film and took an incident meter reading with my external meter. I usually check with the cameras meter that I'm within +2 EV or thereabout but the temperature held me back from additional fiddling. I simply set the shutter speed and aperture on the camera and proceeded with photography keeping an eye on the needle and keeping it at about the same spot exposure to exposure as I either included or excluded the sky and went closer or further from my subjects.

Shoreline Ice & Snow Mounds, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg Beach, NYShoreline Ice & Snow MoundsFrozen Lake Erie

Shoreline Ice & Snow Mounds, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg Beach, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 Black & White Negative Film

The roll turned out denser than usual, probably just right for darkroom printing but challenging for the Plustek scanner. Between the scanner likely struggling with the density an and SilverFast trying to defeat the whiteness, all of the photos were tending into the middle gray territory, exactly as I don't like for pure white snow. It took some more excessive adjustments to make everything white again, which was followed by the usual struggle of how bright to make the photos. Past experience has shown that what I see as perfect to my eyes on my monitor can look washed out on a different monitor. Then, each person also likes things a bit different.

Ice & Snow Mound Ridge, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg Beach, NY.Ice & Snow Mound RidgeFrozen Lake Erie

Ice & Snow Mound Ridge, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg Beach, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 Black & White Negative Film

So what's with the title of this post? Buffalo, NY sits on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, which creates its local weather. With prevailing winds from the west, they blow over the lake, pick up the evaporated moisture, and take it over the city and the area around. In summer, that can result in lake effect rain and in winter it often results in the infamous lake effect snow! At minimum, it results in very gloomy winter weather with sun making only rare and brief appearances.

Desolation, Hamburg Beach in WinterDesolationHamburg Beach in Winter

Desolation, Hamburg Beach in Winter
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 Black & White Negative Film

When winter is well made though, the lake can freeze either partially or fully, shutting off the evaporation and making for happier people inland with heavy snowfalls less likely, clouds sparse, and sun showing itself more often resulting in wonderful bright sunny days. Yes, they can still be very gold, downright frigid, but with the sunshine everything is instantly better. And yes, crazy people with cameras can have fun on the beach.

Beach Shack, Hamburg Beach in Winter, NYBeach ShackHamburg Beach in Winter

Beach Shack, Hamburg Beach in Winter, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 Black & White Negative Film

Winter Shelter, Hamburg Beach in Winter, NYWinter ShelterHamburg Beach in Winter

Winter Shelter, Hamburg Beach in Winter, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 Black & White Negative Film

Kayakers Launch Here, Hamburg Beach in Winter, NYKayakers Launch HereHamburg Beach in Winter

Kayakers Launch Here, Hamburg Beach in Winter, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 Black & White Negative Film

Ice & Snow Mound Ridgeline, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg Beach in Winter, NYIce & Snow Mound RidgelineFrozen Lake Erie

Ice & Snow Mound Ridgeline, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg Beach in Winter, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 Black & White Negative Film

Up the Snow Mounds, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg Beach in WinterUp the Snow MoundsFrozen Lake Erie

Up the Snow Mounds, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg Beach in Winter
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 Black & White Negative Film

Never-ending Whiteness, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg Beach, NYNever-ending WhitenessFrozen Lake Erie

Never-ending Whiteness, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg Beach, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 Black & White Negative Film

Keep warm and see you soon.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! If you liked today's cold white post, the Winter Photo Collection has more. For a collection of black and white photographs, I carved out the World without Color page, and finally, there's a collection dedicated to Orchard Park, NY.

Winter Lakeshore, Rocks, Sand, Ice, and Snow at Sturgeon Point on Lake ErieWinter LakeshoreLake Erie in Winter Icicle Formation, Lake Erie Shore in Winter, Sturgeon PointIcicle FormationLake Erie in Winter Frozen NFTA Small Boat Harbor in Winter, Lake Erie, Buffalo, New York (NY).Frozen Small Boat HarborLake Erie in Winter

Arctic Tundra on the Lakeshore, frozen Lake Erie in WInter, Hamburg - Buffalo, New York (NY).Arctic Tundra on the LakeshoreLake Erie in Winter Bone Chilling Winter Cold at Sturgeon Point Marina, Derby, - Evans near Buffalo, NYBone Chilling ColdLake Erie in Winter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy asahi black and white cold film frozen tundra great lakes hamburg hamburg beach ice lake lake erie landscape landscape photography nature ny outdoors pentax spotmatic f photography rollei supergrain season snow ultrafine ultrafine xtreme vast white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/3/when-the-lake-effect-machine-freezes-over Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Birdsong Park in Winter, Second Roll of Film of the Year https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/2/birdsong-park-in-winter-second-roll-of-film-of-the-year 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F, SMC Takumar 28mm f/3.5Pentax Spotmatic FBlack Pentax Spotmatic F, SMC Takumar 28mm f/3.5 Today I'm sharing my second winter roll with you. This winter season was slow to start. There was even a summer-like day back in the first half of January but that seems to be a very distant past now.

The last 4 weeks have been so cold that it's hard to remember a winter so well made. Almost a whole month in single digits Fahrenheit with brief peaks into low double digits. Nature was also generous with snow, which is great. The outdoors remained beautifully white with winter landscapes everywhere. Buried in show, clean, and white.

Therefore, there have been plenty of photographic opportunities as long as one's fingertips were ready to deal with the frigid temperatures. I have been around with the camera but still feel like I am missing out on a great opportunity. I'll need to head out soon before Mother Nature unveils other plans.

Entrance Creek, West, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYEntrance Creek, WestBirdsong Park in Winter

Entrance Creek, West, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Entrance Creek, East, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYEntrance Creek, EastBirdsong Park in Winter

Entrance Creek, East, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Hideaway, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYHideawayBirdsong Park in Winter

Hideaway, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Broken Branch, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYBroken BranchBirdsong Park in Winter

Broken Branch, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Watchman of Birdsong, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYWatchman of BirdsongBirdsong Park in Winter

Watchman of Birdsong, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Guarding a Stream, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYGuarding a StreamBirdsong Park in Winter

Guarding a Stream, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

At the Tree Phalanx Feet, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYAt the Tree Phalanx FeetBirdsong Park in Winter

At the Tree Phalanx Feet, West, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Past the Tree Phalanx, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYPast the Tree PhalanxBirdsong Park in Winter

Past the Tree Phalanx, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Looking in the Mirror, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYLooking in the MirrorBirdsong Park in Winter

Looking in the Mirror, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Dancing Birdsong Trees, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYDancing Birdsong TreesBirdsong Park in Winter

Dancing Birdsong Trees, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Middle Creek into the Distance, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYMiddle Creek into the DistanceBirdsong Park in Winter

Middle Creek into the Distance, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Middle Creek A Gate, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYMiddle Creek A GateBirdsong Park in Winter

Middle Creek A Gate, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

By the Middle Creek, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYBy the Middle CreekBirdsong Park in Winter

By the Middle Creek, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Over Middle Creek, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NYOver Middle CreekBirdsong Park in Winter

Over Middle Creek, Birdsong Park in Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Finesse 400 Black & White Negative Film

Thanks a bunch for stopping by again and joining me for a winter photo walk. I hope to see you again soon.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! If you liked today's cold white post, the Winter Photo Collection has more. For a collection of black and white photographs, I carved out the World without Color page, and finally, there's a collection dedicated to Orchard Park, NY.

The Creek Guard in Winter, A Old Tree in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)The Creek Guard in WinterBirdsong Park in Winter Through the Winter Landscape, Creek in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Through the Winter LandscapeBirdsong Park in Winter Snowy Birdsong Gate in Winter with a Reflection in the Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Birdsong Gate in WinterBirdsong Park in Winter

Branches and Trees Dressed in White Snowy Coat for Winter, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Branches Dressed for WinterBirdsong Park in Winter Winter Creek in Birdsong Park Covered in Ice and Snow, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Winter Creek at BirdsongBirdsong Park in Winter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy asahi black and white cold creek film landscape landscape photography nature ny orchard park outdoors pentax spotmatic f photography rollei supergrain season snow stream trees ultrafine ultrafine finesse water white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/2/birdsong-park-in-winter-second-roll-of-film-of-the-year Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:30:34 GMT Cyanotypes XXII: Blogging Catchup https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/2/cyanotypes-xxii-blogging-catchup An eclectic mix of cyanotype prints today in an effort to work myself out of the blog posting backlog and to get me more excited about printing new ones. I've had several in mind for a while but knowing how far behind I fell has been putting brakes on my excitement to create more.

It's also a good opportunity to inject some color into my blog during the winter months, even if just a single color. However, I am not sure that necessarily helps with the winter blues.

New Paltz Bookstore, Rough Texture Cyanotype, Batch 24New Paltz Bookstore, Rough Texture Cyanotype, Batch 24Alternative Photography

New Paltz Bookstore, Batch 24, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Rough Textured Shizen Design 140lbs Watercolor Paper

Harbor House Hotel, Rough Texture Cyanotype, Batch 29, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.Harbor House Hotel, Rough Texture Cyanotype, Batch 29Alternative Photography

Harbor House Hotel, Batch 29, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Rough Textured Shizen Design 140lbs Watercolor Paper

Harbor House Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Deckle Edge Egyptian Cotton Cyanotype, Batch 29.Harbor House Hotel, Deckle Edge Egyptian Cotton Cyanotype, Batch 29Alternative Photography

Harbor House Hotel, Batch 29, An Original Hand-Made 4" x 6" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Egyptian Cotton Deckle Edge Watercolor Paper

Truck with a Hole, Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora, NY. Rough Texture Cyanotype, Batch 29.Truck with a Hole, Rough Texture Cyanotype, Batch 29Alternative Photography

Truck with a Hole, Batch 29, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Rough Textured Shizen Design 140lbs Watercolor Paper

Truck with a Hole, Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora, New York. Deckle Edge Egyptian Cotton Cyanotype, Batch 29.Truck with a Hole, Deckle Edge Egyptian Cotton Cyanotype, Batch 29Alternative Photography

Truck with a Hole, Batch 29, An Original Hand-Made 4" x 6" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Egyptian Cotton Deckle Edge Watercolor Paper

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside - 12. Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle - 13. Cyanotypes XIII: American History - 14. Cyanotypes XIV: Gulf Shores, Alabama - 15. Cyanotypes XV: Different Take on Travel Photography - 16. Cyanotypes XVI: Nostalgic Pernštejn - 16. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations - 17. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations - 18. Cyanotypes XVIII: Pernštejn, Brno - 19. Cyanotypes XIX: Mountain Top Country Store & Music - 20. Cyanotypes XX: Wet Cyanotype Photograpms - 21 Cyanotypes XXI: White winter in Orchard Park, NY - 22. Cyanotypes XXII: Blogging Catchup

If you like cyanotypes, you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy!

House of Memories, Cyanotype II, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicHouse of Memories, Cyanotype IIAlternative Photography House of Memories, Tea Toned Cyanotype II, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicHouse of Memories, Tea Toned Cyanotype IIAlternative Photography Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech RepublicKarlštejn Castle Tower and Walls CyanotypeAlternative Photography

(New) Castle Stairs, Prague Castle, Czech Republic, a hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom print(New) Castle StairsDarkroom Prints Chimneys, Prague Castle, Czech Republic, a hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printChimneysDarkroom Prints   

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative alternative process analog black and white canada creative cyanotype east aurora monochrome new paltz new york niagara-on-the-lake technique textured travel watercolor paper https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/2/cyanotypes-xxii-blogging-catchup Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT Frost Glass Art https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/2/frost-glass-art Some photo projects are not too far from home. As I was heading out to the back patio to get more fire wood to fight the sustained low temperatures of January 2026, I saw that frost has taken over the glass panes on the door to create some gorgeous ice patterns. Right away, an activity detour was born and I figured there was nothing to wait for. Subjects like this can be fleeting and the time to document them is now.

I have not used my tripod in a while and my macro lens and digital camera have mostly served to digitize my cyanotype and darkroom prints. So I woke all three up, established a rough close focusing distance and started looking for engaging patterns, moving the tripod slightly sideways and using the center column to adjust hight in tiny increments.

This was one of those activities it would be so easy to get lost in and end up with too many pictures. I kept myself in check, at least in my opinion, but you may still wonder why I had to take more than one photo. That's easy. Now I can enjoy frosts masterpieces by the fireplace.

Doorway Ice Pattern, One, Winter MagicDoorway Ice Pattern, OneWinter Magic

Doorway Ice Pattern, One, Winter Magic
Photographed with a Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/50 sec, f/5.6

Doorway Ice Pattern, Two, Winter MagicDoorway Ice Pattern, TwoWinter Magic

Doorway Ice Pattern, Two, Winter Magic
Photographed with a Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/50 sec, f/5.6

Doorway Ice Pattern, Three, Winter MagicDoorway Ice Pattern, ThreeWinter Magic

Doorway Ice Pattern, Two, Winter Magic
Photographed with a Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/50 sec, f/5.6

Doorway Ice Pattern, Four, Winter MagicDoorway Ice Pattern, FourWinter Magic

Doorway Ice Pattern, Two, Winter Magic
Photographed with a Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/50 sec, f/5.6

Doorway Ice Pattern, Five, Winter MagicDoorway Ice Pattern, FiveWinter Magic

Doorway Ice Pattern, Two, Winter Magic
Photographed with a Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/50 sec, f/5.6

Thanks for stopping!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more winter photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Winter photo collection.

Eighteen Mile Creek Bend in Winter, Hamburg, NY on FilmEighteen Mile Creek Bend in WinterBlack & White Winter Icicle Formation, Lake Erie Shore in Winter, Sturgeon PointIcicle FormationBlack & White WInter Frosty Horseshoe Falls of NIagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and New York State (NY), United States (USA).Frosty Horseshoe FallsBlack & White Winter

Gallagher Pier in Ice and Snow. Winter on Buffalo's Outer Harbor, Waterfront, Buffalo, New York (NY).Gallagher Pier in IceBlack & White WInter Green Lake South Shore, Yates Park, Orchard Park, New York. 35mm Nikon FE Camera, Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black and White Negative Film, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Green Lake South ShoreBlack & White WInter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy abstract black and white digital photography frost full frame ice ice patterns monochrome nature nikon nikon d610 orchard park pattern winter winter magic https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/2/frost-glass-art Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT Around Sodus Point, New York https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/1/around-sodus-point-new-york 35mm Nikon FE2 Camera, 24mm f/2.8, Orange FilterNikon FE235mm Film Camera After couple winter-themed posts, which were rather appropriate given the recent cycle of snow and freezing temperatures, we're briefly going back to fall 2025 and my Fun Fall Fridays photo series. Maybe the sunshine will warm us up, even if just for a few seconds.

This fall Friday took us to the Sodus Point, NY area. We started the day with a wonderful hike around Chimney Bluffs and ended the day at Sodus Point to see the lighthouses and the lake. We also enjoyed walking through the village, even though its summer season was definitely over by then. I wanted to link to the Chimney Bluffs post here for an easy reference only to realize I did not get to posting that one yet. If you're curious how the day started, I invite you to return soon and hopefully the post will be here.

Sodus Bay Lighthouse, Sodus Point, NYSodus Bay LighthouseSodus Point, NY

Sodus Bay Lighthouse, Sodus Point, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

We started the village walk by the old Sodus Bay Lighthouse, which is now a museum operated by the historical society. It was a gorgeous bright sunny day, which I could use right about now. Yes, the winter gloom of Western New York is already getting to me and it's only January.

For bright days with a lot of blue sky I settled on using an orange filter. It darkens the sky, makes white puffy clouds stand out, helps lit terrestrial objects to stand out, adds depth. There are other variables like the film used, lens used, and developer used but for the most part, I like the orange as it sits between yellow and red.

Sodus Bay Lighthouse Back Yard, Sodus Point, NYSodus Bay Lighthouse Back YardSodus Point, NY

Sodus Bay Lighthouse Back Yard, Sodus Point, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

From there, we walked the streets towards the beach and pier finding a few unplanned points of interest along the way.

Old Mansion Gate, Sodus Point, NYOld Mansion GateSodus Point, NY

Old Mansion Gate, Sodus Point, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

The tug boat, barge, and pile of rocks entertained us for quite a while and I was glad that on top of my 24mm wide angle lens I also brought a 135mm medium telephoto.

Construction on Water, Sodus Point, NYConstruction on WaterSodus Point, NY

Construction on Water, Sodus Point, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

Moving Rocks in Sodus Bay, Sodus Point, NYMoving Rocks in Sodus BaySodus Point, NY

Moving Rocks in Sodus Bay, Sodus Point, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

The above and below photo show the difference between looking through the 24mm lens vs the 135mm one.

Fischer Hayden Tug Boat, Sodus Point, NYFischer Hayden Tug BoatSodus Point, NY

Fischer Hayden Tug Boat, Sodus Point, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

Sodus Point Beach Park, Sodus Point, NYSodus Point Beach ParkSodus Point, NY

Sodus Point Beach Park, Sodus Point, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

Sodus Point Outer Light, Sodus Point, NYSodus Point Outer LightSodus Point, NY

Sodus Point Outer Light, Sodus Point, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

Puddle by Sodus Outer Light, Sodus Point, NYPuddle by Sodus Outer LightSodus Point, NY

Puddle by Sodus Outer Light, Sodus Point, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

As I was looking for other interesting angles beyond the centered head-on, I saw the speedboat coming from the right. I hastily framed this composition and waited for the boat to be just about right, click.

Boating by Sodus Point Outer Light, Sodus Point, NYBoating by Sodus Point Outer LightSodus Point, NY

Boating by Sodus Point Outer Light, Sodus Point, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

For the most part, other than family photos, you won't find people in my photographs. That is intentional for many reasons. However, as I kept walking away from the outer light and turned around, I could not resist. The two fishermen completed the distant view of the lighthouse perfectly.

Fishing on Sodus Bay Pier, Sodus Point, NYFishing on Sodus Bay PierSodus Point, NY

Fishing on Sodus Bay Pier, Sodus Point, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

Thanks for stopping by again, this time for an urban photo walk. I hope to see you again soon.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Inside Fort Mississauga, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.Inside Fort MississaugaBlack & White Photography Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Black & White Theme, Gone with the Wind, East Aurora, New YorkRed Cottage at Knox Farm, Black & White ThemeBlack & White Photography The Pier Bar & Grill, Fairhope Municipal Pier, Alabama. 35mm Nikon FE camera on Ilford Delta 100 black and white negative film.The Pier Bar & GrillBlack & White Photography

Subway Tracks & Train, Midtown Toronto, Canada. 35mm Nikon FE2, Agent Shadow 400, D-23 developer.Subway Tracks & Train, Midtown TorontoBlack & White Photography Celoron Lighthouse in Black & White near Jamestown, NY. Nikon FE and Ilford FP4 film.Celoron Lighthouse in Black & WhiteBlack & White Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm black and white d-23 fall film fuji fuji acros II 100 fun fall fridays landscape photography light lighthouse nikon nikon fe2 outdoors photography sodus bay sodus point https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/1/around-sodus-point-new-york Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT Reinstein Woods in Winter, First Roll of Film of the Year https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/1/reinstein-woods-in-winter-first-roll-of-film-of-the-year Black 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F, SMC Takumar 28mm f/3.5Asahi Pentax Spotmatic FFilm Photography This is the second post of 2026 but the first one with 2026 photos. On January 3, 2026, conditions were finally right for a winter walk and this one took us to Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve in Depew, New York. Snow covered ground and winter clean up and simplification in action strongly contrasted my last visit in the fall. As many of the local deciduous forests of the area, Reinstein Woods looks very picturesque in the fall. In winter, the mood and focus change and the landscape naturally lands itself to black and white photography.

The choice of tools for the day was a black Pentax Spotmatic F loaded with Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 black and white negative film, later developed in Rollei Supergrain 1+15 developer for 7.5 minutes. While I still struggle with not knowing the true origin of this film, I am a big fan and it's hard to argue with the great results I get and the price they come at. By now, I have tuned my development in both D-23 and in Supergrain and the film has just become another known film to me.

The Wide Path Around, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYThe Wide Path AroundWinter Reinstein Woods

The Wide Path Around, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

I almost always use replenished D-23 developer for all black and white films. However, the way I use it results in lower contrast and thus the deviation to Rollei Supergrain to fight the winter gloom. While the bright white snow adds a good dose of light to the scenes the universally gray sky lacks any features and is darker than the snow. Color filters do not do much in this situation as they cannot selectively impact colors that are simply not there. And that's where I feel the extra kick of Rollei Supergrain comes handy.

Trees Down over Creek, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYTrees Down over CreekWinter Reinstein Woods

Trees Down over Creek, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

I also change my film scanning technique slightly with winter photos. I am much less aggressive on the black point on the histogram and leave it more to the left leaving the blacks further from pure black and the shadows more open. I feel that matches the experience where the gloomy overcast sky and snow on the ground create an even diffused light with few real shadows or blacks in the natural scene. In SilverFast, the same can be done automatically by switching the Auto drop down to the Snow mode. From there, the black point can be adjusted manually based on the specific scene. I like to be careful. Making deep blacks or dark shadows with winter scenes can quickly look unnatural to me.

Bridge and Log Bridge, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYBridge and Log BridgeWinter Reinstein Woods

Bridge and Log Bridge, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

And yes, when the magic happens and blue sky shows up, it can be right back to color filters and D-23 even in winter. In those rare situations, a yellow or orange filter can create punchy contrast. I had used a red filter in winter before and liked the results but it can also get unnatural as with the black point setting. If you'd like to try, I recommend experimenting and finding what you like. Even on a single roll of film, you can go through the filters at least for couple scenes and later compare side by side.

Bark Pattern, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYBark PatternWinter Reinstein Woods

Bark Pattern, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Tree Hideaway, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYTree HideawayWinter Reinstein Woods

Keeping Warm in Western New York Winter
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Hollow Trunk, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYHollow TrunkWinter Reinstein Woods

Hollow Trunk, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Leaning over Pond, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYLeaning over PondWinter Reinstein Woods

Leaning over Pond, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Info Board, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYInfo BoardWinter Reinstein Woods

Info Board, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Holes, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYHolesWinter Reinstein Woods

Holes, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Patches of Water, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYPatches of WaterWinter Reinstein Woods

Keeping Warm in Western New York Winter
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Frozen Swamp, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYFrozen SwampWinter Reinstein Woods

Frozen Swamp, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

By a Frozen Swamp, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYBy a Frozen SwampWinter Reinstein Woods

By a Frozen Swamp, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Stump Chair, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYStump ChairWinter Reinstein Woods

Stump Chair, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Stump & Log, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYStump & LogWinter Reinstein Woods

Stump & Log, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Tree Sculpture, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYTree SculptureWinter Reinstein Woods

Tree Sculpture, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Downed Trees, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYDowned TreesWinter Reinstein Woods

Downed Trees, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Relax by the Pond, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYRelax by the PondWinter Reinstein Woods

Relax by the Pond, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Locked Door, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYLocked DoorWinter Reinstein Woods

Locked Door, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Fallen Over, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYFallen OverWinter Reinstein Woods

Fallen Over, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Bowed, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYBowedWinter Reinstein Woods

Bowed, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Guarding the Pond, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NYGuarding the PondWinter Reinstein Woods

Guarding the Pond, Winter Reinstein Woods, Depew, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F on Ultrafine Xtreme UFX400 Black & White Negative Film

Thanks for stopping by again and joining me for a nature photo walk. I hope to see you again soon.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Basketball Hoop, Winter in the Southtowns, Buffalo, New YorkBasketball HoopWinter Southtowns Winter, Snyder Road, Orchard Park, NY. Mamiya 645, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL.Southtowns WinterWinter Green Lake in White, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGreen Lake in WhiteWinter

Farmouse in Trees in Winter, Orchard Park, New York. Mamiya 645, Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL.Farmhouse in Trees in WinterWinter Winter on a Country Road, Orchard Park, Southtowns, Buffalo, NY.Winter on a Country RoadWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy asahi black and white cold depew film landscape photography nature ny outdoors pentax spotmatic f photography rollei supergrain season snow ufx400 ultrafine ultrafine xtreme white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/1/reinstein-woods-in-winter-first-roll-of-film-of-the-year Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT Snowy New Year's Eve https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/1/snowy-new-years-eve 35mm Nikon FE2 film cameraNikon FE2 The winters have not been as well made as they used to be. Long stretches of freezing temperatures with a good amount of snow on the ground are hard to come by. Lake Erie freezing and suspending its lake effect engine has not happened in a while. For a bit, the water temperature was heading in that direction until we got the significant January warm up with rain. Right now, it's pretty much ice free even though it is officially reported at over 7% frozen. All the ice is on the western side in Ohio though having no impact on the weather in Buffalo, NY.

Despite the above, nature usually allowed for snowy walks on New Year's Day, either with an overnight snowfall or with snow the day before. And that's how we closed 2025. New Year's Eve lake effect snow got us over a foot and everything was beautifully white and wintery. Yes, the high winds were making outdoor experience a bit rough but once those calmed down everything was as it should be.

Unfortunately, January could not hold on to this great set up and couple days of very high temperatures and a lot of rain cleared all the snow out completely. We hit a high of 57ºF during the first week of January!

Back to the New Year's Eve snow machine, I was like a little child. I lined up my cameras by the door and headed out with each of them to document the winter parade. Yep, a line of cameras. I used my digital Nikon D610 for some instant gratification and family sharing, followed by a 35mm Nikon FE2 loaded with black and white film, and topped it off with a Minolta Maxxum 5 loaded with color. The black and white film is now developed and scanned and the photos are below.

Lamp & Fence in Snow, Winter in Orchard Park, NYLamp & Fence in SnowWinter in Orchard Park, NY

Lamp & Fence in Snow, Winter in Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

Winter Living, Winter in Orchard Park, NYWinter LivingWinter in Orchard Park, NY

Winter Living, Winter in Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

Road in Winter, Winter in Orchard Park, NYRoad in WinterWinter in Orchard Park, NY

Road in Winter, Winter in Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

Keeping Warm in Western New York Winter, Orchard Park, NYKeeping WarmWestern New York Winter

Keeping Warm in Western New York Winter
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 on Fuji Acros II 100 Black & White Negative Film

I hope you've enjoyed this quick winter visit to Orchard Park, NY, thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again.

Happy New Year 2026!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Green Lake in White, Yates Park, Orchard Park, New York. 35mm Nikon FE Camera, Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black and White Negative Film, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Green Lake in WhiteOrchard Park, NY Green Lake Winter Theme, Snow Capped Stump, Yates Park, Orchard Park, New York. 35mm Nikon FE Camera, Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black and White Negative Film, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Snow Capped StumpOrchard Park, NY Wide View of Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, New York. 35mm Nikon FE Camera, Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black and White Negative Film, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Wide View of Green LakeOrchard Park, NY

Battle Lost, A Broken Old Tree at Knox Farm in WInter, East Aurora, NYBattle LostEast Aurora, NY Hay Bales in Snow in Winter, Knox Farm, East Aurora, NYHay Bales in SnowEast Aurora, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white D-23 film fuji fuji across 100 new york nikon fe2 ny orchard park photography residential snow snowy day urban photography winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2026/1/snowy-new-years-eve Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:54:47 GMT Another Spotmatic Stroll through Orchard Park, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/12/another-spotmatic-stroll-through-orchard-park-ny A vintage black 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F cameraAsahi Pentax Spotmatic FVintage 35mm Film Camera Unlike the previous Spotmatic SP stroll, this one was with a black Spotmatic F. An opportunity presented itself to buy one and since I did not have one in black and not the F, I went for it. After a thorough clean up, it looks great and works like a champ. This walk was to test it out and see,

Overall, I am a huge fan of this size category of 35mm cameras, whether the Pentax Spotmatics, or the Nikon FE and FM line of cameras.

Another new experience on this walk was the Ilford XP2 black and white film. While it is a black and white film it develops in C-41 color chemistry. I had never used it before. It seemed strange to opt for a C-41 film for black and white. However, a local seller was ending their film photography and had a few rolls available at a discount so why not? And I will be returning to the film, the results from this walk were very pleasing.

This time, I took my photographs backwards. I usually start as I walk north towards the village, through the village, and around Green Lake and back home. This time, I made it all the way to the village before I turned the camera on. I can't remember if this was intentional for a change of pace or if inspiration took a while to strike.

The Byrd House, Orchard Park, NYThe Byrd HouseOrchard Park, NY

The Byrd House, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

B-L Studio, Orchard Park, NYB-L StudioOrchard Park, NY

B-L Studio, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Fattey Beer Co, Orchard Park, NYFattey Beer CoOrchard Park, NY

Fattey Beer Co, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Gingersnap Patisserie, Orchard Park, NYGingersnap PatisserieOrchard Park, NY

Gingersnap Patisserie, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Gingersnap Patisserie, Orchard Park, NYGingersnap PatisserieOrchard Park, NY

Gingersnap Patisserie, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Public Library, Orchard Park, NYPublic LibraryOrchard Park, NY

Public Library, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Tracks behind the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NYTracks behind the Train DepotOrchard Park, NY

Tracks behind the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Train Depot Platform, Orchard Park, NYTrain Depot PlatformOrchard Park, NY

Train Depot Platform, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Utility Pole Top, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYUtility Pole Top, Yates ParkOrchard Park, NY

Utility Pole Top, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGreen Lake, Yates ParkOrchard Park, NY

Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Along the Fence at Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYAlong the Fence at Yates ParkOrchard Park, NY

Along the Fence at Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

House in the Woods, Orchard Park, NYHouse in the WoodsOrchard Park, NY

House in the Woods, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Dam Bridge, Green Lake, Orchard Park, NYDam Bridge, Green LakeOrchard Park, NY

Dam Bridge, Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Rocky Smoke Creek, Orchard Park, NYRocky Smoke CreekOrchard Park, NY

Rocky Smoke Creek, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Dead End, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYDead End, Yates ParkOrchard Park, NY

Dead End, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic F on Ilford XP2 Super 400 Black & White Negative Film

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous walks through Orchard Park, NY: Another Spotmatic Stroll through Orchard Park, NY - Spotmatic Stroll through Orchard Park, NY - The Parks of Orchard Park -  A Walk through Fall Orchard Park - A Walk through Orchard Park - New Year's Walk in Orchard Park - New Year's Walk in Orchard Park, Part II

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Old-Fashioned Railroad Signal at the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY. An old-fashioned black and white analog photograph captured with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic camera on Kodak T-Max 100 negative film.Signal at the Train DepotOrchard Park, NY Shadows on the Fishing Pier, Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY. An old-fashioned black and white analog photograph captured with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic camera on Kodak T-Max 100 negative film.Shadows on the PierOrchard Park, NY Graffiti Grafix Signs, an old business in Orchard Park, NY. An old-fashioned black and white analog photograph captured with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic camera on Kodak T-Max 100 negative film.Graffiti Grafix SignsOrchard Park, NY

C's Custard Delight in Lo-Fi, with a Holga toy camera, Orchard Park, NY.C's Custard Delight in Lo-FiOrchard Park, NY Orchard Park Train Depot in Lo-Fi with a Holga toy camera, Orchard Park, NY.Orchard Park Train Depot in Lo-FiOrchard Park, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white buffalo C-41 cityscape film ilford late spring new york ny orange filter orchard park pentax spotmatic F photo walk photography sunny day time urban urban photography xp2 super 400 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/12/another-spotmatic-stroll-through-orchard-park-ny Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes XXI: White winter in Orchard Park, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/12/cyanotypes-xxi-white-winter-in-orchard-park-ny A brief fun in blue today with cyanotype prints on various watercolor papers from a very smooth to very rough. What took me so long to get to snow and winter themed cyanotype prints despite that being the signature season of Western New York? Looking back through my Cyanotypes gallery, a lot of them are from my travels, which may explain that at least partially.

Snow Capped Lamp, Smooth Cyanotype, Batch 28. Winter in Western New York.Snow Capped LampSmooth Cyanotype, Batch 28

Snow Capped Lamp, Textured Traditional Blue Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth Watercolor Paper

Snow Capped Lamp, Rough Texture Cyanotype, Batch 28. Winter in Western New York. Alternative Process.Snow Capped LampRough Texture Cyanotype, Batch 28

Snow Capped Lamp, Textured Traditional Blue Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth Textured Strathmore Design 140lbs Watercolor Paper

Snow Capped Lamp, Rough Texture Cyanotype, Batch 28. Winter in Western New York. Alternative Process.Snow Capped LampRough Texture Cyanotype, Batch 28

Snow Capped Lamp, Textured Traditional Blue Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Rough Textured Shizen Design 140lbs Watercolor Paper

Custard Lite in Snowstorm, Smooth Cyanotype, Batch 28. Winter in Western New York. Alternative Process.Custard Lite in SnowstormSmooth Cyanotype, Batch 28

Custard Lite in Snowstorm, Textured Traditional Blue Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth Watercolor Paper

Custard Lite in Snowstorm, Soft Texture Cyanotype, Batch 28. Winter in Western New York. Alternative Process.Custard Lite in SnowstormSoft Texture Cyanotype, Batch 28

Custard Lite in Snowstorm, Textured Traditional Blue Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth Textured Strathmore Design 140lbs Watercolor Paper

For these prints that started off with delicate detail, the smooth watercolor won out.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside - 12. Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle - 13. Cyanotypes XIII: American History - 14. Cyanotypes XIV: Gulf Shores, Alabama - 15. Cyanotypes XV: Different Take on Travel Photography - 16. Cyanotypes XVI: Nostalgic Pernštejn - 16. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations - 17. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations - 18. Cyanotypes XVIII: Pernštejn, Brno - 19. Cyanotypes XIX: Mountain Top Country Store & Music - 20. Cyanotypes XX: Wet Cyanotype Photograpms - 21 Cyanotypes XXI: White winter in Orchard Park, NY

If you like cyanotypes, you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy!

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, Meeden Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Chautauqua Lake, New York. Alternative Process.Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, Meeden CyanotypeAlternative Process BUFFALO Cyanotype, Buffalo, New York. Alternative Process.BUFFALO CyanotypeAlternative Process Bird Island Pier Cyanotype, Buffalo, New York. Alternative Process.Bird Island Pier CyanotypeAlternative Process

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative alternative process analog buffalo cityscape cold creative cyanotype orchard park signature season snow technique textured urban photography variations watercolor paper western new york white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/12/cyanotypes-xxi-white-winter-in-orchard-park-ny Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT Edward M Cotter's 125th Arrival Anniversary to Buffalo, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/11/edward-m-cotters-125th-arrival-anniversary-to-buffalo-ny Nikon FE2, 24mm f/2.8, orange filter, 35mm Film CameraNikon FE235mm Film Camera Minolta Maxxum 5, 35mm auto-focus film camera, AF 50mm f/1.4Minolta Maxxum 535mm auto-focus film camera
Edward M Cotter, the charm of this historic fireboat is simply undeniable. In the past, I was lucky a few times seeing her around Buffalo, NY but I never knew ahead of time when she would be putting a show on. Despite that, I was once lucky enough to see her water guns in action.

This time was different. I caught the schedule of the 125th celebration of the boat's arrival in Buffalo, NY on the internet and had it in my calendar weeks ahead of time. Our family schedule was not fully ironed out and it was not for sure I could make it to the celebration until that very weekend. But it worked, it was worth it, and I even got some merch for me to proudly wear and to hopefully help with the maintenance budget.

Edward M Cotter CapEdward M Cotter Cap The celebration was at Buffalo River Fest Park on Buffalo River right across the river from Riverworks and short distance up river from the Michigan Street draw bridge. When she arrived and turned on its water guns, a gorgeous site it was! As a photographer, I was a tiny bit frustrated by the afternoon sun mostly backlighting the scene but a little + on the exposure compensation dial dealt with that and the rest was just enjoyment.

For an event like this, I came with two cameras, one loaded with black and white 35mm film, and one with color. While black and white felt more appropriate to celebrate Edward M Cotter's arrival in 1900, right around the time of invention of 35mm black and white film, the boat is red! Kodak Max 400 went into the Minolta.

 

Edward M Cotter Entering, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 black and white negative film.Edward M Cotter Entering, 125th Anniversary125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY

Edward M Cotter Entering, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 black and white negative film

Edward M Cotter Going, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 black and white negative film.Edward M Cotter Going125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY

Edward M Cotter Going, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 black and white negative film

Edward M Cotter Coming, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta MAxxum 5 camera on Kodak Max 400 color negative film.Edward M Cotter Coming125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY

Edward M Cotter Coming, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 camera on Kodak Max 400 color negative film

Edward M Cotter Passing By, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta MAxxum 5 camera on Kodak Max 400 color negative film.Edward M Cotter Passing By125th Anniversary Celebration

Edward M Cotter Passing By, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 camera on Kodak Max 400 color negative film

Edward M Cotter Returning, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta MAxxum 5 camera on Kodak Max 400 color negative film.Edward M Cotter Returning125th Anniversary Celebration

Edward M Cotter Passing By, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 camera on Kodak Max 400 color negative film

Edward M Cotter Leaving, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta MAxxum 5 camera on Kodak Max 400 color negative film.Edward M Cotter Leaving125th Anniversary Celebration

Edward M Cotter Leaving, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 camera on Kodak Max 400 color negative film

Edward M Cotter Departing, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta MAxxum 5 camera on Kodak Max 400 color negative film.Edward M Cotter Departing125th Anniversary Celebration

Edward M Cotter Leaving, 125th Anniversary Celebration, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta Maxxum 5 camera on Kodak Max 400 color negative film

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Edward M Cotter and USS Little Rock at Naval & Military Park, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter at Naval Park IIBuffalo, NY Film photography: Edward M Cotter & USS Little Rock, Canalside, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter & USS Little RockBuffalo, NY Film photography: Edward M Cotter's Solo Show in Black and White, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter's Solo ShowBuffalo, NY

Vintage USS Little Rock, Military & Naval Park, Buffalo, NYVintage USS Little RockBuffalo, NY Vintage USS Croaker and Little Rock. Military & Naval Park, Buffalo, NYVintage USS CroakerBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 125th anniversary 35mm agent shadow black and white buffalo celebration cityscape color event film fireboat historic kodak kodak max 400 minolta maxxum 5 new york nikon fe2 ny urban urban photography https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/11/edward-m-cotters-125th-arrival-anniversary-to-buffalo-ny Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT Darkroom: Lith printing study from Prague https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/11/darkroom-lith-printing-study-from-prague Praha Nový Svět, Reference PrintPraha Nový SvětReference Print Lith printing takes the darkroom magic to the next level. It's based on overexposing the paper under the enlarger and then developing it in a special diluted high contrast developer. It's called infectious development. The initial phase, incubation period, where nothing seems to be happening, is several minutes long, depending on the temperature of the developer. The development time is not constant. Rather, one has to carefully watch as the shadows start to quickly build up. When the print reaches a so called "snatch point", the print needs to be quickly pulled from the developer and submerged is stop bath. The infectious development is so fast at that point that it's best to skip the dripping off and move to the stop quickly, otherwise, the photo may go too dark.

It takes practice to pull the print at the right time as the darkroom conditions are not the best for evaluating the tones. It's a darkroom to begin with faintly illuminated by red (or green) light. Often, the practitioners also add a little bit of "old brown" developer to the mix making it even harder to see through. However, when it's just right, it's very exciting. The technique introduces colors to a black and white process without toning, and yes, toning is further also possible.

Unfortunately, the technique only works well with a limited pool of photographic papers and that pool seems to be shrinking as manufacturers change their formulas and governments introduce further chemical regulations. Who knows how much time this technique has left. I should make sure to enjoy it more while it's possible.

A good starting point for exposure is 2 - 3 stops overexposed. But how does one know what the right exposure would be? There are several methods but I choose a 2-step process. I first make a standard black and white print in a standard developer. This reference print provides me with the base exposure. It also gives me another version of the print to enjoy, put side by side, compare.

And now for the study sequence, technical information is under each print. Admittedly, the digital representations are approximations. I photographed the prints with a digital camera and processed them to look as the printed originals. But of course, a reflective surface of the paper is not the same as a monitor. And my monitor will be very different from yours, brightness, contrast, and color balance. Either way, hopefully the below will show you how the look of a lith print can change making small tweaks to the process.

Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 1, Lith printing studyPraha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 1Lith printing study

Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print Study, No. 1
Black and White Darkroom Lith Print on Foma Fomatone 132 Paper
Arista Liquid Lith Developer 10+10+240+240 (500ml)
Exposure: f/4, 48 seconds (2 stops over reference)
Development: 9:30 minutes at 80ºF/26ºC

Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 2, Lith Printing StudyPraha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 2Lith Printing Study

Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print Study, No. 2
Black and White Darkroom Lith Print on Foma Fomatone 132 Paper
Exposure: f/4, 48 seconds
Development: 8:45 minutes

Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 3, Lith Printing StudyPraha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 3Lith Printing Study

Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print Study, No. 3
Black and White Darkroom Lith Print on Foma Fomatone 132 Paper
Exposure: f/4, 96 seconds (3 stops over reference)
Development: 8:00 minutes

Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 4, Lith Printing StudyPraha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 4Lith Printing Study

Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print Study, No. 4
Black and White Darkroom Lith Print on Foma Fomatone 132 Paper
Split tone exposure: f/4, 48 seconds + 24 seconds
Development: Not recorded :-(

Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 5, Lith Printing StudyPraha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 5Lith Printing Study

Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print Study, No. 5
Black and White Darkroom Lith Print on Foma Fomatone 132 Paper
Split tone exposure: f/4, 48 seconds + 12 seconds
Development: Not recorded :-(

Darkroom: Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 5, Lith Printing StudyDarkroom: Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print No. 5Lith Printing Study

Praha Nový Svět, Lith Print Study, No. 5 - Matted Selection
Black and White Darkroom Lith Print on Foma Fomatone 132 Paper

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

For more darkroom prints, please, head over to my Darkroom photo gallery.

Previously from the darkroom:

Orchard Park Train Depot in Infrared; hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printOrchard Park Train Depot in InfraredDarkroom Print Darkroom Print: Historic Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston - Chicago, Illinois (IL) at sunrise; hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printGrosse Point LighthouseDarkroom Print

Historic Chautauqua Belle Steamship, hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom lith printChautauqua BelleDarkroom Lith Print

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative process analog b&w black and white city scene cityscape czech republic darkroom film historic infectious development lith print photography prague praha print urban photography vintage https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/11/darkroom-lith-printing-study-from-prague Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT Sunrise on the Lakeshore https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/11/sunrise-on-the-lakeshore Mamiya RB67, Mamiya Sekor C 65mm f/4.5 LensMamiya RB67Mamiya Sekor C 65mm f/4.5 Lens Dedicated to Paul, who introduced me to this wonderful Western New York gem

This photo session was primarily inspired by a need to do a technical test. I bought a new film back for the Mamiya RB67. The OEM ones I had no longer worked flawlessly and the off-brand ones do not fully integrate with all of the bells and whistles of the camera. Thus, I felt having at least one fully working one would be a good thing.

The camera takes large 7cm wide and 6cm tall pictures. The rotating back can be positioned horizontally or vertically based on the scene. From the photos below you might think I decided to capture the days photographs vertically but it is not so. They were all composed and captured horizontally but later cropped. It turned out that while the back was mechanically solid and performed as expected, it had a leak through the hinge. Lucky me thought, it only impacted a very small area directly adjacent to the hinge.

I have already bought a seal KIT and need to find the patience to sit down for a bit and install the many, many tiny strips of the light seals that the back needs to be light tight. I'll report back once completed.

Rocks, Sand, Water; Lake Erie Shore. Medium format Mamiya RB67, Ultrafine UXF 400 Black and White Film, D-23 developer.Rocks, Sand, Water; Lake Erie ShoreSunrise on the Lakeshore

Rocks, Sand, Water; Lake Erie Shore
Photographed with a Mamiya RB67 camera on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 black and white negative film, developed in D-23

Rocks, Water, Sky, Lake Erie Shore. Medium format Mamiya RB67, Ultrafine UXF 400 Black and White Film, D-23 developer.Rocks, Water, Sky, Lake Erie ShoreSunrise on the Lakeshore

Rocks, Water, Sky, Lake Erie Shore
Photographed with a Mamiya RB67 camera on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 black and white negative film, developed in D-23

Water; Lake Erie Shore. Medium format Mamiya RB67, Ultrafine UXF 400 Black and White Film, D-23 developer.Water; Lake Erie ShoreSunrise on the Lakeshore

Water; Lake Erie Shore
Photographed with a Mamiya RB67 camera on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 black and white negative film, developed in D-23

I really loved what the rising sun did to the beach here. Sunrise on a beach facing north-west is not exactly the intuitive thing to do but somehow, nature always throws a wonderful surprise my way here.

Sand, Light, Shadow; Lake Erie Shore. Medium format Mamiya RB67, Ultrafine UXF 400 Black and White Film, D-23 developer.Sand, Light, Shadow; Lake Erie ShoreSunrise on the Lakeshore

Residence, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Mamiya RB67 camera on Ultrafine Xtreme UXF 400 black and white negative film, developed in D-23

Thanks for stopping by to check out this short Sunrise on the Lakeshore photo series.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Mailboxes, West Falls, NYMailboxesBlack and White Photography Storm over the American Falls, Niagara Falls, NY. Yashica LM TLR, Fomapan 100, D-23.Storm over Niagara FallsBlack and White Photography Celoron Lighthouse in Black & White near Jamestown, NY. Nikon FE and Ilford FP4 film.Celoron Lighthouse in Black & WhiteBlack and White Photography

Lower Niagara River Rapids - The Wave Crash, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Negative FilmLower Niagara Rapids - The CrashBlack and White Photography Lower Niagara River Rapids - The Wave Swell, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Negative FilmLower Niagara Rapids - The SwellBlack and White Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white buffalo daybreak film great lakes lake lake erie lakeshore landscape light and shadow mamiya rb67 medium format nature outdoors photo walk sunrise ultrafine water xtreme uxf 400 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/11/sunrise-on-the-lakeshore Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT Newton Loop in Chestnut Ridge on Pinhole https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/10/newton-loop-in-chestnut-ridge-on-pinhole terraPIN ACME 3d-printed pinhole camera, medium format Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film.terraPIN ACMEterraPIN ACME, Kodak T-Max 100 The recent pinhole photography posts don't follow a chronological sequence. Today's post would go in between Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2025 and North Carolina Outer Banks: First Vacation Roll from the terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera. WPPD reminded me how much I enjoy pinhole photography and how much I liked the photos from my 3d-printed terraPIN ACME camera. Therefore, it went with me on a walk through beloved Chestnut Ridge Park. For a change of pace, I loaded it with color, specifically the Kodak Ektachrome E100 color transparency.

With color film, especially transparency, the usual vignetting of this wide angle camera takes on some additional quirks. As everything darkens from the center towards the corners, colors shift. You'll see below how a bright cyan sky turns into a dark blue, a similar look as if the sky was over-polarized, and gradually to black at the edges.

Big Meadow Well House in Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY. Pinhole Photography. terraPIN ACME 3-d printed camera, Kodak Ektachrome E100 reversal film, Unicolor E-6 KIT.Big Meadow Well House, Pinhole PhotographyColor Pinhole Photography

Big Meadow Well House, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak Ektachrome E100 color transparency film, E-6 developer

Big Meadow Willow Tree, Pinhole Photography. terraPIN ACME 3-d printed camera, Kodak Ektachrome E100 reversal film, Unicolor E-6 KIT.Big Meadow Willow Tree, Pinhole PhotographyColor Pinhole Photography

Big Meadow Willow Tree, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak Ektachrome E100 color transparency film, E-6 developer

The Lost Well House One, Pinhole Photography. terraPIN ACME 3-d printed camera, Kodak Ektachrome E100 reversal film, Unicolor E-6 KIT.The Lost Well House One, Pinhole PhotographyColor Pinhole Photography

The Lost Well House One, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak Ektachrome E100 color transparency film, E-6 developer

The Lost Well House Two, Color Pinhole Photography. terraPIN ACME 3-d printed camera, Kodak Ektachrome E100 reversal film, Unicolor E-6 KIT.The Lost Well House Two, Pinhole PhotographyColor Pinhole Photography

The Lost Well House Two, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak Ektachrome E100 color transparency film, E-6 developer

The Lost Well House Three, Color Pinhole Photography. terraPIN ACME 3-d printed camera, Kodak Ektachrome E100 reversal film, Unicolor E-6 KIT.The Lost Well House Three, Pinhole PhotographyColor Pinhole Photography

The Lost Well House Three, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak Ektachrome E100 color transparency film, E-6 developer

Daisies, Color Pinhole Photography. terraPIN ACME 3-d printed camera, Kodak Ektachrome E100 reversal film, Unicolor E-6 KIT.DaisiesColor Pinhole Photography

The Lost Well House Three, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak Ektachrome E100 color transparency film, E-6 developer

I definitely returned with a new take on the loop I have walked countless times.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

More of my Pinhole Photography ...

Gallagher Beach & Cargill Pool Grain Elevator in Buffalo, NY. Hold Wide Pinhole WPC 120, Lomography 100.Gallagher Beach & Cargill Pool Grain ElevatorPanoramic Pinhole Photography Rocky Banks of Niagara River, Photographed with a 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max color negative film..Rocky Banks of Niagara RiverPanoramic Pinhole Photography

Water Zooming By, Lower Niagara River Rapids. Photographed with a 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max color negative film.Water Zooming ByPanoramic Pinhole Photography Gallagher Pier & Cargill Pool Grain Elevator in Buffalo, NY. Hold Wide Pinhole WPC 120, Lomography 100.Gallagher Pier & Cargill Pool Grain ElevatorPanoramic Pinhole Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 120 buffalo color e-6 film kodak ektachrome e100 landscape lensless medium format nature new york orchard park outdoors park pinhole terrapin acme urban photography https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/10/newton-loop-in-chestnut-ridge-on-pinhole Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT North Carolina Outer Banks: First Vacation Roll from the terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/10/north-carolina-outer-banks-first-vacation-roll-from-the-terrapin-acme-pinhole-camera terraPIN ACME 3d-printed pinhole camera, medium format Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film.terraPIN ACMEterraPIN ACME, Kodak T-Max 100 For the recent roadtrip I packed cameras in a similar way as for most vacations. For years, I have been going fairly lightweight and I find that simple and freeing and see no reason not to stick with it. I take one 35mm camera for color film, and one for black and white film. The cameras vary trip to trip to make sure they all get used. For this trip, my Minolta Maxxum 5 was designated for the color film. I like the color to be auto focus to make it quicker and more accurate for family member photos. For black and white, I packed the Nikon FE2, which has seen a lot of attention this year. I'll need to go back to my original and trusty FE soon.

However, since this was a road trip and no flying was involved, I had the option to throw in something different for a change of pace and I did. My 3d-printed terraPIN ACME is very light, takes up no space, and is a wonderful addition for travels. It provides a nice addition to the mix of photographs from my main film cameras and the cell phone snaps.

Boardwalk Shops, Duck, NC. Pinhole Photography from OBX 2025. terraPIN ACME pinhole camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Boardwalk ShopsPinhole Photography from OBX 2025

Boardwalk Shops, Duck, NC
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer

Not only did I pack it but I also used it, even if just with a single roll of black and white film. I split the roll about half and half between the beach and a pier and the wonderful town boardwalk at Duck, North Carolina. And it turned out that it was also the roll I was the most curious about once back at home as I developed and scanned those 12 squares first. I am glad I've been back to doing more pinhole photography in 2025 and hope that trend will continue. It's simple, it's freeing, and when I get philosophical I like to say it is quite similar to the world I see when I take my glasses off. In fact, the pinhole camera photos from the terraPIN ACME are sharper than my blurry world seen without glasses.

Tied Wood, Duck, NC. Pinhole Photography from OBX 2025. terraPIN ACME pinhole camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Tied WoodPinhole Photography from OBX 2025

Tied Wood, Duck, NC
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer

The beach where we stayed featured an ugly pier on giant metal posts. Not a beauty as some of the Outer Banks piers on zigzag wooden legs placed seemingly in a completely random fashion. However, its ugliness and a different look from the better looking and known ones was also a special draw. I did not want to start my pinhole roll there as I suspected I might use up the hole roll there.

Shop Inside, Duck, NC. Pinhole Photography from OBX 2025. terraPIN ACME pinhole camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Shop InsidePinhole Photography from OBX 2025

Shop Inside, Duck, NC
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer

Instead, I took the terraPIN ACME on a walk to Duck where I knew the boardwalk and its surroundings would provide very nice urban and natural treasures. In fact, there were so many photographic opportunities I had to watch out for having some room left for the ugly duckling.

Picturesque Cypress Tree, Duck, NC. Pinhole Photography from OBX 2025. terraPIN ACME pinhole camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Picturesque Cypress TreePinhole Photography from OBX 2025

Picturesque Cypress Tree, Duck, NC
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer

This tree, and a few other picturesque ones along the boardwalk, continue standing in what I'd think are terrible conditions. It often amazes me what Mother Nature can create and sustain. Now that I am typing this another example comes to mind; the trees at the edge of the Horseshoe Falls, especially in winter covered with ice. How's something like that even possible?

Fishing Rods, Duck, NC. Pinhole Photography from OBX 2025. terraPIN ACME pinhole camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Fishing RodsPinhole Photography from OBX 2025

Fishing Rods, Duck, NC
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer

These fishing rods in front of a fishing store were a completely unplanned subject that was simply too good to pass on with the repetition and convenient ground level outside placement. Just had to watch out for people going in and coming out of the store, we would not want anyone spooked by the little black box, would we?

Docks, Duck, NC. Pinhole Photography from OBX 2025. terraPIN ACME pinhole camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer.DocksPinhole Photography from OBX 2025

Docks, Duck, NC
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer

Alright, piers and docks may be cliches but who cares? And this one with its double T, kind of like the top of. utility pole, offered a nice unique symmetry. That also worked really well with the wide focal length of this camera, which cause a significant exposure difference between the center of the photograph and its edges. It seems this photo just would not be what it is without the pronounced vignetting.

Through the Pier, Duck, NC. Pinhole Photography from OBX 2025. terraPIN ACME pinhole camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Through the PierPinhole Photography from OBX 2025

Through the Pier, Duck, NC
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer

Alright, to close today's pinhole photography post we are on the beach by the ugly pier. It's a scientific pier of the US Army Corps of Engineers, a Field Research Facility. This the function over form. But as I said, that also gave it its own appeal and uniqueness. Photo number 1, a traditional centered symmetry of the pier. Well, almost. I had to raise the camera up for some distortion to give the photo a different take. And since the perspective is a guessing game with no viewfinder or back LCD, the photo moved a bit off center too.

And then I decided to go for something a bit more different and allowed the pier to move off to the side. That might even be quite natural with a rectangular format where the rule of thirds is often successfully used but with square, I hesitated. And then I went for it anyway.

Off Center Pier, Duck, NC. Pinhole Photography from OBX 2025. terraPIN ACME pinhole camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Off Center PierPinhole Photography from OBX 2025

Off Center Pier, Duck, NC
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film, D-23 developer

And I must admit I like the result. It's curiously uncomfortable and it's growing on me compared to the more traditional take above. It may even find its way to my darkroom for an uncomfortable print.

Thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

More of my Pinhole Photography ...

Flooded Jagged Gaps, Sturgeon Point on Lake Erie, NY. Photographed with TerraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Fuji Acros II black and white film.Flooded Jagged GapsPinhole photography by the lake Bow Up from Water on Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point. terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white filmBow Up from WaterPinhole photography by the lake Five and a Half Rocks on Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point. terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white filmFive and a Half RocksPinhole photography by the lake

Refueling Truck, Black and White Pinhole Film Photography, terraPIN ACME, Fuji Acros 100Pinhole Refueling TruckPinhole photography in Buffalo, NY Lemonda Wagon, Black and White Pinhole Film Photography, terraPIN ACME, Fuji Acros 100Pinhole Lemonade WagonA pinhole photograph of a lemonade wagon in Buffalo's Canalside.

Photograph captured with terraPIN ACME, a 3d-printed pinhole camera designed by Todd Schlemmer, on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film and developed in home made D-23 developer.

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 120 beach black and white boardwalk buffalo coastal d-23 film kodak t-max 100 lensless medium format north carolina obx pier pinhole road trip seaside terrapin acme urban photography vacation https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/10/north-carolina-outer-banks-first-vacation-roll-from-the-terrapin-acme-pinhole-camera Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT Spotmatic Stroll through Orchard Park, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/8/spotmatic-stroll-through-orchard-park-ny 35mm Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP film camera, Super-Takumar 105mm f/2.8 lens, 49mm to 52mm step-up ring, red Hoya 52mm filter.Pentax Spotmatic & 105mm f/2.8 lensFilm Photography A bit of a catch-up after a blogging break with another Orchard Park photo walk post, this time with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic film camera loaded with Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film in hand. I usually have a wide angle lens mounted as that angle of view allows me to work the foreground vs background perspective and I like getting close to my foregrounds. On this walk, I changed the pace a bit and went with a 105mm f.2.8 telephoto lens. And despite having loaded the relatively slow ISO 100 film, I banked on the sunny day and added a red filter, which effectively knocked the film speed two stops down to 25. Time to see things differently and capture different perspectives.

This walk started in the woods across the street and took me all the way to the village and back home. I always enjoy those long walks that can be 8 - 9 miles long based on some route variations, or even as crazy as 12 miles when a substantial Birdsong Park offshoot is added. Those can even hurt. But the base walk is just right, enjoyable, with no real side effects to speak of. Yes, they are demanding on time even with no photography but when photography is in the plan, the commitment can be quite substantial.

The neighborhood woods always have something to offer too, whether to runners, walkers, or photographers. I like to practice my eye there. Despite walking the trails there at least weekly, there's always something new, something different, or something I have not noticed before.

Who would not like Mother Nature arranging a log over a creek?

Log over a Creek, Wetlands, Orchard Park, NY Photography.Log over a Creek, WetlandsOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Log over a Creek, Wetlands, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Just a few steps further down the trail waited another log. This one was more surprising as it formed an obstacle to overcome. But before stepping over, of course, a photograph had to be captured. especially since I knew this would not last long and would be cleared away soon. I was also glad this was the day I had the telephoto lens mounted as it allowed for a shallower depth of field placing focus on the trunk. Ok, now we can step over and continue the walk.

Log over the Trail, Wetlands, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyLog over the Trail, WetlandsOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Log over the Trail, Wetlands, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Even though I captured this sign several times I wanted to do it again as its future life is quite uncertain, probably just a matter of time before it's gone. While this telephoto perspective allowed me to juxtapose it against the houses behind it, it belonged to a house to the left of the frame, which is no more. Only an empty lot remains after a storm damaged the warehouse, which was cleared out, and the house shortly after.

Graffiti Grafix Signs, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyGraffiti Grafix Signs, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Graffiti Grafix Signs, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

I always feel uneasy about taking pictures of residential houses, even if from the street and always avoiding any people. Once in a while a house catches my eye enough though to click the shutter, as in the photo below with the hose being beautiful lit from the east by the rising sun.

Residence, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyResidence, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Residence, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

In the past, I had photographed the Deuel Cemetery entrance path with a wide angle lens, and this was an opportunity for a different perspective. Again, the illumination by the rising sun was irresistible.

Deuel Cemetery Entrance Path, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyDeuel Cemetery Entrance Path, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Deuel Cemetery Entrance Path, Orchard Park, NY Photography
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Here we come to a 2-mile mark on the walk as we arrive at Green Lake in Yates Park. Circling the lake and returning at this point would cut the walk to 4.5 miles, which often comes handy when time is limited, but that was not needed on this day. The long lens helped me find a perspective I had not capture here before.

South Shore of Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY PhotographySouth Shore of Green Lake, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

South Shore of Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

I often come upon this sign when it is in the shade but this morning it was lit up wonderfully allowing be to capture the cover page for a potential future zine. No, I have no active plans for a Green Lake zine yet but why not? I certainly have an ugh material from there.

Yates Park - Green Lake Sign, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyYates Park - Green Lake Sign, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Yates Park - Green Lake Sign, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

North Shore of Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyNorth Shore of Green Lake, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

North Shore of Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

The Orchard Park Train Depo is a strong photo magnet for me all year long and any time of the day. On this blue sky morning, the front light was perfect knowing I had the red filter over the lens. And the newly repaired vintage signal looked spectacular!

Signal at the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY PhotographySignal at the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Signal at the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

So spectacular, that it needed its own close up.

Old-Fashioned Railroad Signal, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyOld-Fashioned Railroad SignalOrchard Park, NY Photo walk

Old-Fashioned Railroad Signal, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Behind the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyBehind the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Behind the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Yes, as you can see I am easy to impress. This rail cart managed it on this day and many times in the past.

A Rail Cart, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyA Rail Cart, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

A Rail Cart, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

The path on the left is part of a relatively newly open section of local Rails to Trails and goes along the tracks here behind the depot, whereas it replaced the tracks in the opposite direction.

Rails to Trails, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyRails to Trails, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Rails to Trails, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Here we arrive at the midpoint of today's walk, Gingersnap Patisserie, a wonderful local cafe and bakery that is rather dangerous to the active walker as one can easily let too many calories sneak in and negate the benefits of the long walk. Still, I'd say I wall for it at least 50% of the time. If you think you're safe because you're gluten free, you are mistaken. This cafe has a wonderful selection of goodies even for you! Still not sold? Well, don't take my word for it and go check it out yourself.

Gingersnap Patisserie, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyGingersnap Patisserie, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Gingersnap Patisserie, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

No more words needed for the return leg of the walk, we've been there and you will know where you are. Enjoy the uninterrupted photographs and please, scroll slowly, it's still 4 miles and takes a while.

Yates Park in Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyYates Park in Green Lake, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Yates Park in Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Girl Scout Camp, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyGirl Scout Camp, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Girl Scout Camp, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Shadows on the Pier, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyShadows on the Pier, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Shadows on the Pier, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Into the Lake, Orchard Park, NY PhotographyInto the Lake, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park, NY Photo Walk

Into the Lake, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Thanks a bunch for joining me on yet another local walk. They all always confirm the hash tag I have been using for a while ...

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous walks through Orchard Park, NY: The Parks of Orchard Park -  A Walk through Fall Orchard Park - A Walk through Orchard Park - New Year's Walk in Orchard Park - New Year's Walk in Orchard Park, Part II

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Moody Morning at Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, New York, photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 black and white film.Moody Morning at Green LakeOrchard Park, NY Photography Phalanx of Trees Standing Guard by Trail, Birdsong, Orchard Park, New York (NY).PhalanxOrchard Park, NY Photography Birdsong Park Creek in the Woods, Orchard Park, New YorkBirdsong Creek in the WoodsOrchard Park, NY Photography

A Creek Flows Through, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY. Pentax Spotmatic, Lomochrome Purple Film.A Creek Flows ThroughOrchard Park, NY Photography Birdsong Tree Phalanx Guard by a Boardwalk, Pentax Spotmatic, Lomochrome Purple FilmBirdsong Phalanx GuardOrchard Park, NY Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white buffalo cityscape film kodak late spring new york ny orchard park pentax spotmatic photo walk photography red filter sunny day time t-max 100 urban urban photography https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/8/spotmatic-stroll-through-orchard-park-ny Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT Back to the Fairytale Forest https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/7/back-to-the-fairytale-forest Previously from the magical forest: Visiting a Fairy Tale

The forest across the street from us turns into a land of magic in late June and early July. Sometimes, we miss out on this magic if a vacation has us away. But some years we are here to witness it. And this year the show is absolutely spectacular, even if my photo I am sharing below does not do it justice. And I must admit, I feel like I did better five years ago and feel motivated to give it another try. I'll just have to go soon before their numbers start dwindling.

Yes, I am talking about fireflies. But not just one or two but enough to light up the whole forest.

I usually share photos captured on film but will admit I have not tried this task on film yet and it might be rather challenging to pull off. Couple more practices with the digital camera and I may give it a go. But as I have already said, I forgot some of my lessons learned from four years ago and needed to relearn on the spot, and even after the fact when reviewing my results on the computer. I love going full analog from capture to printing but must say for this more or less impromptu outing both the digital camera as well as the computer came rather handy as learning devices with the quick feedback they provide. And while my Nikon D610 is rather old given the digital standards (just looked it up, it's 12 years old!) it can still pull of ISO 6400 with usable results. With film, I am not sure whether the fireflies would still be visible or disappear in the grain. And the grain might be rather chunky. If I go with Portra 800 getting to EI 6400 would require a 3-stop push and that could be rather interesting. Of course, now that I mentioned it it will have to be done.

Back to Magical Forest Fireflies, Night Photography, Orchard Park, NYBack to Magical Forest FirefliesNight Photography, Orchard Park, NY

Back to Magical Forest Fireflies, Night Photography, Orchard Park, NY

Before I forget, let's see what I had to relearn, or "How to Photograph Fireflies":

  • 20mm is too wide and leaves too much foreground dark. Looking at the above photo, a 50mm might actually be a good choice (is that what I used in 2020?).
  • Get the fastest lens you have. The 20mm I used this time was an f/2.8. I have a f/1.8 50mm, which would provide an edge.
  • With the 20mm I used infinity focus at f/2.8 and did not worry about it. For the 50mm f/1.8 and it's significantly smaller depth of field I'd use a flashlight and focus into the middle ground where most of the action would be.
  • Provide some sense of the place, like a brighter background at the edge of the forest (aiming out of the forest insert of in) or a creek or a path if the trees open up around it and let in more light.
  • f/2.8 and ISO 6400 provided the best results at this particular location. My exposure times were 30 seconds, the longest time the D610 supports before going into the bulb mode.
  • I turned on the long exposure noise reduction but that also doubles up the time for each exposure to 1 minute. With newer cameras, this may not be needed as 6400 might be far from their max.
  • Tripod is a must

As far as post processing goes, this is not a single image. It's a blend of several images to get in more firefly activity. While that may seem like massive cheating, I don't feel that way. It gets to feeling of the photo closer to what one experiences on location and it still is not a match.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy fairytale fireflies forest magical nature night night photography ny outdoors show western new york woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/7/back-to-the-fairytale-forest Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes XX: Wet Cyanotype Photograms https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/6/cyanotypes-xx-wet-cyanotype-photograms This cyanotype session was a departure from my photographic cyanotypes where I expose a negative of a photograph onto a watercolor paper coated with cyanotype chemicals. Here, I had no photograph and no negative. Instead, I placed various leaves I found in the back yard onto the coated paper, selectively added pepper and green tea from a tea bag into some areas, sprayed the whole thing with a diluted vinegar, covered with a foil, squeezed behind glass, and exposed as I would a normal cyanotype photograph under my UV lamp for about 8 minutes.

Leaves 1, Wet Cyanotype Photogram, Batch 26, From the GardenLeaves 1, Wet Cyanotype PhotogramFrom the Garden

Leaves 1, From the Garden, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Wet Cyanotype Photogram

I wish I could share more details but this was a spontaneous activity and I did not take any notes. I just wanted to see if I could make it work. I came across wet cyanotype work on some Facebook groups dedicated to alternative photography and wanted to give it a shot myself. Even there, I was sloppy keeping notes for my inspiration. Thinking about it now, I traced back at least two articles off Facebook that served as some of the inspiration:

Leaves 2, Wet Cyanotype Photogram, Batch 26, From the GardenLeaves 2, Wet Cyanotype Photogram, Batch 26From the Garden

Leaves 2, From the Garden, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Wet Cyanotype Photogram

As you can see, I have ways to go and a lot to experiment with and learn. But it worked and it was a lot of fun! I have not even dipped into the whole double exposure possibility where one can creatively hide things from the previous exposures.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside - 12. Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle - 13. Cyanotypes XIII: American History - 14. Cyanotypes XIV: Gulf Shores, Alabama - 15. Cyanotypes XV: Different Take on Travel Photography - 16. Cyanotypes XVI: Nostalgic Pernštejn - 16. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations - 17. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations - 18. Cyanotypes XVIII: Pernštejn, Brno - 19. Cyanotypes XIX: Mountain Top Country Store & Music - 20. Cyanotypes XX: Wet Cyanotype Photograpms

If you like cyanotypes, you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy!

Mountain Top Music, Abstract Color CyanotypeMountain Top Music, Abstract Color CyanotypeColored Cyanotype Fort Morgan Wagon Wheel Toned Cyanotype on Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Gulf Shores, AlabamaFort Morgan Wagon Wheel Toned CyanotypeToned Cyanotype Country Store, Abstract Colors CyanotypeCountry Store, Abstract Colors CyanotypeColored Cyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative alternative process analog colors creative cyanotype garden nature photogram photography plants technique textured variations watercolor paper wet cyanotype https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/6/cyanotypes-xx-wet-cyanotype-photograms Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:00:00 GMT Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2025 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/5/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2025 terraPIN ACME, 3d-printed pinhole cameraterraPIN ACME3d-printed pinhole camera I had not done any pinhole photography since the Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2024 (WPPD 2024) and embraced the 2025 edition hoping it would get me restarted. As a tradition now, I picked my 3d-printed terraPIN ACME medium format camera as the companion for the day.

terraPIN ACME in Action, behind the scenes with a pinhole camera on Buffalo's waterfrontterraPIN ACME in ActionBehind the scenes with a pinhole camera It features a handmade pinhole I made by pushing the tip of a tiny needle into a sheet of aluminum harvested from a can of soda (pop for Buffalonians). I did not push it through, just pushed it in enough to create a bump on the other side. Then I sanded that bump off until a tiny hole showed up against the window. If you're interested in the whole background story, feel free to head back to my Custom Made Pinhole for a 3d Printed Pinhole Camera post from 2021.

The simple design of cameras like this one always makes me wonder why traditional film cameras relied so heavily on felt and other materials to keep the light out from the inside. There is nothing like that in here, just simple principles of the physics of light taking advantage of lights reluctance to make turns. Had all cameras been designed around this their aging would be more graceful and less maintenance would be needed.

Hydrant, Pinhole Photography, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, WPPD 2025Hydrant, Pinhole PhotographyWPPD 2025

Hydrant, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2025
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

I initially measured and calculated the pinhole at about f/208 but by practical tests determined the hole is even smaller. For WPPD 2025 I decided to go with f/256. By now I know that that even more exposure is needed and will rate it 1 or 2 stops smaller for the next outing.

Dozer & Sun, Pinhole Photography, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, WPPD 2025.Dozer & Sun, Pinhole PhotographyWPPD 2025

Dozer & Sun, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2025
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

I really did not want to start with the photo you see first in this post as it seemed like a too much of a cliche. In the end, this was my frame #1 as I needed to start somewhere. The whole roll was a challenge and I only managed that one roll. I am happy The Day provided the motivation to go pinholing again but I want to make sure I don't wait another year. It's such a unique photographic flow.

Buoy, Pinhole Photography, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, WPPD 2025Buoy, Pinhole PhotographyWPPD 2025

Buoy on Land, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2025
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

Since I am posting this with a delay I can share that the inspiration has already struck and I have another roll ready to share with you, and I was both excited to go out and did not have to force things along the way. Hopefully my muscle memory is returning and 2025 will be a good year for pinhole photography for me.

Bait Shop, Pinhole Photography, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, WPPD 2025Bait Shop, Pinhole PhotographyWPPD 2025

Bait Shop, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2025
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

What is so different about it? It can be very simple. The camera itself is just a black box with a tiny hole in the front in place of a lens. It's amazing how such a simple contraption can do so much. Some people build them from cardboard, others reuse boxes from household items, some buy ready-made ones to enjoy the photographic aspect. And in the last decade a new option emerged to 3d print them, either to one's own design or from the designs created and shared by other enthusiasts.

Charlie's Boat Yard, Pinhole Photography, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, WPPD 2025Charlie's Boat Yard, Pinhole PhotographyWPPD 2025

Charlie's Boat Yard, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2025
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

Using a pinhole camera can also be very simple. Instead of a large sturdy tripod I used a small pocketable one for these images. A bean bag would have worked just as well if not better solely to be able to freely adjust the camera angle. With traditional photography, I enjoy keeping an undistorted perspective where vertical lines remain vertical, horizon is level, etc. With pinhole photography I actually enjoy breaking all of that and going against the grain with tilts up or down causing plentiful distortions.

Gallagher Pier Roof No 2, Pinhole Photography, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, WPPD 2025Gallagher Pier Roof No 2, Pinhole PhotographyWPPD 2025

Gallagher Pier Roof No 2, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2025
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

Another nice benefit of WPPD 2025 was that I visited Buffalo's Outer Harbor after a rather long break. No, I do not want to look how long it has been. It's been a good reminder that I need to explore more and take advantage of the beautiful waterfront the area offers, whether it be around Lake Erie, Niagara River, or other rivers and creeks. Yes, my next expedition should be focused specifically on water.

Under the Pier. Pinhole Photography, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, WPPD 2025Under the Pier. Pinhole PhotographyWPPD 2025

Under the Pier., Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2025
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

Down the Pier, Pinhole Photography, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, WPPD 2025Down the Pier, Pinhole PhotographyWPPD 2025

Down the Pier, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2025
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

I hope you've enjoyed this glance into the world of pinhole photography and who knows, maybe you'll try your hand in it too? It's really rewarding bringing back photographs using such an incredibly simple tool, especially in the world full of high-end electronics, do-it-all software, and fake-it-all AI. 

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

More of my Pinhole Photography ...

Steam Locomotive, Hamburg Train Depot. New York. Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2024.Steam LocomotivePinhole Photography Steam Locomotive Wheels, Hamburg Train Depot, New York. Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2024..Steam Locomotive WheelsPinhole Photography Two Canoes, Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with TerraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Fuji Acros II black and white film.Two CanoesPinhole Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 120 black and white buffalo d-23 film fuji acros 100 lensless medium format new york pinhole terrapin acme urban photography waterfront wppd 2025 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/5/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2025 Wed, 28 May 2025 12:07:00 GMT The Parks of Orchard Park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/5/the-parks-of-orchard-park Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8, 35mm Film CameraNikon FE, 24mm f/2.835mm Film Camera I'm inviting you on another photo expedition through Orchard Park, this time its outdoors side. First a quick hop to the beautiful Chestnut Ridge County Park to say goodbye to winter and then to circle the Green Lake in Orchard Park. The camera of choice? My good old buddy Nikon FE with a wide angle 24mm lens, my comfort zone that allows me to look for compositions without much struggle.

On the other hand, I have not used Rollei Retro 80s too much, possibly only couple rolls before. Also, after about a 6-month detour using the Rollei Supergrain developer I decided a Rollei film would be the point at which I'd switch back to my favorite D-23 developer. I saved 25% of my old batch ("old brown"), mixed a 75% volume of a new batch, combined, and was ready to go.

The longer lower Newton Road loop has been my favorite for several years but for this walk we're going around the upper main loop in the park starting at the signature hilltop casino building. This time, the windows called for my attention.

Casino Windows, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens, orange filter, Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Casino Windows, Chestnut Ridge ParkOrchard Park, NY

Casino Windows, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, home developed in D-23 developer

Further up and a little back from the road this tall stump caught my eye as it took its last stand in the clearing. Winter and the last bits of snow were also on their way out.

Last Stand, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens, orange filter, Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Last Stand, Chestnut Ridge ParkOrchard Park, NY

Last Stand, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, home developed in D-23 developer

You have definitely seen the subject of the next photo here before. The Cottage in the Woods caught my eye in a winter storm several years back and I have been returning since; in different seasons, in different weather, yet always looking between the trees whether I can find a new angle.

Cottage in the Woods, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens, orange filter, Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Cottage in the Woods, Chestnut Ridge ParkOrchard Park, NY

Cottage in the Woods, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, home developed in D-23 developer

I have been eyeing the old curvy tree for a while but have not taken a keeper photo yet until this time. I hope you like what you see below but I am a bit obsessed and can't wait to make a darkroom print and a cyanotype print. For now, I have this digital version to keep motivating me to mix some chemicals, fill the trays, and load the strip of film into the enlarger for some old-fashioned fun.

Branches, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens, orange filter, Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Branches, Chestnut Ridge ParkOrchard Park, NY

Branches, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, home developed in D-23 developer

The stone well houses have also captivated me for a long time. Some of them are easy to photograph, some pose challenge based on the shape they are in and their surroundings. I have not done a search and a comparison but think I've gotten the best rendering of the below one on this walk too.

Well in the Woods, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens, orange filter, Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Well in the Woods, Chestnut Ridge ParkOrchard Park, NY

Well in the Woods, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, home developed in D-23 developer

At this point, we have moved on from the Chestnut Ridge park into the village of Orchard Park and will be circling the lake. The spring is still early and trees are bare but the sun has a nice warmth to it and brings hope after the long winter season. When I was taking the photo I thought it was just a normal log in the water in the foreground. What a surprise to see I actually captured an alligator in Green Lake! :-)

Green Lake Alligator, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens, orange filter, Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Green Lake Alligator, Yates ParkOrchard Park, NY

Green Lake Alligator, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, home developed in D-23 developer

Turning back into the sun is not intuitive for me and I need to learn to do it more often, whether or not sun ends up included. The light in the resulting photograph obviously differs from sidelight or front light and sometimes robs the photo of too much contrast, other times turns it into magic.

Green Lake Sunrise, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens, orange filter, Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Green Lake Sunrise, Yates ParkOrchard Park, NY

Green Lake Sunrise, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, home developed in D-23 developer

I really like the subtle midtowns of the following photograph. The other photographs in this post have quite high contrast compliments of the sunny days and the choice of the Rollei Retro 80s film, however, this one along the north shore is different as I walked the narrow trail in the shade of the trees.

Green Lake Shoreline Trees, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens, orange filter, Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Green Lake Shoreline Trees, Yates ParkOrchard Park, NY

Green Lake Shoreline Trees, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, home developed in D-23 developer

Stepping out of that shade into the open and looking directly east against the rising sun definitely changed all that. While the geese were too far for any close-ups with my 24mm lens I was grateful they hung around to provide an extra element in my photo and differentiate it from my past takes.

Geese at Sunrise, Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens, orange filter, Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Geese at Sunrise, Green Lake, Yates ParkOrchard Park, NY

Green Lake Sunrise, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, home developed in D-23 developer

The scene I came upon next naturally called for a scene contrasting the silhouetted trees against the bright rising sun and the also bright reflection of the surface of the lake. I like the almost abstract look of this photo especially thanks to the tree trunks on the right that extend into their reflection in the water.

Sunrise Silhouettes, Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens, orange filter, Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Sunrise Silhouettes, Green Lake, Yates ParkOrchard Park, NY

Sunrise Silhouettes, Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, home developed in D-23 developer

And here we have the final mood change from high to low contrast as I walked home through our wonderful wetlands and an area I call The Jungle. In summer it is usually a combination of lush green vegetation and tall trees, some dead and some alive, making for a scene I would not look for in Orchard Park, NY. Maybe I'll remember to post that green look and reference this photo for a comparison between seasons and also color vs. black and white film.

Heading Home through Wetlands, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens, orange filter, Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, D-23 developer.Heading Home through WetlandsOrchard Park, NY

Sunrise Silhouettes, Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE on Rollei Retro 80s black and white negative film, home developed in D-23 developer

Thanks for taking the two walks with me and exploring Orchard Park, New York!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection. 

Birdsong Park Creek, Orchard Park, New YorkBirdsong CreekOrchard Park, NY Twinkle in the Trees in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY.Twinkle in the Trees in BirdsongOrchard Park, NY Birdsong Park Creek in the Woods, Orchard Park, New YorkBirdsong Creek in the WoodsOrchard Park, NY

One Tall Dead Tree, Birdsong, Orchard Park, New York (NY).OneOrchard Park, NY Phalanx of Trees Standing Guard by Trail, Birdsong, Orchard Park, New York (NY).PhalanxOrchard Park, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w black and white chestnut ridge film film photography green lake nature new york nikon fe ny orchard park outdoors parks retro 80s rollei water yates park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/5/the-parks-of-orchard-park Mon, 05 May 2025 11:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes XIX: Mountain Top Country Store & Music https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/4/cyanotypes-xix-mountain-top-country-store-music This was a fun cyanotype session. Some old tricks and some new. I've played with different paper types again to see which one will fit the subject matter the best. I also did some toning to have non-blue alternatives. And for the first time I've tried introducing some color into the my cyanotypes.

Country Store, Textured Traditional Blue CyanotypeCountry StoreTextured Traditional Blue Cyanotype

Country Store, Textured Traditional Blue Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Rough Textured Shizen Design 140lbs Watercolor Paper

Both photographs here are from the same location in Virginia, a random mountaintop find on a beautiful scenic route through the mountains.

Country Store, Textured Green Tea Toned CyanotypeCountry StoreTextured Green Tea Toned Cyanotype

Country Store, Textured Green Tea Toned Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Rough Textured Shizen Design 140lbs Watercolor Paper

As you can see, for the Country Store I started with my favorite rough textured watercolor paper. It renders the photographs in low-fi, which I really like with structures of all kinds.

Country Store, Smooth Blue CyanotypeCountry StoreSmooth Blue Cyanotype

Country Store,  Smooth Blue Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth UCreate 90lbs Watercolor Paper

But I also tried a smooth paper version for comparison, and as a starting point for the next experiment. There are many ways one can introduce color to this monochromatic process but on this day I specifically wanted to try the random and abstract approach of pre-coloring blank watercolor paper and then coating the cyanotype emulsion over it. I did not have any specific color matching plan, just the opposite. For the Country Store I went with rather pronounced random patches of color. The result? see below :-)

Country Store, Abstract Colors Smooth CyanotypeCountry StoreAbstract Colors Smooth Cyanotype

Country Store, Abstract Colors Smooth Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth UCreate 90lbs Watercolor Paper

For the second photo I started with the same approach, a traditional blue cyanotype on the rough textured watercolor paper. It removes most of the detail in the photograph and increases contrast providing bright highlights and deeper shadows. It works for some subject matter and not so much for other.

Mountain Top Music, Textured Blur CyanotypeMountain Top MusicTextured Blue Cyanotype

Mountain Top Music, Textured Blue Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Rough Textured Shizen Design 140lbs Watercolor Paper

I really like how the green tea toned version came out here. The low detail low-fi quality of the paper still came through but the toned version lowered the overall contrast and opened up some of the deep shadows. The old truck looks great!

Mountain Top Music, Textured Green Tea Toned CyanotypeMountain Top MusicTextured Green Tea Toned Cyanotype

 

Mountain Top Music, Textured Green Tea Toned Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Rough Textured Shizen Design 140lbs Watercolor Paper

I've also printed the smooth version as a baseline to see what I was going in with into the coloring.

Mountain Top Music, Smooth Blue CyanotypeMountain Top MusicSmooth Blue Cyanotype

Mountain Top Music, Smooth Blue Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth UCreate 90lbs Watercolor Paper

Unlike the Country Store, I tried a more subtle approach here with the Mountain Top Music scene.

Mountain Top Music, Abstract Color CyanotypeMountain Top MusicAbstract Color Cyanotype

Mountain Top Music, Abstract Color Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Meeden 140lbs Watercolor Paper

Well, maybe not so subtle for the second version but the smoother transitions between colors still provide a different mood than the Country Store variety of color patches.

Mountain Top Music, Abstract Color Smooth CyanotypeMountain Top MusicAbstract Color Smooth Cyanotype

Mountain Top Music, Abstract Color Smooth Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth Strathmore 140lbs Watercolor Paper

What do you think? The Cyanotype process can be tuned to be almost as predictable as traditional darkroom printing, or it can be left somewhat unpredictable. It's all a choice. And pre-coloring the paper can add a new twist to both. You can pre-color with the final image in mind, or do so before even knowing what will be printed over it. I liked this initial experiment a lot and will definitely be doing this again.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside - 12. Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle - 13. Cyanotypes XIII: American History - 14. Cyanotypes XIV: Gulf Shores, Alabama - 15. Cyanotypes XV: Different Take on Travel Photography - 16. Cyanotypes XVI: Nostalgic Pernštejn - 16. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations - 17. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations - 18. Cyanotypes XVIII: Pernštejn, Brno - 19. Cyanotypes XIX: Mountain Top Country Store & Music

If you like cyanotypes, you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy!

Fort Morgan Wagon Wheel Toned Cyanotype on Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Gulf Shores, AlabamaFort Morgan Wagon Wheel Toned CyanotypeAlternative Process Photography Smith's Fort, Wine Tannin Toned Cyanotype on Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Surry, VirginiaSmith's Fort, Toned CyanotypeAlternative Process Photography House of Memories, Tea Toned Cyanotype II, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicHouse of Memories, Tea Toned Cyanotype IIAlternative Process Photography

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, Meeden Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Chautauqua Lake, New York.Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, Meeden CyanotypeAlternative Process Photography Bon Secour Alley, Cyanotype, An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from Gulf Shores, Alabama..Bon Secour Alley, CyanotypeAlternative Process Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative alternative process analog black and white blue colored country store creative cyanotype darkroom highway 52 monochrome mountain top music scenic highway stoney fork road technique textured toned variations virginia walker mountain watercolor paper https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/4/cyanotypes-xix-mountain-top-country-store-music Mon, 21 Apr 2025 11:55:01 GMT Lo-Fi Orchard Park with a Holga https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/4/lo-fi-orchard-park-with-a-holga Holga 120N, 60mm f/8 Toy CameraHolga 120N, 60mm f/8Toy Camera This was my first outing with a Holga 120N. It's my daughter's but has been sitting on a shelf for a while so I took her out for a walk to the village of Orchard Park. I had previously taken photographs with its sister, the Holga WPC, or Holga Wide Pinhole Camera. Both are plastic toy cameras of lo-fi build to get lo-fi pictures. While the WPC does not have a lens at all, just a tiny pinhole, the 120N features a 60mm plastic lens.

The camera has a zone-focusing system, i.e. you don't see the effect of focusing in the viewfinder. You just have to set the focus to one person (about 1 meter), small group (about 2 meters), large group (about 6 meters), a mountain (infinity), or anywhere in between. I guess experience can help with knowing where to set the dial. The Holga features a single fixed shutter speed, supposedly about 1/125 sec. A simple metal spring rotates a disc around to open and close a small opening behind the lens. How small? There are two settings. One for f/8 and one for f/11 (or maybe f/13) accomplished by sliding a button to a sunny or cloudy setting. Lots of people report that their Holga's aperture does not change with the slider. Something probably broke inside or a part is missing. I had to take apart and fix this one for a different problem too, they're not built with lasting quality in mind.

C's Custard Delight in Lo-Fi, Orchard Park, NYC's Custard Delight in Lo-FiLo-Fi Orchard Park, NY

C's Custard Delight in Lo-Fi, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Holga 120N on Foma Retropan 320 black and white negative film, home developed in Rollei Supergrain developer

I usually like to combine opposites. I use more low-fi film in hi-fi cameras and vice versa. For pinhole photography I'll go with Fuji Acros or Kodak T-Max 100. But this time, I went a bit crazy and leaned into the lo-fi full force with a Foma Retropan 320 black and white film, the grainiest film known to me. And I developed it in Rollei Supergrain developer. Since I had not used this developer with this film before I went with the short end of the suggested time (1+9, 6.5 minutes) figuring lower contrast would be easier to deal with than losing details to high contrast. The resulting negative was very flat and I had to add contrast after scanning. I may try darkroom printing a few frames too but am not sure if contrast filter 5 will be enough. I will develop for 7.5 minutes next time, if there is a next time for this combination.

Orchard Park Train Depot in Lo-Fi, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park Train Depot in Lo-FiLo-Fi Orchard Park

Orchard Park Train Depot in Lo-Fi, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Holga 120N on Foma Retropan 320 black and white negative film, home developed in Rollei Supergrain developer

Out of the 12 frames on the 120 film roll, I ended up with about half and half split between what I could expect out of a Holga and bad results, not exactly sure why. It seems like this Holga does not like backlight, and maybe I moved the camera a few times too during exposure. It is an odd experience with the stealthy shutter.

Orchard Park Public Library in Lo-Fi, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park Public Library in Lo-FiLo-Fi Orchard Park, NY

Orchard Park Public Library in Lo-Fi, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Holga 120N on Foma Retropan 320 black and white negative film, home developed in Rollei Supergrain developer

And yes, you are absolutely right about the repeating theme of my posts. Without intending to, this is the third one in a row from Orchard Park, NY. Wondering what's coming next? We'll see what develops, ...

Orchard Park Police in Lo-Fi, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park Police in Lo-FiLo-Fi Orchard Park, NY

Green Lake South Shore, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Holga 120N on Foma Retropan 320 black and white negative film, home developed in Rollei Supergrain developer

Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce in Lo-Fi, Orchard Park, NYOrchard Park Chamber of Commerce in Lo-FiLo-Fi Orchard Park, NY

Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce in Lo-Fi,  Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Holga 120N on Foma Retropan 320 black and white negative film, home developed in Rollei Supergrain developer

Ginger Snap Patisserie in Lo-Fi, Orchard Park, NYGinger Snap Patisserie in Lo-FiLo-Fi Orchard Park, NY

Ginger Snap Patisserie in Lo-Fi, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Holga 120N on Foma Retropan 320 black and white negative film, home developed in Rollei Supergrain developer

Thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection. 

One Way Do Not Enter, Orchard Park, New York. photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 black and white film.One Way Do Not EnterBlack & White Orchard Park, NY Beautiful Barn in Winter, Back Roads of Orchard Park, New York.Beautiful Barn in WinterBlack & White Orchard Park, NY Barn and silos in white in winter storm in Buffalo and Western New YorkBarn and Silos in WhiteBlack & White Orchard Park, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w black and white cityscape film film photography foma grainy holga 120n lo-fi new york ny orchard park retropan 320 town toy camera urban photography https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/4/lo-fi-orchard-park-with-a-holga Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:00:00 GMT Winter Color Theme at Green Lake https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/3/winter-color-theme-at-green-lake Nikon F4, AF 20mm f/2.8, Green Lake in WinterNikon F4, AF 20mm f/2.8Green Lake in Winter What can I say? If you've seen my previous post you will note we're back at the same location, the beautiful Green Lake in the village of Orchard Park. But this time, instead of a manual focus camera loaded with black and white film I came with the latest and greatest equipment. I brought along an auto-focus Nikon F4 fitted with a very wide angle 20mm AF Nikkor lens loaded with Kodak Ektar 100 color negative film with its "world's finest grain".

Definitely a few deviations from my habits, which was intentional. I usually resort to black and white in winter because why would anyone do anything different, right? Color is naturally lacking, it's usually overcast and gloomy, and black and white somehow manages to make all of that look attractive as long as there's snow. But this was a special kind of a winter day in Western New York! It was cold but sunny with clear blue skies. Thus the idea to go with color.

I also switched up from a manual focus camera to an auto-focus. While the Nikon F4 is no autofocus champion given today's expectations it was a pioneer and for the most part it does pretty well. Just make sure your batteries are in a good shape. I have found out that focus hunting and failing to establish focus can be a sign that the batteries need to be swapped even if the camera does not complain yet.

Sunrise over Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkSunrise over Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Sunrise over Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

And while the 24mm lens I used last time is plenty wide I do have one even wider and must admit that I do not use it nearly enough. Since it is an auto-focus lens, this morning was a great opportunity to attach the AF 20mm f/2.8 Nikkor to the Nikon F4 and head out. When I started in the photography hobby I thought wide and super wide lenses were literally about the width. And sure, they certainly fit in more with into the frame. However, the photo taking and thus photo viewing really is more about the front to back dynamics. I feel it is important to be really close to something in the foreground and then let the scene develop front to back.

Frozen Green Lake through Trees, Orchard Park, New YorkFrozen Green Lake through Trees, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Frozen Green Lake through Trees, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

The sunrise was absolutely beautiful and unsurprisingly the opening photo is literally of the sun rising over the Yates Park and Green Lake. I am very happy with how the camera, lens, and film combo handled the situation.

Green Lake's North Shore Trail in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkGreen Lake's North Shore Trail in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Green Lake's North Shore Trail in Winter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

I parked at a different spot this morning and thus initially headed against my usual direction around the lake. The path was snowed in and walking was difficult but very enjoyable.

Snowed In Stairs to Green Lake, Orchard Park, New YorkSnowed In Stairs to Green Lake, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Snowed In Stairs to Green Lake, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

The stairs were not really there but the railing indicated which way to go, or slide down. I chickened out though and walked making sure my boot caught a solid footing with each step. I did not feel like nosediving.

Tracks around Frozen Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkTracks around Frozen Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Tracks around Frozen Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

Right by the lake I always appreciate the fact that I can get photographs of undisturbed snow as people usually do not venture into the knee deep snow. This morning I went for a different approach and created my own disturbance, the tracks along the lakeshore.

Green Lake Ice Crystals in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkGreen Lake Ice Crystals in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Green Lake Ice Crystals in Winter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

Aren't the ice crystals gorgeous? They would have made for a super macro photography theme too but I tried to make the most of what I had with me. I went as close as the lens could focus without going for a swim and am glad the texture made it into the photo. Nature's magic!

Snowed In Fence at Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkSnowed In Fence at Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Snowed In Fence at Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

Afterwards I went backwards in my usual direction and not only made it back to the parked car but also looped the other way. The split rail fence always challenges me to try to find a new angle, new look. This morning it threw me a freebie as it was buried in snow.

Basketball, Anybody? Yates Park in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkBasketball, Anybody? Yates Park in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Basketball, Anybody? Yates Park in Winter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

Clear blue sky, a basketball court, and a layer of snow covering it. I could not resist!

Tracks in Snow around Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkTracks in Snow around Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Tracks in Snow around Green Lake in Winter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

I decided I'd finish the whole roll of film so that I did not have to wait to process it. It was a splendid winter morning with lots of beauty around so why not? Instead of returning, I headed for the south shore where the dam is and walked down to Smoke Creek below the dam. I still struggle a bit accepting this new look. The old flow through the forest was so charming. This mostly deforested plain still looks too bare, too sad to me. Maybe one day nature will find a way to reclaim some of the lost ground?

Sunrise over Smoke Creek in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkSunrise over Smoke Creek in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Sunrise over Smoke Creek in Winter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

Here's some civilization too as we pass by the administrative buildings at Green Lake. Yes, I am pretty sure you have seen it in my photographs before too. I am pretty sure though that this was the first time with the 20mm lens.

Recreational Department in Yates Park in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkRecreational Department in Yates Park in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Recreational Department in Yates Park in Winter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

And for this scene, the super-wide angle lens definitely came in handy in all directions. I usually struggle to fit the building in but not this time. It all fit easily and I even made a few steps closer to avoid the blank foreground scenario.

United Materials, Industrial Orchard Park in Winter, New YorkUnited Materials, Industrial Orchard Park in Winter, New YorkYates Park

United Materials, Industrial Orchard Park in Winter, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

To close, another scene I struggle with. There used to be an old wooden pier serving as a boat launch but it succumbed to the passage of time and was replaced with this plastic monster. I really don't like it and usually can't even convince myself to take a picture here. Snow came to help though and since most of the plastic is covered I found the view acceptable to occupy 1 frame on the roll of Kodak Ektar.

Boat Launch in Hibernation, Green Lake, Orchard Park, New YorkBoat Launch in Hibernation, Green Lake, Orchard Park, New YorkYates Park

Boat Launch in Hibernation, Green Lake, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 Camera on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film, Developed in Cinestill C-41 KIT

So what do you think? Did you like this color edition better or are you a fan of the black and white one?

Thank you very much for stopping by and spending a few minutes with my photography :-)

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more winter photography hop over to the Winter Photo Collection.

Green Lake Bench is Occupied, Winter in Orchard Park, NY.Green Lake Bench is OccupiedWinter in Orchard Park Warm Water at Green Lake, Winter in Orchard Park, NYWarm Water at Green LakeWinter in Orchard Park Winter at Green Lake, Winter in Orchard Park, NYWinter at Green LakeWinter in Orchard Park

Creek through the Seasonal Woods, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY, Fall and Winter Battling it Out..Creek through the Seasonal WoodsWinter in Orchard Park Fall vs. Winter along the Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY, Fall and Winter Battling it Out.Fall vs Winter along the CreekWinter in Orchard Park

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy beautiful bright buffalo cityscape cold color colors ektar 100 film film photography green lake kodak landscape landscape photography light morning nature new york nikon f4 ny orchard park outdoors scenic sunrise town urban photography village winter yates park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/3/winter-color-theme-at-green-lake Mon, 24 Mar 2025 11:00:00 GMT Winter Theme at Green Lake https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/2/winter-theme-at-green-lake There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors here in Orchard Park and they are right at our finger tips. Up on the hill south of the village the Chestnut Ridge Park is the big one. East of the village Birdsong Park is another wonderful place to escape the civilization. But even right in the village Yates Park is beautiful in all seasons.

Winter at Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYWinter at Green LakeYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Winter at Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

It's 2 miles on foot for me to get to the park and we have integrated Yates Park into our walks for a while. Sometimes, it serves as the turnaround point and we circle around before heading back. Other times, we pass by and then complete the circle on the return leg of our walks. That all depends on how much time we have on our hands to keep on walking.

Green Lake Gazebo, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGreen Lake GazeboYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Green Lake Gazebo, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

Other times, Green Lake and Yates Park become my destination, especially when I plan on enjoying its beauty with a camera in my hand. I can easily spend an hour or more having fun here and that does not work too well with a non-photographer buddy tagging along. For these occasions I prefer to come alone. I don't feel bad slowing anyone else down and they're not driven crazy by my slow pace forward. But really, what does forward really mean in this case? Is it the progress in a certain direction? Is it the number of steps taken? Is it the number of frames captured? Or is it simply time spent enjoying the location? I bet that if you've ever accompanied a crazy photographer like me you get the idea.

Warm Water at Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYWarm Water at Green LakeYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Warm Water at Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

This post is based on photos from a single outing to Yates Park on a beautiful sunny winter's day. Sunny weather is quite rare here in Orchard Park, NY (and Buffalo or the whole Western New York in general) and when it happens it's great to take advantage of it. The timing was on my side and I was able to take an hour around noon to walk around, observe, enjoy, and find scenes to capture.

Green Lake South Shore, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGreen Lake South ShoreYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Green Lake South Shore, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

I put on high winter boots to be able to walk through the almost knee deep snow, drove to the park, and started my mission to find 36 perfect photos for a whole roll of black and white film. Specifically, I wanted to use one of two of my expired rolls of Ilford PanF Plus 50 film. While I had used the film before and liked the results I somehow did not reach for the rolls in several years. I prefer 400 speed film as it gives me more options for handholding even with an orange or red filter attached to the lens, effectively bringing my EV to 100.

Green Lake Bench is Occupied, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGreen Lake Bench is OccupiedYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Green Lake Bench is Occupied, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

I knew Ilford PanF has one specific quirk. While it is perfectly fine being a few years expired it suffers from amnesia. It is strongly recommended that it be developed promptly after exposing it, otherwise the captured moments fade almost like human memories. That's a paradox, isn't it? Photography is often said to preserve fleeting moments for eternity. With Ilford PanF it better be developed soon or that eternity becomes fairly short. I can't attest to this personally as I don't create long backlogs of film to be developed and I was not going to test it on this occasion. Thus, the goal was to finish the whole rolll so that I could develop it without worrying about the images disappearing like the moments in time.

Wide View of Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYWide View of Green LakeYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Wide View of Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

There were no tracks anywhere. While that is usually the case it still always surprises me. Such a wonderful area, so many sights to be had, yet, no one came to enjoy them? That's ok, I didn't mind and I came prepared with my boots. I circled around carefully to be able to frame some of my photographs with only that pristine undisturbed snow, while later including my own tracks in the photographs for different looks. I really liked this approach as it gives the photographs a different mood.

Green Lake Gazebo with a Hat, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGreen Lake Gazebo with a HatYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Green Lake Gazebo with a Hat, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

Overall, I photograph a lot more on the north side of Green Lake. This time, I switched the pace a bit, took a few initial pictures heading towards the bridge, crossed over, and focused on the south shore first. I repeated some of my past compositions there too but also found some new ones. And the generous amount of snow provided for new opportunities. Once satisfied and soundly into the second half of the roll I crossed back to the north shore and finished the roll there.

Green Lake in White, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGreen Lake in WhiteYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Green Lake in White, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

I had my 24mm lens mounted on the camera and focused on wide landscape photos. To darken the sky a bit I had orange filter attached. I really like that approach all year round but especially. in winter it nicely separates the white snow covered ground from the sky. Otherwise it might all get just too white, too blank. Since Ilford PanF is an ISO 50 speed film and the orange filter cuts further 2 stops of light I was at 1/60 second and f/8. I did not meter a single photo on the whole roll and went with this Sunny 16 based calculation the whole time. Id served me well in the past and yet again this day.

Green Lake Winter Theme, A Stump, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGreen Lake Winter Theme, A StumpYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Green Lake Winter Theme, A Stump, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

Another successful approach might be using an incident meter as opposed to reflective, which may be rather challenging with all of that snow around. I find that going with incident readings works very well with negative films that have a pretty good leeway towards overexposure. However, since this was a nice bright sunny day and midday too, the light was constant and there really was no reason to meter for each photo. Thus the good old Sunny 16. I did the simple math once at the beginning, set my manual exposure on the dials and not worried about it. That freed me to focus on composition instead of fiddling with the technology.

Green Lake Winter Theme, Buried Stump, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGreen Lake Winter Theme, Buried StumpYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Green Lake Winter Theme, Buried Stump, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

As you can see I finished the outing with some close ups of the winter scenes. With the 24mm lens that meant getting really, really close. And every time I thought I was close enough I had to crawl closer. I was down on my knees glad I came prepared for it in ski pants. A longer lens might have saved me the crawling in the snow but getting closer comes with a different perspective and I enjoyed it. Nothing wrong being a kid again and playing in snow, right?

Green Lake Winter Theme, Snow Capped Stump, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGreen Lake Winter Theme, Snow Capped StumpYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Green Lake Winter Theme, Snow Capped Stump, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Ilford PanF Plus 50 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

So that is it, a roll of 37 exposures full of new memories, camera packed in the bag, and I am heading home with the plan of developing and scanning the roll soon to prevent the PanF amnesia. And of course, I hope to take some of these to the darkroom and preserving them on paper rather than in bits on my hard drive and the World Wide Web.

35 mm Nikon FE film camera, Ilford PanF Plus 50 black and white negative filmNikon FE, Ilford PanF Plus 50 How do you preserve your photos for "eternity"? What is your goal with your photographs? Do you care what happens with the pictures once you're not around? Should they outlast us by at least a few years? A generation? Or two maybe? I am afraid not.

Thank you very much for stopping by and spending a few minutes with my photography. If you have something to say about any of it, please, drop me a note via the guestbook functionality, I would love to read what others think. I know blogs are a mostly one-way monologue but the guestbook does allow for a two-way interaction, even if underutilized.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection.

Hay Bales in Snow in Winter, Knox Farm, East Aurora, NYHay Bales in SnowWinter on Film Beautiful Barn in Winter, Back Roads of Orchard Park, New York.Beautiful Barn in WinterWinter on Film Winter On Draudt Road, Orchard Park, New York. Mamiya 645, Retropan 320, Kodak XTOLWinter On Draudt RoadWinter on Film

Snow Covered Spooky Winter Wetlands, Orchard Park, New YorkSpooky Winter WetlandsWinter on Film Through the Winter Landscape, Creek in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Through the Winter LandscapeWinter on Film

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w black and white buffalo cityscape film film photography green lake ilford landscape photography new york nikon fe ny orchard park outdoors panf plus 50 town urban photography winter yates park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/2/winter-theme-at-green-lake Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMT Winter's Around https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/1/winters-around This winter had a very hesitant arrival and mirrored the last few years. Some heavy snowfall in December followed by a warm up and a complete snowmelt down to grass. And repeat. January is trying to repair winter's reputation, temperatures have remained low, snow has arrived, and stuck around. While driving can be treacherous the landscape looks beautiful and even the urban scene looks clean and pretty. It's helping that it's so cold that salt does not work, and apparently municipalities are low on salt. So none of the dirty mush on the roads. Even those look pretty. And after all, driving on the plowed and packed snow might actually be safer than a few inches of slush.

Lamp in Snow, Winter in Western New York, Orchard Park, New York.Lamp in SnowWinter in Western New York

Lamp in Snow, Winter in Western New York, Orchard Park, New York

Put on some warm clothes and head out to enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland we now have. Who knows what the weather brings next.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Winter Rainbow at Niagara Falls, Goat Island, Luna Island, and American FallsWinter Rainbow at Niagara FallsWinter Film photography: Color of Wood, Rural Western New YorkColor of WoodWinter South End Marina Frozen & Wind-Swept by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Buffalo, New York (NY).Frozen & Wind-Swept by CargillWinter

Sunny not Warm, frozen winter wonderland at Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NYSunny but not WarmWinter The Earth is Round, An Ice Crack on Frozen Lake Erie in Hamburg near Buffalo, NY at sunsetThe Earth is RoundWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo lamp new york night orchard park season snow snowfall suburban urban photography winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/1/winters-around Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes XVIII: Pernštejn Castle, Brno https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/1/cyanotypes-xviii-pernstejn-castle-brno To my mom.

I am still not 100% sure how to feel about this cyanotype printing session. Sometimes, I know it was a bust. Other times, I get excited about the results, and printing more of them for toning and other experiments. This one landed somewhere in between. I was not disappointed but I also did not have the high of success. It was another printing session where I experimented with both the cyanotype negative tone curve as well as the paper. So much for working one variable at a time.

All of these prints are special as I was able to visit the locations with my mom. Longer distances and difficult terrain are no longer her forte but she wanted to join me for these trips and pushed through to victory. So while you don't see her in these prints I do. She's there!

Between Gates, Pernštejn Castle, CyanotypeBetween Gates, PernštejnCyanotype

Between Gates, Pernštejn Castle, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7"  Smooth Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth Strathmore 140lbs Watercolor Paper

As a result, you see 4 different papers featured in today's post from the smoothest UCreate 90lbs paper to the roughest Shizen Design 140lbs. In general, I am still a huge fan of the Shizen Design paper, its very rough texture, and somewhat unpredictable results. That paper also requires a bit more contrast in the negative as it's the overall form that is important, not the details. The details just get lost. Not all subjects land themselves well to that lo-fi solution. I am slowly learning which paper to start with and based on the look how to adjust.

The first two prints are from the wonderful Pernštejn Castle located in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands of the Czech Republic. You have seen the castle on this blog before and I am sure you will see it again. Both of these are on a heavier weight Strathmore paper that is not as smooth as the basic UCreate paper but its texture is very subtle.

The view below is one of the most obvious and overused cliches at this location but I can never resist anyway. I always try to find something new but also repeat my previous favorites. After all, no two days are the same, the weather, the light, the seasons, the camera, the film. There are just so many variables that it would be rather difficult to leave with an identical photo as before. The small courtyard just past the gate gives the Pernštejn castle a wonderful fairy-tale setting. And the bridge connecting the castle to the tower in the distance is a signature feature of the castle. After re-tuning my negative contrast I was quite pleased with how the cobblestone in the shadows of the gate came through.

Through the Inner Gate, Pernštejn Castle, CyanotypeThrough the Inner Gate, PernštejnCyanotype

Through the Inner Gate, Pernštejn Castle , Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Smooth Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth Strathmore 140lbs Watercolor Paper

From the Pernštejn Castle we are moving to Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic. Our first stop was Petrov, the short local name for the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. As we circled around it and were about to pass through the stone gate I noticed the view up to the right over the wonderful street lamp and its shadow. And I am quite happy with how it came through on the softer textured watercolor paper.

Petrov Cathedral Architecture, CyanotypePetrov ArchitectureCyanotype

Petrov Cathedral Architecture, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Textured Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Meeden 140lbs Watercolor Paper

I attempted the same print on the rough lo-fi Shizen Design watercolor paper but as you can see, it did not suit this scene so well. I feel that too much of the detail disappeared and the above version is the stronger one.

Petrov Cathedral Architecture, Rough Textured CyanotypePetrov ArchitectureRough Cyanotype

Petrov Cathedral Architecture, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Rough Textured Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Rough Textured Shizen Design 140lbs Watercolor Paper

Our next stop was by the city hall where I climbed the tower for a bird's eye view of the city below and the Špilberk Castle in the distance (top left). For this print, I felt I wanted as much of a photo-like print as possible. I wanted a close match to what a darkroom print would look like just in blue and without the darkness. Therefore, I reached for the paper that preserves the most detail, the smooth UCreate 90lbs watercolor paper. And with the new lower contrast curve for my negative I was able to get very close. Well at least in my head I did. Since I have not made this as a darkroom print yet I can't really tell. I can imagine it though. Maybe still a bit light in the highlights but overall a good range of tones.

Brno City Hall Tower View, CyanotypeBrno City Hall Tower ViewCyanotype

Brno City Hall Tower View, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 4" x 6" Smooth Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth UCreate 90lbs Watercolor Paper

The final print below is from the same 4" x 6" negative but on 5" x 7" textured Meeden watercolor paper. That paper usually loses some detail and darkens the scene a notch. That was why I chose it to see what would happen with the highlights. And it did not disappoint. The "framed" look on the larger paper also adds another variation that I usually do not go for but wanted to try it again.

Brno City Hall Tower View Variation, CyanotypeBrno City Hall Tower ViewCyanotype Variation

Brno City Hall Tower View Variation, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Textured Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Meeden 140lbs Watercolor Paper

Thanks for joining me for another adventure with cyanotypes. This was the 18th "episode" and since I am behind on posting, I can already share with you that I have enough material for several more. If only there were more hours in each day. Photographic printing is so much fun!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside - 12. Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle - 13. Cyanotypes XIII: American History - 14. Cyanotypes XIV: Gulf Shores, Alabama - 15. Cyanotypes XV: Different Take on Travel Photography - 16. Cyanotypes XVI: Nostalgic Pernštejn - 16. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations - 17. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations - 18. Cyanotypes XVIII: Pernštejn, Brno

If you like cyanotypes, you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy!

Helfštýn Castle Tower and Walls Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic..Helfštýn Castle Tower and WallsCyanotype Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech RepublicKarlštejn Castle Tower and WallsCyanotype Pernštejn Castle Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Pernštejn CastleCyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative alternative process analog black and white blue brno castle cyanotype czech republic darkroom historic monochrome pernstejn technique textured variations watercolor paper https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2025/1/cyanotypes-xviii-pernstejn-castle-brno Mon, 06 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMT Niagara-on-the-Lake on Black and White Film https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/12/niagara-on-the-lake-on-black-and-white-film Classic 35mm Nikon FE Film CameraNikon FE Never say never, however, I am pretty sure this will be my final post for 2024. This year, I shared more photographs with you in longer posts but had fewer total posts. December extended that streak as this is shaping up to be the only post of the month. The annual total stands at 29, just over 2 posts a month. A few productive months came to the rescue.

In another reflection, I started this blog in 2012. A dozen years later here we are closing 2024. How long do blogs last on average? Should one stop and move on to other things? When? I personally enjoy working on this blog more than any social media out there. I believe the most people see my photography right here on this blog. But there is no interaction. But is there really much interaction on social media? I stopped posting to Instagram a while back, I still have but stopped updating my Facebook photo page, I continue posting to my personal Facebook, and I am freshly trying Bluesky Social. I would not be surprised if I gave up most of those in 2025. With Facebook, the last thing keeping me there are there groups. Then again, is the extremely limited interaction really worth feeding the beat? What do you think? What's a good approach to all of this with one's photography? Does it have to be seen? Does anyone care?

I also tried participating in several photo swap groups that would mail physical prints once a month but those ended up being problematic too. Not everyone was ready to uphold their side of the bargain. The last one I am in is a postcard exchange. It's simple and cheap enough to keep it going. Yes, for being worldwide, its monthly participation has been at 20 - 30 people. Unfortunately, the platform it's run on does not allow for easy link sharing to try to advertise it more.

Inside Fort Mississauga, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nikon FE, Fomapan 400, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Inside Fort MississaugaNiagara-on-the-Lake

Inside Fort Mississauga, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Fomapan 400 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

Let's try to get back to the topic on hand. The last time I was in Niagara-on-the-Lake was in the fall of 2019 for another photo walk. Wow, five years have gone by like crazy. And guess what? True to my photo backlog, the photographs from that photo walk are still awaiting posting. Same as last time, I had two cameras with me. One loaded with color film and the one relevant for today's post, a Nikon FE, loaded with black and white Fomapan 400. While I was mostly using the FE2 in 2024 I swapped them back to make sure the original FE gets some exercise. It holds its nostalgic value for being the camera that restarted me on film back in 2015.

Locked Gate in Fort Mississauga, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nikon FE, Fomapan 400, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Locked Gate in Fort MississaugaNiagara-on-the-Lake

Locked Gate in Fort Mississauga, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Fomapan 400 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

I only got through 21 frames on this visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake and the roll had to wait for the next opportunity, which became the November TFS photo walk. And there was a surprise element to the roll after the fact too. I did not know about that when I captured these photos but I later decided to deviate from my usual D-23 developer and run the roll through the Rollei Supergrain developer. The slight catch with that was that I got used to exposing Fomapan 400 at 200 for my D-23 development and even then I get moderately dense lower contrast negatives. When I pulled the roll out of the development tank I was a bit afraid I took things too far but scanning proved quite flexible again. However, I will say that thinner lower contrast negatives work better for me for scanning. For darkroom, what I got out of Rollei Supergrain should work very well but I can't confirm that until I try.

Above Fort Mississauga, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nikon FE, Fomapan 400, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Above Fort MississaugaNiagara-on-the-Lake

Above Fort Mississauga, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Fomapan 400 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

We started at Fort Mississauga, which I had not visited before. A single building remains surrounded by earthworks walls. I am glad we stopped by this time, it inspired a few photographs. The fort is at the mouth of the Niagara River into Lake Ontario, another wonderful sight on its own. And in the distance across the river is Forth Niagara.

End of the Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nikon FE, Fomapan 400, Rollei Supergrain Developer.End of the Niagara RiverNiagara-on-the-Lake

End of the Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Fomapan 400 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

From the end of the river we walked south, up the river, towards the sun. We did not have a specific path planned, just the loose southbound direction to make it over to the next checkpoint at Fort George. We followed the river, went through a park, by a cemetery, and back to the riverside passing some wonderful houses along the way. Some reminded me of days gone by, some seemed like really cozy locations at incredible spots.

Old House, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nikon FE, Fomapan 400, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Old HouseNiagara-on-the-Lake

Old House, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Fomapan 400 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

Look at this riverside house below. Not sure how large or small it is inside but it's definitely at a great location. Wouldn't it make for wonderful photographic expeditions at sunrise, sunset, or really anytime?

Riverside House, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nikon FE, Fomapan 400, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Riverside HouseNiagara-on-the-Lake

Riverside House, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Fomapan 400 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

Finally away from the river it was towards Fort George. The Harbor House Hotel proved to be irresistibly eye-catching. I already have some cyanotypes in the works and hope to take this frame to the darkroom too.

The Harbor House Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nikon FE, Fomapan 400, Rollei Supergrain Developer.The Harbor House HotelNiagara-on-the-Lake

The Harbor House Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Fomapan 400 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

Even the visitor center at Fort George provided fertile ground for capturing a few scenes.

Fort George Visitor Center, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nikon FE, Fomapan 400, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Fort George Visitor CenterNiagara-on-the-Lake

Fort George Visitor Center, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Fomapan 400 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

The wood grain pattern on the fence posts was what prompted me to take the below photo. The whole fence here was painted with it as if nature's graffiti.

Fort George Fence Pattern, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nikon FE, Fomapan 400, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Fort George Fence PatternNiagara-on-the-Lake

Fort George Fence Pattern, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Fomapan 400 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

This was the turning point of our walk but before turning around and heading back we circled the whole fort. It was a wonderful day so why not add some more steps to keep the health app happy? The fence, the earthworks, peeks inside, and even vegetation kept the shutter clicking.

Old Gate & Vine, Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nikon FE, Fomapan 400, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Old Gate & Vine, Fort GeorgeNiagara-on-the-Lake

Old Gate & Vine, Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Fomapan 400 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

I was really happy to find the above gate at the very back of Fort George. The wood and the ironwork kept it looking vintage, unlike some other gates, and the vine beautifully added to its charm. Again, I hope to run this photograph through traditional darkroom, a cyanotype process, and maybe I will even feel creative enough to try my hand in with printing, which I have not done in all too long.

Buttler's Barracks, Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nikon FE, Fomapan 400, Rollei Supergrain Developer.Buttler's Barracks, Fort GeorgeNiagara-on-the-Lake

Buttler's Barracks, Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE Camera on Fomapan 400 Black & White Negative Film, Developed in Rollei Supergrain

On the way back, we cut through some open fields and ended up at Buttler's Barracks, learning about another piece of history there. From the barracks, it was back to town for lunch, and then the not so distance car ride back home.

Thank you very much for stopping by and spending a few minutes with my photography.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection.

Street Flower Market, Toronto, Canada.Street Flower Market, TorontoToronto, Canada Gardiner Museum, Toronto, CanadaGardiner MuseumToronto Ontario Legislative Library, Toronto, CanadaOntario Legislative LibraryToronto

Duke of Kent Pub, Midtown Toronto, Canada. 35mm Nikon FE2, Agent Shadow 400, D-23 developer.Duke of Kent PubMidtown Toronto Subway Tracks & Train, Midtown Toronto, Canada. 35mm Nikon FE2, Agent Shadow 400, D-23 developer.Subway Tracks & TrainMidtown Toronto

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w black and white canada film film photography foma fomapan 400 fort fort george fort mississauga niagara-on-the-lake nikon fe ontario town urban photography https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/12/niagara-on-the-lake-on-black-and-white-film Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMT Waxing Gibbous, Yes, The Moon https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/11/waxing-gibbous-yes-the-moon It has not been all that long and I am back with another moon blog post. The previous one, on September 19, was about the partial lunar eclipse we had here in Orchard Park, New York (Litany of moon titles, including an eclipse). While an eclipse is a very special event, whether solar or lunar, the full moon is not lit all that well for a portrait photo. The full frontal light just flattens everything out into a shadowless 2D object. So right then and there I decided I had to follow up when the moon was side lit to capture its surface with a hint of 3D features.

Waxing Gibbous Moon, 59%, October 11, 2024.Waxing Gibbous Moon, 59%October 11, 2024

Waxing Gibbous Moon, 59%, October 11, 2024

The above moon photo definitely proves the point and the craters come more alive than in the lunar eclipse post. However, I thought that a lot of the wonderful craters at the top and bottom were still hiding in the shadow and another day or two would further enhance the view.

Waxing Gibbous Moon, 70%, October 12, 2024Waxing Gibbous Moon, 70%October 12, 2024

Waxing Gibbous Moon, 70%, October 12, 2024

And that extra day worked like magic. It's rather impressive how much things change in only 24 hours. The moon illumination went from 59% to 70%, lit up additional craters, and made for a better photo. I also continued to improve my technique and ended up with an even sharper photo. The biggest difference on top of all of the steps I shared last time? Shutter speed. It turns out that at a 560mm of magnification, the moon moves through the frame rather quickly. And thus, 1/60 sec does not really freeze the motion sufficiently. What a difference 1 stop can make at 1/125 sec! Yep, that's the secret of the second photo here today.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy celestial depth eclipse lunar moon night sky outdoors shadows sharpness surface waxing gibbous moon https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/11/waxing-gibbous-yes-the-moon Mon, 18 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMT Moody Sunset over Green Lake, Orchard Park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/11/moody-sunset-green-lake-orchard-park Nikon N75 at Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY.Nikon N75 at Green LakeYates Park, Orchard Park, NY If you missed my last post I introduced a new photo collection of my local photographs from Orchard Park, NY. You can either scroll further down or click on the link I am sharing here. If you are from the Buffalo, New York area you may find some familiar sights, find ideas for a trip, or engage in a dose of nostalgia. At the time of sharing the new collection there were 161 photographs ranging from urban photography to natural landscape, from spring to winter, from sunrise to sunset, from color to black and white.

Today is a short continuation of the topic with a few photographs from the beautiful Green Lake located in Yates Park in the village of Orchard Park. It's a small park but a true gem. Some people stop and park there car there on their way to work to watch the daybreak, others do the same at the opposite side of the day for a sunset. There are a lot of people walking their dogs or on their own. For us it often serves as a wonderful turning point on our walks. When timing is on your side the small lake can provide quite the sights.

The warm light of the low setting sun can bathe the lake and the whole park in warm light and vivid colors and add photogenic long shadows to the scene. That's what you can see in the first photograph of today's post. Over the years I have tried many variations on the bridge, the gazebo, and the path winding through the western end of the park. It's always fun to play with angles and focal lengths and discover new opportunities. Some days I come with a fixed focal length forcing me to think through that eye into the world, other times like on this occasion, I will have a zoom lens that changes the process a bit and allows me to crop into the selected perspective. I always have to remind myself though that zooming does not change the perspective itself, it only resizes the visible window. To change perspective, one must rely on their legs and move around.

Footbridge at Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYFootbridge at Green LakeYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Footbridge at Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon N75 camera on Kodak Colorplus Color Negative Film

Clouds always completely change how the last few minutes of the day play out. In the below photograph, a layer of clouds low on the horizon speeded up the sunset and turned the bright warm contrasty light into a subtle diffused moody illumination. What a change a few minutes and turning around can make!

All Quiet over Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYAll Quiet over Green LakeYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

All Quiet over Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon N75 camera on Kodak Colorplus Color Negative Film

And again, just a few minutes later and several steps forward and we have the scene below. I know, one of the differences between the two is that I did not get the color balance in sync after scanning them from the Kodak Colorplus 200 film. Above has a hint of a green tint, the below more purple. But I liked the two varieties and left them like that. This can happen with film and scanning or with digital. With film, you get the initial rendering based on your scanning software and can choose to go in any direction from there. With digital, you get the initial take based on the camera software or the RAW processor on your computer. Either way technology selects the default and then it's up to you to interpret the scene. You can try to make it look as close to what you remember, to what you think looks natural, you can stick with the default, or you can lean into the bias and go with mood and feeling.

Falling Behind the Trees, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYFalling Behind the TreesYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Falling Behind the Trees, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon N75 camera on Kodak Colorplus Color Negative Film

As I continued my loop around the lake I looked for the vantage point in the last photograph of today's post. A few days prior I stood there without a camera with just my old smart phone in my hand and really liked the partially obstructed view through the trees. I wanted to come back as soon as possible knowing everything changes fast, including the timing of the sunset and the sun's position. Unfortunately, a few bad weather days interfered and I was not able to return until several days later. I found the location and sure enough everything looked just a little different. And of course, the zoom lens provided for different interpretations cutting different size windows from the reality in front of me.

Green Lake Sunset Mood, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYGreen Lake Sunset MoodYates Park, Orchard Park, NY

Green Lake Sunset Mood, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film

I hope you've enjoyed today's return to Orchard Park, New York. I am sure I will be back many more times. We're enjoying this strange extended Indian summer now and while enjoyable it makes me wonder how dearly we will pay for it. Yesterday, Lake Erie was at 56ºF. Do we have a hefty lake effect snow in our near future? Is it going to be a solid cold white winter with La Niña taking the reins? Or is it going to be the dirty gray look of the previous two seasons? I have no idea but we will learn it soon enough.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Shelter and Grill in the Woods, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York. Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400, C-41.Shelter and Grill in the WoodsOrchard Park, NY Decorated Welcome! Sign, The Village of Orchard Park, New YorkWelcome! The Village of Orchard ParkOrchard Park, NY The Lost Mossy Well House, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York. Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400, C-41.The Lost Mossy Well HouseOrchard Park, NY

Pumpkins for the Fall at the Chamber of Commerce, Orchard Park, New YorkPumpkins at the Chamber of CommerceOrchard Park, NY What's Left of the Fall at the Train Depot, Orchard Park, New YorkWhat's Left of the Fall at the Train DepotOrchard Park, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy cityscape colors fall film kodak Kodak Colorplus 200 landscape light moody nature new york nikon n75 ny orchard park outdoors photography sunset urban water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/11/moody-sunset-green-lake-orchard-park Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:48:24 GMT New Photo Collection: Orchard Park, New York https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/10/new-photo-collection-orchard-park-new-york I have wanted to do this for years! There are many photo collections missing from my Collections page but this one has been the most obvious one. How obvious? I have just gone through my urban photographs (Buffalo Cityscapes) and landscape photographs (Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes) and found the two galleries included 161 photographs from Orchard Park, NY. That is obvious, isn't it?

Orchard Park, New York Collage, Fourteen Years, Twenty PhotosOrchard Park, New York CollageFourteen Years, Twenty Photos

Orchard Park, New York Collage
Fourteen Years, Twenty Photos

Do you want to see the whole collection of photographs of Orchard Park, NY that this small photo selection is from? Click through to Orchard Park, NY and enjoy. For those technically minded, this is a mix of digital photographs and photographs captured on various film stocks.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog cityscape collage digital documentary film fourteen years landscape natural orchard park photography seasons time twenty photos urban years https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/10/new-photo-collection-orchard-park-new-york Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/10/cyanotypes-xvii-rajhrad-monastery-variations Rajhrad Monastery Entrance, Reference Black and White Photo, Nikon FE and Fomapan 400, Czech RepublicRajhrad Monastery EntranceReference B&W Photo In today's seventeenth article on cyanotypes I am sticking with a single photograph but am exploring the different looks one gets by choosing different papers. The photo was originally photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE camera on Fomapan 400 black and white film and developed in Fomadon LQN. For reference, I am including a thumbnail of the original black and white photograph here.

35mm Nikon FE with a 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lensNikon FENikon FE, 24mm f/2.8 As I walked around the old monastery there was a lot to photograph. There are areas that talk to what the life at the monastery is like, there are beautifully renovated sections, and there are sections that still need a lot of help. The main entrance is part of the renovated building and is truly beautiful. I had no doubt that it needed to be photographed.  The entrance and the whole area around the monastery provided a perfect subject matter for the old camera and a black and white film. And yes, as with all of my trips to the Czech Republic this one was no different and a Czech-made Fomapan 400 was the perfect capture medium.

Throughout my cyanotype printing I have confirmed the basic aspect of paper selection that seems to be a common sense. If you want details go for smooth paper. If detail is less important gentle or even a rough texture can be introduced. Some papers render clear white highlights and some pull them back a bit.

Rajhrad Monastery Entrance, Smooth Watercolor Paper Cyanotype, Czech RepublicRajhrad Monastery EntranceSmooth Watercolor Paper Cyanotype

Rajhrad Monastery Entrance, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7"  Smooth Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Smooth Watercolor Paper

When I started with cyanotypes I was looking at them as an alternative process to darkroom. And since darkroom prints come out with plenty of detail I wanted my cyanotype prints to be more lo-fi. Thus I immediately gravitated to papers with a lot of texture. I also did not care about a smooth coating of the sensitizer and instead intentionally used less of it and made sure my brush strokes left visible trails. I still love that rough look of a contrasty print on the Shizen Design watercolor paper but I have also tried to match paper to the photograph.

Rajhrad Monastery Entrance, Textured Meeden Watercolor Paper CyanotypeRajhrad Monastery EntranceTextured Watercolor Paper Cyanotype

Rajhrad Monastery Entrance, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Textured Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Meeden Watercolor Paper

While some photographs lend themselves really well to the lo-fi look others need their contrast a bit more balance. Losing the midtowns can mean losing the picture. And the same goes for the texture. Some photos have enough large defining features that losing the fine detail in the texture is alright or even better as the content gets simplified down to the basic building blocks.

Rajhrad Monastery Entrance, Rough Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper Cyanotype, Czech RepublicRajhrad Monastery EntranceRough Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper Cyanotype

Rajhrad Monastery Entrance, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Rough Textured Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Rough Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper

Today's photo is an example of one that seemed to work really well across all of the paper choices. The opening print shows the pure whites of the smooth (and the cheapest here) watercolor paper, Meeden watercolor pulls the highlights back slightly so while some details are lost due to the paper texture others are added as the highlights are brought in.

On that note, yes, I could have played more with the curve for my negatives to insure no highlights are lost but I did not. I still like to lean into the lo-fi look and let each print do its thing. Some work, some don't. Maybe overtime I will do some more tweaking but I definitely do not want to lose the surprise factor and the counterbalance to today's digital perfection. After all, If I wanted these to be perfect I could either go back to the darkroom, or even simulate the cyanotype blues with an inkjet print.

Rajhrad Monastery Entrance, Deckled Edge Egyptian Cotton Watercolor Paper Cyanotype, Czech RepublicRajhrad Monastery EntranceDeckled Edge Watercolor Paper Cyanotype

Rajhrad Monastery Entrance, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 4" x 6" Deckled Edge Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Egyptian Cotton Deckled Edge Watercolor Paper

The print on Egyptian Cotton is more new to me, I have just started experimenting with that. I definitely like the deckled edges on this variety as it adds to the lo-fi and an old-time look. Unlike my usual 5" x 7" prints this one is 4" x 6" and I do not make smaller negatives for it. I place it under the negative so that it further crops into the picture without losing critical features along the edges.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside - 12. Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle - 13. Cyanotypes XIII: American History - 14. Cyanotypes XIV: Gulf Shores, Alabama - 15. Cyanotypes XV: Different Take on Travel Photography - 16. Cyanotypes XVI: Nostalgic Pernštejn - 16. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations - 17. Cyanotypes XVII: Rajhrad Monastery Variations

If you like cyanotypes, you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy!

Helfštýn Castle Tower and Walls Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic..Helfštýn Castle Tower and WallsCyanotype Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech RepublicKarlštejn Castle Tower and WallsCyanotype Pernštejn Castle Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Pernštejn CastleCyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative alternative process analog black and white blue church cyanotype czech republic darkroom historic monastery monochrome rajhrad technique textured variations watercolor paper https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/10/cyanotypes-xvii-rajhrad-monastery-variations Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:29:42 GMT A Walk through Fall Orchard Park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/10/a-walk-through-fall-orchard-park With the Fall of 2024 on the scene I'd like to share a few photos from a photo walk through the Village of Orchard Park last year, fall of 2023. We're starting appropriately by the decorated village welcome sign.

Welcome! The Village of Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative FilmWelcome!Village of Orchard Park, NY

Welcome! The Village of Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film

These Orchard Park walks with a camera in hand have become my favorite. As time passes by, things change, and it is interesting to realize the changes and remember the time when I took a photograph of something changed forever, something that is no more, or on the other hand a place that now has something new in it.

Colors, Orchard Park, New York. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 camera on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film.ColorsVillage of Orchard Park, NY

Colors, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film

Take for example the eastern side of the Green Lake. Yep, the dam side. With the "recent" repairs it looks completely different. And it looks a little less natural now, with more concrete on the shore, some trees gone, and even the woods down below the dam have been cut down significantly. Or Custard Lite becoming C's Custard Delight.

What's Left of the Fall at the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film.What's Left of the Fall at the Train DepotVillage of Orchard Park, NY

What's Left of the Fall at the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film

Or the photograph above, the Train Depot's platform getting a complete overhaul and looking like new! Or if we were going to turn 180- degrees and look towards the railroad bridge we'd no longer see tracks but a Rails to Trails path.

Pumpkins at the Chamber of Commerce, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film.Pumpkins at the Chamber of CommerceVillage of Orchard Park, NY

Pumpkins at the Chamber of Commerce, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film

Look below, the Ginger Snap Patisserie is a relatively new addition to the village of Orchard Park having replaced the Gingham Gallery, I believe in 2021. Wow, a recent change and it's been three years already. A wonderful café and I hope they stay a long time. It seems that running a small business in Orchard Park is rather challenging.

Fall Decoration at Ginger Snap Patisserie, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film.Fall Decoration at Ginger Snap PatisserieVillage of Orchard Park, NY

Fall Decoration at Ginger Snap Patisserie, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film

Look at all of those colors too, whether the decorations or what Mother Nature brings. Fall is just such a wonderful burst of color and it's hard to get enough knowing what change is coming. It's not really winter that bothers me as I can enjoy a well made winter. It's the six months of gray that can get rather tedious. Weird, isn't it? I enjoy black and white photography a lot, yet, the lack of color in the world around for an extended period of time can get to me. It is the gloomy nature of it though. Cover the landscape with fresh white snow, clear the sky of the blanked of the monotonous solid layer of textureless clouds, place the wonderful sun there, and all of a sudden it is a happy scene, in color or in black and white. It creates an intense anticipation of the next season, spring.

The Lounging Leopard Gifts, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film.The Lounging Leopard GiftsVillage of Orchard Park, NY

The Lounging Leopard Gifts, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film

Doesn't Green Lake look wonderful in blue surrounded by golden warm tones of the season? It's such a little think, but I've come to enjoy this little section of the lakeshore so much. I always remember to walk this path and turn around and see how the scene looks at that moment, knowing it will never look the same again, no matter how hard one might try. But maybe that is just a visual challenge of a person with a camera in hand all too often. Does everyone notice the fleeting nature of moments like this?

Remnants of Fall at Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film.Remnants of Fall at Green LakeVillage of Orchard Park, NY

Remnants of Fall at Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Agfa Vista 200 Color Negative Film

35mm Minolta XG7 Film CameraMinolta XG735mm Film Camera We've also reached the end of today's walk, almost back where we started. I already have similar walks through Orchard Park that I would love to post soon, and I am sure there will be more in the future. However, if you have been to my blog here and there, you know that I love photography too much to be able to keep up with it in my posts to this website, or anywhere. My backlog is too long to ever catch up on and maybe that's just fine. 

I hope you've enjoyed the short visit to Orchard Park 2023 and if you live in the area, maybe you can try ti spot what's already different just about a year later. Do the decorations look the same? Are the even there? Did the storefronts change their look? Are all of the trees still in their place? There's only one way to know. Well, maybe two. You can head out on your own and check things out or you can wait for me to blog about it someday. The choice is yours.

Thanks so much for visiting! If you like the imagery, by all means, please, scroll to older posts or use the search to find posts about whatever topic that you might be wondering about. As years go by, my reference library is growing and I personally like that aspect of my website the most. It documents things that surround me and it documents my journey through photography that started in 2004 with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ10.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Orchard Park Historical Society Museum in Italian style Jolls House south of Buffalo, New York (NY).Historical Society MuseumOrchard Park, NY This Way to SPOT Coffee Orchard Park, NY at sunriseThis Way to SPOT CoffeeOrchard Park, NY Fall Colors by the Train Depot - Orchard Park - Buffalo, NYFall Colors by the Train DepotOrchard Park, NY

Custard Lite Ice Cream Stand under Stormy Sky, Orchard Park, NY (near Buffalo)Custard LiteOrchard Park, NY Kaylena Marie's Bakery on New Year's Day; Winter in Orchard Park, NYKaylena Marie's Bakery on New Year's DayOrchard Park, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy agfa agfa vista buffalo changes cityscape colors film landscape minolta XG-7 new york ny orchard park photography time urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/10/a-walk-through-fall-orchard-park Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:56:28 GMT Finality https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/9/finality The longer I take pictures the more examples of the finality of everything I have. Things change all the time, day to day, week to week, and over the years. And then things are just no more. Take your pictures today, take them now!

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Winter Theme, East Aurora, New YorkRed Cottage at Knox Farm, Winter ThemeEast Aurora, New York

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Winter Theme, East Aurora, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Zeiss Ikon Contessa camera on Kodak Colorplus 200 Color Negative Film

This post is about a house, an old red cottage at Knox Farm in East Aurora, that I liked to photograph over many years. It would have probably called out to me in any color but the red just gave it the eye-catching old barn look. It also stood out in its surroundings, green in summer, white in winter.

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Cross-Processed Winter Theme, East Aurora, New YorkRed Cottage at Knox Farm, Cross-Processed Winter ThemeEast Aurora, New York

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Cross-Processed Winter Theme, East Aurora, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic camera on Fuji Velvia 50 Slide Film, Cross-Processed in C-41 chemicals

I photographed the cottage in all seasons, in different weather, with different cameras, and on different film. I even dared to mess with the red color!

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Lomochrome Turquoise Theme, East Aurora, New YorkRed Cottage at Knox Farm, Lomochrome Turquoise ThemeEast Aurora, New York

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Lomochrome Turquoise Theme, East Aurora, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta SRT202 camera on Lomochrome Turquoise Color Negative Film

And I also captured the "no color" black and white versions that always seem to invoke the days gone by and a dose of nostalgia.

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Black & White Theme, East Aurora, New YorkRed Cottage at Knox Farm, Black & White ThemeEast Aurora, New York

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Black & White Theme, East Aurora, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic camera on Fomapan 400 Black and White Negative Film

As you can see from these photos, there certainly were warning signs of time creeping up on this structure. I always wondered whether some miraculous funds would show up to save it or not.

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Winter Black & White Theme, East Aurora, New YorkRed Cottage at Knox Farm, Winter Black & White ThemeEast Aurora, New York

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Winter Black & White Theme, East Aurora, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Negative Film

And then one day the answer laid in front of me and I even briefly wondered whether I was at the right place. Not only was the cottage gone without a trace but the lot was overgrown by grass as if the spot has been empty for many years. How does something disappear without a trace and gets replaced so quickly as if it never existed?

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Gone with the Wind Theme, East Aurora, New YorkRed Cottage at Knox Farm, Gone with the Wind ThemeEast Aurora, New York

Red Cottage at Knox Farm, Gone with the Wind Theme, East Aurora, New York
Photographed with an iPhone 7

Yes, existential questions now, questions about the purpose of life and more. So long, old red cottage!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection.

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy cottage countryside east aurora farm film photography finality house knox farm now old red rural https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/9/finality Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:00:00 GMT Litany of moon titles, including an eclipse https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/9/litany-of-moon-titles-including-an-eclipse A full Moon, Super Moon, Harvest Moon, Corn Moon, and a few other titles I am leaving off as I have never heard of them before. These were all titles that the full moon of September 17, 2024 deserved.

Full Harvest Moon, Super Moon, Corn Moon, September 17, 2024Full Harvest MoonSeptember 17, 2024

Full Harvest Moon, Super Moon, Corn Moon, September 17, 2024

And just in case that list of titles was not enough the full moon was also promptly followed by a partial lunar eclipse. At 8% it was not as striking and if one did not know about the event it was easy to miss it. But it was also easy to see with bare eyes knowing about it.

Partial Lunar Eclipse, September 17, 2024Partial Lunar EclipseSeptember 17, 2024

Partial Lunar Eclipse, September 17, 2024

On the technical side, these photos have been captured with a Nikon D610 and the Nikon AF VR ED Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5 - f/5.6D lens fully extended to 400mm and mounted on the Kenko 1.4x Teleplus Pro 300 teleconverter for a total reach of 560mm. I have used wired cable release to allow everything to settle down after obtaining auto-focus. I also used the mirror lock-up feature and allowed for 5 - 10 seconds between lifting the mirror and firing the shutter. Oh, and did I mention the lens was attached to a tripod using its tripod collar?

While full moons are impressive to photograph and lunar eclipses are too, I believe the other moon phases where the moon is not fully front-lit actually result in better defined photos of the moon. As usual, shadows help add depth. I'll try to follow up this post soon with a comparison to a Waning Gibbous or Third Quarter Moon.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Full Blue Moon over Knox FarmFull Blue MoonKnox Farm Blue Moon over the Skyline of Buffalo, New York (NY), August 2012.Blue MoonBuffalo, NY Full Moon rising over the skyline of downtown Buffalo, emerging low right in between buildings.Full MoonBuffalo, New York

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy celestial eclipse full moon harvest moon lunar moon night sky outdoors partial lunar eclipse https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/9/litany-of-moon-titles-including-an-eclipse Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:00:00 GMT Driftwood https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/9/driftwood Classic 35mm Nikon FE2 Film CameraNikon FE2 This was a very fun photo series I did back in the spring. During one of my visits to the local Hamburg Beach there was a lot of drift wood pushed up the beach after the fall and winter seasons and some of it was rather picturesque. It happens every year and is the result of the beach being in the southeast corner of Lake Erie.

I returned back within just a few days but to my surprise, I found the beach almost empty, all debris cleared. The crews must have been very busy. As so many times, it confirmed that if there is a picture to be taken, it should be done right away. Returning back to improve or revisit is always an option but one has to start somewhere. And if it is a unique situation that catches one's eye, no time should be wasted. Clearly, a beach can be cleaned, trees can disappear, old barns can collapse, and my most recent experience showed that a whole house can disappear without a trace (other than the empty lot).

Broken Staff, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York.Broken Staff2024 Driftwood Series

Broken Staff, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Not all was lost though, there were still a few pieces of driftwood either freshly washed up or able to escape their removal. It was a different approach to the planned Drift Wood series but I liked the challenge of searching for subject matter. After all, what's there to complain about walking around a beach and watching waves crashing in? Yes, it was after some weather moved through and the lake was rather talkative.

Driftwood Pattern, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New YorkDriftwood Pattern2024 Driftwood Series

Driftwood Pattern, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Each piece of wood was different. Some caught my eye by their shape, some by their texture, some by the place they were at and interacted with their surroundings, some a combination. The driftwood above had a great texture and contrasted the rocks it parked on.

Drums, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New YorkDrums2024 Driftwood Series

Drums, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Even from a distance the two logs above reminded me of drums. You don't see it? Well, I did and quite convincingly. Maybe it had something to do with me hanging around a marching band, maybe it was just wild imagination, but I had no doubts. I photographed the two a few times from different angles and in the end struggled picking just one. As you can see, the sun cooperated quite well of a beach scene helping with illumination, contrast, and even providing some shadows.

Drum & Stick, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New YorkDrum & Stick2024 Driftwood Series

Drum & Stick, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

And look, another drum and this one even with a stick. Maybe it was a hint and I should have drummed a beat of a favorite song. Instead, I performed my little photo dance looking for the best perspective.

Above the Beach, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New YorkAbove the Beach2024 Driftwood Series

Above the Beach, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Just about midway through my wondering about I looked away from the lake towards the cliff above the beach and could not skip taking that photo. The silhouetted trees against the morning sun were a perfect distraction from being overly focused on my subject matter.

Grass, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New YorkGrass2024 Driftwood Series

Grass, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

It was definitely not just driftwood thad caught my attention but I felt there was no problem leaving the series a bit lose and intertwining driftwood, rocks, trees, grass, and whatever else I found on or around the beach. That's what the morning experience was and that's how I captured it.

But look, we are back to driftwood in the next two photographs.

Wood & Rocks, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New YorkWood & Rocks2024 Driftwood Series

Wood & Rocks, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Shapes of Wood, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New YorkShapes of Wood2024 Driftwood Series

Shapes of Wood, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Another diversion coming up. The cliffs disappearing in the waters of Lake Erie have been the subject of many of my photographs over the years but it's hard to resist and it's even harder to find a reason to resist. Why? Watching the water clash with the rock over and over seems to have therapeutic properties. It's so calming and it is also fun to try to time the moment right. How to best tell the story of the water and the cliff?

Where the Cliffs Disappear in Water, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New YorkWhere the Cliffs DIsappear in Water2024 Driftwood Series

Where the Cliffs Disappear in Water, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

I had photographed the Watersports shed before too but on this morning, rather than isolating the building with the lake in the background, I took advantage of the pickup truck parked by and went for a combo.

Water Sports, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New YorkWater Sports2024 Driftwood Series

Water Sports, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Roots, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New YorkRoots2024 Driftwood Series

Roots, 2024 Driftwood Series, Hamburg Beach, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

And as you can see, I closed off the experience and the series true to the theme back with a rather large piece of driftwood. I really liked the intricate pattern of its root bulb. And now looking at it finishing this blog post it became clear to me that this photo will need an alternative presentation too. How do you think it will look as a cyanotype? There's only one way to find out for sure.

Thank you very much for stopping by and spending a few minutes with my photography.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection.

Street Flower Market, Toronto, Canada.Street Flower Market, TorontoToronto, Canada Juicery @ The Hatch, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, New YorkJuicery @ The HatchBuffalo, New York Bridge between Canalside and Naval Park, Buffalo, New YorkBridge between Canalside and Naval ParkBuffalo, New York

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy agent shadow 400 b&w beach black and white buffalo driftwood film film photography hamburg hamburg beach lakeshore landscape new york nikon fe2 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/9/driftwood Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:00:00 GMT Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, Kauai https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/9/mahaulepu-heritage-trail-kauai This was a gorgeous walk along the coast. Picturesque views in all directions and at all times and no people because it did require walking :-) I started at the Shipwreck Beach and the trail quickly took me up on the cliffs rising above the Pacific.

Sand and Lava of Shipwreck Beach, Kauai, HawaiiSand and Lava of Shipwreck BeachKauai, Hawaii

Sand and Lava of Shipwreck Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Part of the appeal of this hike is that it feels remote despite being very close to civilization. Finding undeveloped stretches along the Pacific Coast is not easy. Based on Internet information, Malama Mahaulepu is trying to keep this stretch of land undeveloped and I hope they succeed. If you are also a fan of this beautiful coastline, the organization takes donations to keep their efforts going.

Waves Spilling on Shipwreck Beach, Kauai, HawaiiWaves Spilling on Shipwreck BeachKauai, Hawaii

Waves Spilling on Shipwreck Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

The ocean views of this wild section of the coast were absolutely breathtaking. If places lose their original character to resorts and other development, will there really be a reason to travel to such resorts? Maybe to some, but for me the value of travel is to see the true character of the places I visit. And having an opportunity to experience this short section without the nearby civilization in my face was great. And look, it was even possible to take a natural landscape photograph without humanity being all over.

Rugged Mahaulepu Shore Trail, Kauai, HawaiiRugged Mahaulepu Shore TrailKauai, Hawaii

Rugged Mahaulepu Shore Trail, Kauai, Hawaii

I wish I knew more about the secret behind these stone circles but I don't. I tried the all-knowing Internet and found nothing. If you are reading this post and know, I would very much appreciate if you'd leave a comment.

Mystery of Mahaulepu Shore Trail, Kauai, HawaiiMystery of Mahaulepu Shore TrailKauai, Hawaii

Mystery of Mahaulepu Shore Trail, Kauai, Hawaii

It would not be too bad to be there right now. What are your places you dream of?

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché - So Peaceful - Some Morning Drama - Farmland in the Canyon - Further up Waimea Canyon - At the Edge of Kalalau Valley - Tropical Sunrise - Tropical Sunset - The Photo at Your Back - Hawaiian Mix - A Beautiful Morning Faraway - Mahaulepu Heritage Trail

Shipwreck Beach Sunrise, Kauai, HawaiiShipwreck Beach SunriseKauai, Hawaii Makawehi Waves, Kauai, Hawaii.Makawehi WavesKauai, Hawaii Gulf Shores Beach Sunset, AlabamaGulf Shores Beach SunsetGulf Shores, Alabama

Pololu Valley Beach from high up, North Shore Big Island, Hawaii (HI).Pololu Valley BeachThe Big Island, Hawaii Poipu Beach Going to Sleep, Kauai, Hawaii after SunsetPoipu Beach Going to SleepKauai, Hawaii   

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy coast colorful colors hawaii island kauai landscape mahaulepu shore nature outdoors pacific paradise picturesque rugged scenic stunning travel walk https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/9/mahaulepu-heritage-trail-kauai Tue, 03 Sep 2024 12:30:26 GMT Toronto Film Shooters (TFS): ​​​​​​​After the May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk, Heading Downtown https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/8/toronto-film-shooters-tfs-after-the-may-2024-midtown-photo-walk-heading-downtown When the Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk was over I was not done with walking or taking pictures. My destination was downtown where I'd meet with the rest of my family who enjoyed that area while I had fun further north.

Short Term Lease Available, Toronto, CanadaShort Term Lease AvailableToronto, Canada

Short Term Lease Available, Toronto, Canada - After the Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black & White Negative Film

It was quite a long walk and I was pretty tired by the time we met and walked over to the car but I was very glad I did it. I don't often get an opportunity to spend a day walking and it allowed me to see more of Toronto and of course take more pictures. So here you have them and if you'd like to see the original Midtown set I linked to it above.

Street Flower Market, Toronto, CanadaStreet Flower MarketToronto, Canada

Street Flower Market, Toronto - After the Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black & White Negative Film

It was great to walk by several street shops, whether produce markets or flower shops, and even bars with outside seating added to the urban mood.

Harvest Wagon, Toronto, CanadaHarvest WagonToronto, Canada

Harvest Wagon, Toronto - After the Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black & White Negative Film

Gardiner Museum, Toronto, CanadaGardiner MuseumToronto, Canada

Gardiner Museum, Toronto - After the Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black & White Negative Film

It was those small shops, architecture, and various common street views that captured my attention and as a result I captured them in photographs.

Ontario Legislative Library, Toronto, CanadaOntario Legislative LibraryToronto, Canada

Ontario Legislative Library, Toronto - After the Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black & White Negative Film

U of T: Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, Toronto, CanadaU of T: Schwartz Reisman Innovation CampusToronto, Canada

U of T: Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, Toronto - After the Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

And that's it for this short photo add-on to my Toronto experience. Until next time!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection.

Duke of Kent Pub, Midtown Toronto, Canada. 35mm Nikon FE2, Agent Shadow 400, D-23 developer.Duke of Kent PubMidtown Toronto Subway Tracks & Train, Midtown Toronto, Canada. 35mm Nikon FE2, Agent Shadow 400, D-23 developer.Subway Tracks & TrainMidtown Toronto Global Pet Foods, Midtown Toronto, Canada. 35mm Nikon FE2, Agent Shadow 400, D-23 developer.Global Pet FoodsMidtown Toronto   

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w black and white cityscape d-23 film film photography kodak double-x nikon fe2 photo walk tfs toronto toronto film shooters urban photography https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/8/toronto-film-shooters-tfs-after-the-may-2024-midtown-photo-walk-heading-downtown Thu, 29 Aug 2024 11:00:00 GMT The Greens of Summer at Birdsong https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/8/the-greens-of-summer-at-birdsong There is a reliable cycle of colors in nature through the seasons of the year. There are the bold colors of fall, the no colors of winter, the subtle colors of spring, and the intense greens of summer. So let's dive right in and enjoy some of the greenery before it fades away as we move to the second half of August.

Two Water Lilies, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.Two Water LiliesBirdsong Park

Two Water Lilies, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

I spent quite a while by the scene depicted in these first two photographs. Yes, it is the same scene and the wind seemed to have as much fun with it as I did. The large lily pad leaf served as an umbrella over the two water lily flowers and as the wind played with it, lifted it up, and dropped it back down the flowers constantly went from direct sun to shade. That's all it can take to change a scene quite a bit, just a gentle breeze.

Lily Pad Umbrella, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.Lily Pad UmbrellaBirdsong Park

Lily Pad Umbrella, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

Through this blog and my photographs I have taken you for a visit to the Birdsong Park many times in all seasons and in different weather. I love revisiting some old signature features of the park as well as looking for new ones. And of course, as time marches on things change, and change quite a bit. Some favorite scenes of mine have succumbed to the passage of time and are no more, some new ones were created.

Water Lily in Bloom, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.Water Lily in BloomBirdsong Park

Water Lily in Bloom, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

As seasons roll through the park the color palette changes. In summer there are lush greens everywhere. And those combine really well with the park's ponds, especially when they are covered with beautiful white water lilies. During these times I have to remember to alter my visiting hours to the park. The usual early morning or late afternoon are not the best times to see the water lily flowers open and in their full glory. The harsh midday light is often the best time to stroll by.

Water Lily Close Up, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkWater Lily Close UpBirdsong Park

Water Lily  Close Up, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

I was not the only one enjoying the views. This blue dragonfly even paused long enough for a portrait. They are fun to watch but often too busy to wait for a picture.

Dragonfly on Lily Pond, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.Dragonfly on Lily PondBirdsong Park

Dragonfly on Lily Pond, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

After enjoying the ponds I continued the loop that would take me back to the parking lot. For a little bit, the scenery changes completely and we find ourselves in the woods of very old trees. I especially like the scene below with the magnificent trees lining both banks of the small creek flowing through the park. And again, it looks completely different here with the thick foliage of summer versus any other season of the year. And since Mother Nature knew there would be a photographer around it added the cherry on top, or the fallen trunk across the creek.

Trees around Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkTrees around CreekBirdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

Trees around Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

Since I usually loop the park in the same clockwise direction the scene below is the last pond. And fitting today's theme of the greens that was what caught my eye as I was looking across the pond. The backlit trees and reeds offered different shades of green in the distance. For nature and landscapes I really like wide angle lenses but here the telephoto had to come out to reach there.

On a Pond in Summer, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.On a Pond in SummerBirdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

On a Pond in Summer, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

Put on your sneakers or hiking boots and head out to see similar scenes before the annual cycle pushes us to the next phase. Let your eyes feast on the greens and stack up the colorful memories high.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes photo galleries and enjoy!

Spring Brought Nature Alive at Akron Falls ParkAlive!Murder Creek Among Fairies, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York. Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400, C-41.Among FairiesChestnut Ridge Leaning Trees of Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkLeaning Trees of BirdsongBirdsong Park

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy birdsong park colors film flowers forest greens landscape lily pads lush nature orchard park outdoors park pond summer water water lilies wetlands woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/8/the-greens-of-summer-at-birdsong Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:45:32 GMT Kodak stroll through Buffalo, New York https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/8/kodak-stroll-through-buffalo-new-york Nikon FE2, Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 Wide Angle Lens, and Kodak T-Max 100 film inside.35mm Nikon FE2Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 Wide Angle Lens While I usually hesitate posting winter photographs outside of the winter season, I have no hesitations today. First. maybe a cold looking photo will cool us off during this hot summer and second, there really is just one photo in this sequence that will even disclose that these photos have been waiting since March to be shared.

The photo rig for this walk? A single 35mm camera, a Nikon FE2 fitted with a wide angle 24mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens. And to change the pace a little bit, a different black and white film than my usual Fomapan 400 or Kodak Double-X. This time, with the bright sunny day, I decided to go with Kodak T-Max 100 film. I still mounted an orange filter in front of the lens to darken the sky an provide a better separation for the city scenes below.

Ice Maker, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NY. Nikon FE2, Kodak T-Max 100, D-23.Ice MakerBuffalo, NY

Ice Maker, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

It had been a minute since I took a photo walk through Buffalo's downtown, mostly documenting the Southtowns for a few years. It felt great and reminded me I should do it more often. The start was at the Erie Basin Marina, as so many times before, and possibly the last time with free parking. I am not sure, but I've heard rumors parking fees were coming to the Marina. In my opinion, free parking suits downtown Buffalo better as it continues to struggle to bring people in despite the many great advancements on the last couple decades. The streets are still rather empty and there's not much going on in the storefronts lining them. Is the parking income really the way to go for the city?

Juicery @ The Hatch, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NY. Nikon FE2, Kodak T-Max 100, D-23.Juicery @ The HatchErie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NY

Juicery @ The Hatch, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

From the Erie Basin Marina the walk led me along the Buffalo River to the Naval Park and across the below picturesque bridge over to Canalside. I had photographed the bridge many times and am sure I will many more. I'm really grateful for this addition, one of many one can enjoy and photograph along the city's waterfront.

Bridge between Canalside and Naval Park, Buffalo, New York. Nikon FE2, Kodak T-Max 100, D-23.Bridge between Canalside and Naval ParkCanalside, Buffalo, New York

Bridge between Canalside and Naval Park, Buffalo
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Right around the corner is another location that grew on me very quickly. The large wooden shipyard with the Buffalo sign adds charm to the waterfront with a bit of nostalgia. The 24mm lens helped in the tight space in front of the building but I think I will need to head back with a 20.

BUFFALO Canalside Shipyard, Canalside, Buffalo, New York. Nikon FE2, Kodak T-Max 100, D-23.BUFFALO Canalside ShipyardCanalside, Buffalo, New York

BUFFALO Canalside Shipyard, Canalside, Buffalo, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

For the rest of the walk we're leaving the waterfront and are heading up Main Street, one of my favorite streets to wander and overall a great loop on the foot that provides a lot of great photographic material as well as just the right amount of steps to make the health app happy. While it's usually the tall Seneca One Tower that catches one's attention this day it was the much lower wall along the tower's patio that called to me. It looked just about perfect on this bright sunny day.

Seneca One Patio Wall, Main Street, Buffalo, New York. Nikon FE2, Kodak T-Max 100, D-23.Seneca One Patio WallMain Street, Buffalo, New York

Seneca One Patio Wall, Main Street, Buffalo, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Even almost five months later I remember how the photo below came to be. Turning around at Shea's and starting to head back south along Main Street on its other side I almost made the mistake of feeling the photo outing was over and it was just a matter of walking back to the car. Fortunately, the light contrast and the shadows in front of the Irish Theatre did not let me miss them. At first, something caught my eye, gently pulled, told me to turn around. And all of a sudden, this photo was right in front of me.

Shadow Play at Irish Classical Theatre, Main Street, Buffalo, New York. Nikon FE2, Kodak T-Max 100, D-23.Shadow Play at Irish Classical TheatreMain Street, Buffalo, New York

Shadow Play at Irish Classical Theatre, Main Street, Buffalo, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

And that does bring us to the end of this wonderful walk through the city of Buffalo. So many tempting promises like inspired intoxicants, house tonics, or a deluge of gin, yet the chairs were legs up. Oh well, maybe next time then.

Graylynn Gin Bar, Main Street, Buffalo, New York. Nikon FE2, Kodak T-Max 100, D-23.Graylynn Gin BarMain Street, Buffalo, New York

Graylynn Gin Bar, Main Street, Buffalo, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Kodak T-Max 100 Black & White Negative Film

Thanks for stopping by and following along, I hope you'll join me on the next photo expedition soon.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection.

Different Types of Ships, USS Little Rock Guided Missile Cruiser vs Spirit of Buffalo Sailboat, Buffalo, NYDifferent Types of ShipsBuffalo, NY Passing Storm over BuffaloPassing Storm over BuffaloBuffalo, NY On Bird Island Pier, Buffalo, New YorkOn Bird Island PierBuffalo, NY

Swannie House, First Ward, Buffalo, New York (NY) - Originally the Swanerski HouseSwannie HouseBuffalo, NY Freezer Queen, Outer Harbor, Buffalo, New York - DemolishedFreezer QueenBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w black and white buffalo cityscape downtown film film photography kodak t-max 100 nikon fe2 urban photography walk https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/8/kodak-stroll-through-buffalo-new-york Mon, 05 Aug 2024 13:30:53 GMT Moods of Lake Erie https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/7/moods-of-lake-erie To Paul, who liked this beach very much and introduced me to it

The night before was wild with rainstorms and downpours and I could see the effect on Lake Erie right as I got out of the car at Sturgeon Point. The wave action was rather impressive for a lake and I started having second thoughts about my intentions. For a baseline, here's a video of what things looked like at the water's edge.

Waves of Lake Erie in MotionOvernight Downpours Churned the Lake Up

Waves of Lake Erie in Motion. Overnight Downpours Churned the Lake Up

I wanted to capture some smooth long exposures of the lake, which I had not done in a long time. But seeing the action, I felt obligated to alter my plans. I was not going to give up on the long exposures. In fact, the wild action could provide the best set up for those. However, I didn't feel that the long exposures represented the reality.

Wild Lake Erie Mood, Long ExposureWild Lake Erie MoodLong Exposure

Wild Lake Erie Mood, Long Exposure

From the opening video, through the original plan of a long exposure, to the opposite approach and going for a fast shutter by my favorite part of this beach. The shale rocks sticking out into the lake are such a gem and I can't get enough of them. It is always a challenge to return with new compositions as this area is like a magnet to me.

Churning at the Lakeshore, Fast shutterChurning at the LakeshoreFast shutter

Churning at the Lakeshore, Fast Shutter

It was not only the water that had different plans than me but the sun too. In general, sun had been messing with me for a few days already. I kept trying to take some infrared pictures around town and sun would be shining while I was in the house. But the moment I'd hop in the car it would immediately start playing peek-a-boo with me.

And this day on the beach? Just the opposite. I left with a pretty dense layer of clouds overhead and it looked like it would rain any moment. That was what got me thinking of long exposures. Low and diffused light is a good recipe. By the time I got to the location, the heavy clouds were mostly gone and nice puffy white clouds were rolling around, with the sun popping in and out all the time.

Lake or Ocean, Two Sides of one Coin, this one showing the wild side of Lake Erie.Lake or Ocean, Two Sides of one CoinTwo Sides of one Coin, this one showing the wild side of Lake Erie.

Lake or Ocean, Two Sides of one Coin, this one showing the wild side of Lake Erie

To make it even more apparent how the choice of technique can influence the resulting photograph, the above and below photos are photographed from the exact same tripod location approximately 2 minutes apart. For the action stopping photo above I removed the neutral density filter from my lens and changed camera settings to allow for a fast 1/800 sec. shutter speed. For the long exposure below, I re-attached the ND filter and altered the camera settings for a 13 second exposure. Thus, the exposure time for the above photograph was 10,400x shorter (quicker) than for the photo below. Nothing else changed. Look at the rocks, they are all still in the same place.

Lake or Ocean, Calm, this one showing the quiet and moody side of Lake Erie.Lake or Ocean, CalmTwo Sides of one Coin, this one showing the quiet and moody side of Lake Erie.

Lake or Ocean, this one showing the quiet and moody side of Lake Erie

What do you think? Pretty crazy what a choice of shutter speed can do to a photograph, right? Which one do you like more? Why?

Thanks for stopping by! :-)

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Boulders, Rocks, and Setting Sun, Lake Erie Sunset PhotographBoulders, Rocks, and Setting SunBeautiful Lake Erie Water & Rocks at Sunset, Lake Erie, Sturgeon Point near Buffalo, New York (NY).Water & Rocks at SunsetBeautiful Lake Erie     Sunset Awe at Sturgeon Point, Derby, NY near Buffalo, NYSunset Awe at Sturgeon PointBeautiful Lake Erie

All Quiet on Lake Erie, a peaceful sunset at Sturgeon Point, Derby, New York (NY)All Quiet on Lake ErieBeautiful Lake Erie The First Light over Hamburg Beach, Hamburg - Buffalo, New York (NY)The First Light over Hamburg BeachBeautiful Lake Erie

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy action beach colors fast exposure lake erie lakeshore landscape long exposure mood nature new york ny outdoors rocks scenic sturgeon point summer water waves https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/7/moods-of-lake-erie Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes XVI: Nostalgic Pernštejn https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/7/cyanotypes-xvi-nostalgic-pernstejn To my mom

Another Cyanotype travel journal, this time full of nostalgia due to its subject's location in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands where I grew up and also where I spent many weekends and summer holidays at my grandparents. The castle itself has a unique charm too, with its imposing simplicity and awe inspiring views as one enters through the castle gates. I have also always loved the small houses on both sides of the path to the castle providing a stark contrast of the different standards of living, as well as a beautiful visual path towards the castle. And finally, some moons ago my mom was briefly a tour guide here at Pernštejn.

Pernštejn Castle Cyanotype, Gem of the Highlands, Czech RepublicPernštejn Castle CyanotypeGem of the Highlands

Pernštejn Castle Cyanotype, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Shizen Design Cold Press Recycled Watercolor Paper

The next print is literally from the opposite side of the path taking visitors through the castle. At its end, you'll turn around ready to head back and this view will be right in front of you. I loved the double archways and tried to align them. I was also very glad to see the large stacks of wood off to the side. Clearly, the castle was ready for the winter in the Highlands. And sure, a nice wooden picket fence never hurts a photograph, does it?

Stacked Wood at Pernštejn Castle Cyanotype, A Gem of the Highlands, Czech RepublicStacked Wood at Pernštejn Castle CyanotypeA Gem of the Highlands

Stacked Wood at Pernštejn Castle, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Shizen Design Cold Press Recycled Watercolor Paper

Thanks for visiting, hope you'll be back :-)

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside - 12. Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle - 13. Cyanotypes XIII: American History - 14. Cyanotypes XIV: Gulf Shores, Alabama - 15. Cyanotypes XV: Different Take on Travel Photography - 16. Cyanotypes XVI: Nostalgic Pernštejn

If you like cyanotypes, you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy!

House of Memories, Cyanotype II, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicHouse of Memories, Cyanotype IICyanotype Nostalgia U Vlachů, Cyanotype, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicU Vlachů, CyanotypeCyanotype Nostalgia On the Way from School, Cyanotype, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicOn the Way from School, CyanotypeCyanotype Nostalgia

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative analog black and white blue castle cyanotype czech republic darkroom highlands historic monochrome nedvedice pernstejn photography process technique textured trip vacation vintage watercolor https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/7/cyanotypes-xvi-nostalgic-pernstejn Fri, 05 Jul 2024 11:00:00 GMT Alabama 2023, Part VI, Fairhope https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/6/alabama-2023-part-vi-fairhope Here's the sixth installment from our road trip to Alabama, this time visiting a charming town of Fairhope, Alabama. Fairhope is a true gem with a lot to see and makes for a wonderful relaxing day. 

Oak Haven Cottages, Fairhope, AlabamaOak Haven CottagesFairhope, Alabama

Oak Haven Cottages, Fairhope, Alabama

I also enjoyed the fact that despite the beginning of spring break, as this was a February 2023 trip, and the gorgeous weather the town was not crowded with tourists. That made walking around, visiting small shops, or taking pictures so much easier. I almost never do street or people photography, just the opposite. Here, I did not have to wait for people to leave my framed scenes.

A House on Nichols Avenue, Fairhope, Alabama.A House on Nichols AvenueFairhope, Alabama.

A House on Nichols Avenue, Fairhope, Alabama

We easily found parking and started our walk through a very nice residential neighborhood, with houses and cottages for both residents as well as visitors.

Welcoming House, Fairhope, AlabamaWelcoming HouseFairhope, Alabama

Welcoming House, Fairhope, Alabama

Spanish House, Fairhope, AlabamaSpanish HouseFairhope, Alabama.

Spanish House, Fairhope, Alabama

Eventually, we found our way to the downtown area and spent quite a bit of time wandering the streets, enjoying the architecture, and even visited a few of the small shops. And it's not accidental that I am sharing a photo of the Fairhope Soap Company. There are still a few bars of different scents left to enjoy but we are starting to run low now.

Downtown Shops, Fairhope, AlabamaDowntown Fairhope ShopsFairhope, Alabama

Downtown Shops, Fairhope, Alabama

Fountain in a Downtown Passage, Fairhope, AlabamaFountain in a Downtown PassageFairhope, Alabama

Fountain in a Downtown Passage, Fairhope, Alabama

Fountain in a Passage, Black & White, Fairhope, AlabamaFountain in a Passage, Black & WhiteFairhope, Alabama

Fountain in a Passage, Black & White, Fairhope, Alabama
Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100, D-23

The shop windows definitely drew my attention and I had to hold myself back from going completely crazy. I am not sure if I was successful but I really enjoyed the arrangements behind the glass and played with the amount of reflections and glare I wanted in the photos  Opportunities were endless.

Goodies in a Shop Window, Fairhope, AlabamaGoodies in a Shop WindowFairhope, Alabama

Goodies in a Shop Window, Fairhope, Alabama

Old Lady in a Shop Window, Fairhope, AlabamaOld Lady in a Shop WindowFairhope, Alabama

Old Lady in a Shop Window, Fairhope, Alabama

Masks in a Shop Window, Fairhope, AlabamaMasks in a Shop WindowFairhope, Alabama

Masks in a Shop Window, Fairhope, Alabama

The final section of our visit was at the waterfront by Mobile Bay and the Fairhope Municipal Pier. We stayed till dusk to enjoy the bay in different light. It also allowed me to capture a blue hour long exposure. I used to take those extensively some years ago but had not done it much recently. So this evening provided a great opportunity to remember how to do them right.

Through the Reeds, Mobile Bay, Fairhope, AlabamaThrough the ReedsMobile Bay, Fairhope, Alabama

Through the Reeds, Mobile Bay, Fairhope, Alabama
Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100, D-23

The Pier Bar & Grill, Fairhope, AlabamaThe Pier Bar & GrillFairhope, Alabama

The Pier Bar & Grill, Fairhope, Alabama
Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100, D-23

Fairhope Municipal Pier at Dusk, Mobile Bay, Fairhope, AlabamaFairhope Municipal Pier at DuskMobile Bay, Fairhope, Alabama

Fairhope Municipal Pier at Dusk, Mobile Bay, Fairhope, Alabama

If you find yourself within driving distance, I would definitely recommend a visit to Fairhope, Alabama whether you only have a few hours, a whole day, or even more. Cheers and until the seventh installment from Alabama!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Alabama 2023 Series: Part I, Houses on Stilts, Part II, Ends of Day, Part III, A Hop to Pensacola, Florida, Part IV, Mardi Gras, Part V, Magnolia Springs, Alabama 2023, Part VI, Fairhope

Orange Bicycle, Downtown Pensacola, FloridaOrange Bicycle, Pensacola, FloridaPensacola, Florida Oak Alley at Oak Street, Magnolia Springs, AlabamaOak Alley at Oak StreetMagnolia Springs, Alabama Tarragona St, Downtown Pensacola, FloridaTarragona StPensacola, Florida

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2023 alabama alley charming cityscaoe fairhope nikon d610 nikon fe old southern vibe town travel trip urban photography vacation https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/6/alabama-2023-part-vi-fairhope Sat, 29 Jun 2024 12:32:05 GMT Toronto Film Shooters (TFS): ​​​​​​​The May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/6/toronto-film-shooters-tfs-the-may-2024-midtown-photo-walk I tried to inventory my participation at the Toronto Film Shooters events and failed. That is what I get for not adding a common tag to the photos, like TFS. Going by memory and a brief browse through my photos, I identified at least four. Two in Toronto, one in Niagara on the Lake, and one in Burlington.

La Boheme, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkLa Boheme Café, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

La Boheme Café, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Unfortunately, the Burlington one, called Winter Stoic 2020, was my last one for a long while. It was at the end of January 2020 and most will remember what happened shortly after. When the world reopened, I was very slow to rejoin the TFS walks. We made a few family trips to Canada, including Toronto, but it was not until May 25, 2024 that I finally joined the group again for The May Midtown Walk.

Duke of Kent Pub, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkDuke of Kent Pub, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Duke of Kent Pub, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

For this walk, I packed a single camera, my Nikon FE2. While it’s my Nikon FE that holds the most nostalgia and also stays as my most frequent go-to camera, I have given the FE2 much more use in 2023 and 2024. The initial lens of choice was the original metal version of the 50mm Nikkor f/1.8 pancake lens while the backup was a 24mm f/2.8. In the end, the 50mm lens stayed on the camera for the whole walk.

Younge Street Construction, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkYounge Street Construction, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Younge Street Construction, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

As far as film went, I waited to load the camera until the last minute. It was cloudy, raining, and dark, but it was supposed to improve. When it became clear we’d head out of the La Boheme cafe under overcast skies I loaded Agent Shadow 400 and set my ISO dial to 800 for a later +1 stop push in development. While the weather did improve in the end the 800 speed did not prove to be problematic. I figured that if any blue sky showed up I’d just add my favorite orange filter, thus knocking the exposure value down to 200. I never ended up doing that.

Zezafoun Syrian Cuisine, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkZezafoun Syrian Cuisine, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Zezafoun Syrian Cuisine, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

The starting point was at La Boheme. While most TFS walks start with a breakfast and coffee and end with lunch this was a later walk starting with lunch and ending with, well, beer. The basic outline of the root was a simple U. Heading south on Yonge Street, veering off a bit to the west and returning east via the Kay Gardiner Beltline Trail, eventually winding north onto the Mt. Pleasant Road. The reward was waiting at Belsize House but I did not feel I deserved a reward in the form of another meal. Thus, a pint of beer it was.

The Study Academy Doors, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkThe Study Academy Doors, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

The Study Academy Doors, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

After a relaxing hour or so, I decided to walk downtown to re-join my family. They joined me for the drive to Toronto but went about their own exploration. I expected a long walk but it was even longer in the end. I finished the day with about 23,000 steps and definitely deserved a dinner at that point. The choice was Thai Red Curry.

The Study Academy Walls, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkThe Study Academy Walls, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

The Study Academy Walls, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

The Study Academy Bell, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkThe Study Academy Bell, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

The Study Academy Bell, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Residential Parking, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkResidential Parking, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Residential Parking, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Global Pet Foods, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkGlobal Pet Foods, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Global Pet Foods, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Nevizade, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkNevizadde, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Nevizade, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Best Coffee Ever, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkBest Coffee Ever, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Best Coffee Ever, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Fresh Buy Market, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkFresh Buy Market, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Fresh Buy Market, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Subway Trains, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkSubway Trains, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Subway Trains, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Subway Tracks & Train, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkSubway Tracks & Train, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Subway Tracks & Train, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Daily Food Mart, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkDaily Food Mart, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Daily Food Mart, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Starving Artist, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkStarving Artist, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Starving Artist, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

Regent Arts Centre, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo WalkRegent Arts Centre, Midtown TorontoToronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk

Regent Arts Centre, Toronto Film Shooters (TFS) May 2024 Midtown Photo Walk
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FE2 camera on Agent Shadow 400 Black & White Negative Film

I look forward to joining another walk sooner than in 4 years!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection.

Mardi Gras Masks, Downtown Pensacola, Florida. Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100 Film, D-23.Mardi Gras Masks, Pensacola, FloridaTravel Photography Plaza Ferdinand VII Sculpture, Downtown Pensacola, Florida. Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100 Film, D-23.Plaza Ferdinand VII Sculpture, Pensacola, FloridaTravel Photography Historic Chautauqua Belle Steamboat at Harbor Hotel, Celoron, New York near Jamestown, NYChautauqua BelleTravel Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy agent shadow b&w black and white cityscape d-23 film film photography midtown nikon fe2 photo walk tfs toronto toronto film shooters urban photography https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/6/toronto-film-shooters-tfs-the-may-2024-midtown-photo-walk Mon, 03 Jun 2024 11:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes XV: Different Take on Travel Photography https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/5/cyanotypes-xv-different-take-on-travel-photography I really enjoy printing photographs, holding the prints in my hands, flipping through them, letting my mind be triggered and go places. However, storage of large amounts of prints is definitely an issue. There is no room for that, whether in albums or in boxes. And it seems like boxes just defeat the purpose, don't they?

I also enjoy analog printing processes, whether it be a traditional wet darkroom or alternative processes like cyanotypes. Both methods require a good chunk of time and that forces me to pick and choose carefully, print sparingly, and thus it solves, at least partially, the storage issue. So far, my black and white darkroom prints fit in a single portfolio album and my mostly 5" x 7" cyanotypes go into sleeves in a large 3" binder. And both of those are easily accessible anytime I want to take a trip down the memory lane.

Bon Secour Alley, CyanotypeBon Secour AlleyCyanotype

Bon Secour Alley, Cyanotype, Alabama, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Artist's Loft L2 Watercolor Paper

I also enjoy participating in various photo exchanges to send my memories around the world. My most favorite ones are the most simple ones where a single photo postcard is sent out and in exchange one received back. It's an old-fashioned version of social media. It's a bit sad that snail mail for interpersonal interaction seems to be disappearing. Yes, it takes time to prepare the photo, the accompanying text, to get the envelope ready, and to mail it out. But without that care, what is it all about? Just dumping tons of pictures into various social media sites screaming me, me, me, and wanting (hoping?) someone will come by and look at them, and I mean truly look at them, notice them, think about them, allowing them to remind the viewer of their own memories. No, that does not really happen, I am just a dreamer. More likely, someone just blows by them at a scroll speed of 5 frames per second or whatever the current average scrolling speed is.

Laundry, CyanotypeLaundryCyanotype

Laundry, Třebíč, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Artist's Loft L2 Watercolor Paper

Thus, today I have shared just two digital copies of two physical prints from somewhat recent travels. The first one if from our 2023 family road trip to Alabama. The Bon Secour nature preserve was very nice and I really like how the cyanotype on smooth watercolor paper turned out. I usually prefer my cyanotypes on (very) rough textured water color paper but that requires a certain vibe of photographs where detail does not matter. These wonderful trees really benefited from the opposite approach and printing on a very smooth watercolor paper. And it did not matter at all it was a really cheap one.

The second print is from 2022 and a visit to my sister's who was our guide on a day trip to Třebíč. At one point we made a left turn onto this cobblestone alley and someone was drying their laundry there. It was colorful and that initially caught my eye. About a year later I attempted my first gum bichromate print of this scene hoping to reproduce the vibrant colors in a more nostalgic subdued palette but my attempt failed completely. I am not even sure why but I probably made several mistakes along the way resulting in no usable image at all. And I must admit, despite having worked with various photo chemicals for years, I did not feel comfortable with these. Anyway, another year later and here we have the scene in monochrome blue. I picked one of the color separation negatives originally prepared for the bichromate print and used it for this cyanotype. What do you think? How do you like looking at your photographs? And how do you try to preserve them for the future?

Thanks for visiting, hope you'll be back :-)

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside - 12. Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle - 13. Cyanotypes XIII: American History - 14. Cyanotypes XIV: Gulf Shores, Alabama - 15. Cyanotypes XV: Different Take on Travel Photography

If you like cyanotypes, you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy!

Paradise Isle Resort Office Cyanotype on Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Gulf Shores, AlabamaParadise Isle Resort OfficeCyanotype Paradise Isle Resort Office, Toned Cyanotype on Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Gulf Shores, AlabamaParadise Isle Resort OfficeToned Cyanotype Fort Morgan Wagon Wheel Cyanotype on Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Gulf Shores, AlabamaFort Morgan Wagon WheelCyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alabama alternative analog black and white blue bon secour cyanotype czech republic darkroom laundry monochrome photography preserve process technique textured trebic trip vacation vintage watercolor https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/5/cyanotypes-xv-different-take-on-travel-photography Wed, 29 May 2024 12:55:14 GMT Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2024 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/5/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2024 terraPIN ACME, 3d-printed Pinhole CameraterraPIN ACME3d-printed Pinhole Camera As for WPPD 2023 I decided to take out a single camera for the Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2024. I really like the results I get out of my 3d-printed terraPIN ACME medium format camera. I made its pinhole by pushing the tip of a tiny needle into a sheet of aluminum harvested from a can of soda (pop for Buffalonians). I did not push it through, just pushed it in enough to create a bump on the other side. Then I sanded that bump off until a tiny hole showed up against the window. If you're interested in the whole background story, feel free to head back to my Custom Made Pinhole for a 3d Printed Pinhole Camera post from 2021.

Steam Locomotive, WPPD 2024Steam LocomotiveWPPD 2024

Steam Locomotive, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2024,
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

Why do I like this camera so much? It's simple, small, lightweight and I get results I like from it. For a handmade pinhole it produces images that are very "sharp" in the center. Yet, it often vignettes quite a bit and not just by light falloff but also by blurring the edges. I am sure there is an explanation for it, but I find it curious. It makes the images look as if I was using an f/2.8 lens and not an f/208 pinhole.

Steam Locomotive Wheels, WPPD 2024.Steam Locomotive WheelsWPPD 2024

Steam Locomotive Wheels, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2024,
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

The whole week leading into the WPPD 2024 the forecast called for a very nice partially cloudy day. However, I woke up to a completely overcast dark day instead and it was supposed to go from bad to worse, from a drizzle to a downpour. And the progression happened rather quickly. Soon after leaving home, it started coming down rather generously. Instead of going straight to the beach we stopped for lunch as a delay tactics. Good food helped, and the stalling seemed to have worked.

Train Car Suspension, WPPD 2024Train Car SuspensionWPPD 2024

Train Car Suspension, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2024,
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

Still, instead of continuing to the beach I figured we could stop at the train depot that was literally around the corner, just in case the sprinkler kicked in soon. I had photographed the location before but not much and never with a pinhole camera. It was an opportunity for a new take on the location. With the wide angle of the terraPIN ACME and with the dual vignetting of the camera I elected to go mostly for close-up details of the railroad scenery. And the weather had some mercy and it only drizzled.

Driftwood, WPPD 2024DriftwoodWPPD 2024

Driftwood, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2024,
Pinhole photography with terraPIN ACME on Fuji Acros 100 black and white negative film, D-23

As you can see from the last photograph, we did eventually make it to the beach, but it was pouring by that time. I had 4 frames left on the roll of 12 and really wanted to finish the roll to be able to develop it and see and share the results "quickly". After fifteen minutes of so in the car I decided to act and brave the elements. I was sloppy though and lacked excitement and only added one sharable frame, the one above. That leaves an opportunity to go pinholing again when the weather forecast looks good by looking out of the window.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

More of my Pinhole Photography ...

In and Out of Water, Sturgeon Point on Lake Erie, NY. Photographed with TerraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Fuji Acros II black and white film.In and Out of WaterWPPD 2023 Flooded Jagged Gaps, Sturgeon Point on Lake Erie, NY. Photographed with TerraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Fuji Acros II black and white film.Flooded Jagged GapsWPPD 2023 Down Smoke Creek, Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with TerraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Fuji Acros II black and white film.Down Smoke CreekWPPD 2023

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 120 black and white d-23 film fuji acros 100 hamburg lensless medium format new york pinhole terrapin acme train depot urban photography wppd 2024 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/5/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2024 Mon, 13 May 2024 11:00:00 GMT A Beautiful Morning Faraway https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/5/a-beautiful-morning-faraway Just watching these old photos now makes me want to be there, stand on the coast full of anticipation, listen to the crashing waves, and have a slice of the paradise for myself. Sunrises reward the early birds almost anywhere. I don't mind at all that most people prefer to sleep in. And you know what, it can be anywhere so these photos might just motivate me to get out early even without being on a vacation. I must admit it's been a while since I experienced and captured a local sunrise.

Shipwreck Beach Sunrise, Kauai, HawaiiShipwreck Beach SunriseKauai, Hawaii

Shipwreck Beach Sunrise, Kauai, Hawaii

Within just a few steps we go from the peaceful sunrise to a wild action of crashing waves. The force of water always inspires awe whether I watch coastal waves or the rush of the Niagara River. It's also mesmerizing and I could stay and watch for a long time.

Makawehi Waves, Kauai, HawaiiMakawehi WavesKauai, Hawaii

Makawehi Waves, Kauai, Hawaii

And to close, we are back for a variation on the opening photograph with just a slight change of the perspective and time passing. How much time? It's about 50 minutes after the sunrise photograph.

Shipwreck Beach Daybreak, Kauai, HawaiiShipwreck Beach DaybreakKauai, Hawaii

Shipwreck Beach Daybreak, Kauai, Hawaii

Are you ready to set your alarm (for 5am), crawl out of the bed, and go welcome a brand-new day (just after 6am in Buffalo, NY)? I hope so!

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché - So Peaceful - Some Morning Drama - Farmland in the Canyon - Further up Waimea Canyon - At the Edge of Kalalau Valley - Tropical Sunrise - Tropical Sunset - The Photo at Your Back - Hawaiian Mix - A Beautiful Morning Faraway

 

Lava Rocks at Waiohai Beach, Kauai, HawaiiLava Rocks at Waiohai BeachKauai, Hawaii Gulf State Park Pier at Sunset, Gulf Shores, AlabamaGulf State Park Pier at SunsetAlabama Stormy sunrise at Secret Beach, Kauai, Hawaii (HI). Sand, lava rock, Pacific Ocean Waves, and dramatic sky.The Start of a Beautiful Day at Secret Beach, Kauai, HawaiiKauai, Hawaii

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy coast colors daybreak hawaii kauai lava new day outdoors pacific refreshing scenic shipwreck beach start sunrise travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/5/a-beautiful-morning-faraway Mon, 06 May 2024 11:00:00 GMT Darkroom: Charles Bridge Nostalgia https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/4/darkroom-charles-bridge-nostalgia In 2023, I was able to spend 2 nostalgia-packed days in Prague, Czech Republic. I arrived by a morning train, took metro to the Holešovice station, and started a very long walk. While Holešovice is not exactly what Prague is known for or where tourists rush to find gems, it was the neighborhood where my university dormitory was located and my home for about four and a half years.

More on that whole experience later though. I am still contemplating how to attack that topic. Today is only about one very brief moment as I made my way to the parts of the city one might see on the Internet and in various travel articles. There, standing on the banks of the Vltava River, I was happy to snap the scene presented below with my trusty Nikon FE loaded with Fomapan 400. It may be silly but all of my black and white photography in the Czech Republic is always on Foma films. It seems like the right thing to do. And the 400 variety with its more pronounced grain seemed to fit the nostalgic nature of my trip rather well.

One thing I did differently on this trip was the whole travel with film. As more and more airports replace the old X-Ray baggage scanners with CT scanners it became more of an issue than in the past, especially if one must pass through several checkpoints before reaching the destination. Therefore, I ordered 10 rolls of film direct from Foma and had them waiting for me at my mom's place, along with the developer, fixer, and all of the hardware one needs to home-develop film. Only one thing traveled with me, which was my 2-roll developing tank, which felt wasteful to buy an extra one. By the end of my 2-week trip I finished and developed all 10 rolls and had them stored in archival sleeves for a travel safe from the CT scanners.

This whole topic has me wondering though about how I will be able to use film on shorter vacations to destinations where I won't have family or friends as a base to ship supplies to ahead of time. Will I be forced back to digital? Will I gamble and rely on the friendliness of the security staff to do a hand check of my film?

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic, a traditional darkroom print on Alford multigrade paper.Charles Bridge, PragueDarkroom Print

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Traditional Black and White Darkroom Print on Ilford MG V RC Portfolio

I wanted to make over a dozen of these prints to use as postcards for friends. I started with the Ilford MG IV portfolio paper I still had left over, did all of my tests, and settled on grade 2 contrast filter as the sunny day, even in mid-afternoon, created plenty of contrast in the scene. The orange filter mounted on the lens at the time of capture darkened the blue sky nicely helping the white puffy clouds stand out.

However, when I ran out I had to switch to the new emulsion formula of the Ilford MG V portfolio paper. In the end, for this specific scene, I determined the difference was mostly in the native contrast. After printing the photo with a grade 1 contrast filter and putting it side by side with the results on MG IV I could not see any other difference. Since I like contrasty prints and usually print at grade 3 or higher, this should not pose a problem other than change of habits and probably starting at grade two as my new base. I will see and share as I print more variety with the new paper.

Needless to say, I was and still am very happy with how this print came out and how I can remember my walk with something else in my hand than the screen of a smart phone. How do you like to store photographs from your vacations, your places filled with memories? Do you print, darkroom or inkjet, do you order photo albums, do you rely on a software catalog on your computer, do you upload everything to a cloud provider to store and share, or does social media fill that role for you?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

For more darkroom prints, please, head over to my Darkroom photo gallery.

Previously from the darkroom:

Roofs & Chimneys. Prague Castle, Czech Republic, a hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printRoofs & ChimneysDarkroom Print Chimneys, Prague Castle, Czech Republic, a hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printChimneysDarkroom Print (New) Castle Stairs, Prague Castle, Czech Republic, a hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom print(New) Castle StairsDarkroom Print

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog b&w black and white czech republic darkroom film memories nostalgic old photography prague praha print river traditional vintage vltava wet https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/4/darkroom-charles-bridge-nostalgia Mon, 15 Apr 2024 11:00:00 GMT Pinhole Panoramas from Buffalo's Outer Harbor https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/3/pinhole-panoramas-from-buffalos-outer-harbor Most of my pinhole photography is in black and white. However, I do enjoy seeing other photographers' pinhole photography in color and that challenges me to try it myself once in a while. On this specific outing to Buffalo's Outer Harbor I loaded up the Holga Wide Pinhole Camera (WPC) with Lomography 100 color negative film and tried to take advantage of the panoramic format to capture a favorite location differently.

The camera can be adjusted to capture either 6x9cm or 6x12cm images. Since 6x9 would turn it into the same 2x3 aspect ratio as 35mm film I always use it in its full 6x12 mode.

Gallagher Beach & Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, pinhole photography with Holga Wide Pinhole WPC on Lomography 100 color negative film.Gallagher Beach & Cargill Pool Grain ElevatorPinhole Photography

Gallagher Beach & Cargill Pool Grain Elevator,
Pinhole photography with Holga Wide Pinhole WPC on Lomography 100 color negative film, C-41

I usually scan my medium format (120) film using an Epson flatbed scanner. However, for these two photos, I went the route of "scanning" the frames with my digital camera. Color negative film poses a special challenge as most of them have an orange mask. That does not seem to effectively use the RGB image sensor plus inversion and color correction is tricky. Yes, there are some apps available for this purpose but since I do not capture the "scans" on my phone the workflow seems unintuitive to me.

Thus, I wanted to try something closer to what one would do printing color in the darkroom. In that case, the enlarger features color sliders for cyan, magenta, and yellow to allow for color correction. In my case, I bought several Rosco color correction gel filters (4415, 3204 1/2 CTB, 3202 CTB), laid those on my white backlight, overlaid the color negative over those, and photographed with a digital camera. The goal was to counteract the orange mask with the gels and later simply invert the negative image into a positive without the use of any specialized software.

Gallagher Pier & Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, pinhole photography with Holga Wide Pinhole WPC on Lomography 100 color negative film.Gallagher Pier & Cargill Pool Grain ElevatorPinhole Photography

Gallagher Pier & Cargill Pool Grain Elevator
Pinhole photography with Holga Wide Pinhole WPC on Lomography 100 color negative film, C-41

The result? The concept worked and getting an initial usable positive image was rather straightforward. However, accomplishing an accurate color correction was a whole different story. In the end, I was getting photos as if special color effects were applied and instead of trying to correct them out, I leaned into them. You see two sample results above. I have not used this technique since and I suspect today's post will motivate me to try again.

Introducing unpredictable and hard to repeat steps into a workflow can either be very frustrating, or very rewarding depending on ones expectations. And in my photography, I am growing more and more fond of the concepts behind lomography. In fact, I may have to lean into this even more. Who is to say that the various sheets of color gel have to fully overlap? Why not arrange them into stripes of different color, or triangles of different color, or just plain color chaos? But more on that another day.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

More of my Pinhole Photography ...

Rocky Banks of Niagara River, Photographed with a 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max color negative film..Rocky Banks of Niagara RiverPinhole Photography in Color The Kill Zone, Lower Niagara River Rapids. Photographed with a 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max color negative film.The Kill ZonePinhole Photography in Color Water Zooming By, Lower Niagara River Rapids. Photographed with a 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max color negative film.Water Zooming ByPinhole Photography in Color

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 120 beach buffalo c-41 cityscape color color correction gel film grain elevator lake erie landscape lensless lomography 100 medium format New York outer harbor pinhole rosco urban photography water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/3/pinhole-panoramas-from-buffalos-outer-harbor Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes XIV: Gulf Shores, Alabama https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/2/cyanotypes-xiv-gulf-shores-alabama You've got a glimpse into last year's vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama in the ongoing Alabama 2023 series of posts (last one being Alabama 2023, Part V, Magnolia Springs). Today, I offer a little different view of that trip. I'm sharing two pairs of photographs for comparison. The first photo of each is a straight cyanotype on a textured watercolor paper and the second is a bleached version toned in wine tannin for a different vintage look.

Paradise Isle Resort Office Cyanotype, Gulf Shores, AlabamaParadise Isle Resort OfficeCyanotype

Paradise Isle Resort Office, Gulf Shores, Alabama, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper

The first pair is of a really eye-catching oceanfront resort in Gulf Shores with its office front and center. I really enjoyed capturing photographs of the resort in many different ways, whether it was digitally or on film, in color or in black and white. And I like how the cyanotype process combined with the rough texture of the paper rendered the scene too.

Paradise Isle Resort Office, Toned Cyanotype, Gulf Shores, AlabamaParadise Isle Resort OfficeToned Cyanotype

Paradise Isle Resort Office, Gulf Shores, Alabama, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Toned in Wine Tannin

Next up is an interior scene from Fort Morgan. Wagon wheels have their charm and automatically invoke days gone by. Capturing them with an old film camera seems appropriate. Making a cyanotype print of one was rather satisfying too and the fact that it was located in an old fort did not hurt. It's also another application where I believe the very rough texture of this specific watercolor paper helped the outcome.

Fort Morgan Wagon Wheel Cyanotype, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, AlabamaFort Morgan Wagon WheelCyanotype

Fort Morgan Wagon Wheel, Gulf Shores, Alabama, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper

As with the first pair, let's compare the blue version to a copy toned in wine tannin. Toning adds a good dose of processing. I leave the primary cyanotype prints out to dry for at least 24 hours during which oxygen does its thing. I am not sure whether or how much that really matters as I have not experimented with prompter bleaching. I only bleach the prints after 24+ hours and at the moment I prefer bleaching them fully with almost no image left. That takes several minutes. Once bleached I fully wash the paper to get all of the washing soda out.

Then comes the toning. I usually start with a warm bath and have the tray on a heating pad to keep the liquid above room temperature. It helps speed things along a bit. Too much warmth might cause overall paper staining so you'll have to experiment as each paper responds differently. Toning can take anywhere from a few minutes to about an hour. I do not leave prints in the toning bath longer. Afterwards, one more thorough wash, drying, and flattening under a stack of books.

Fort Morgan Wagon Wheel Toned Cyanotype, Gulf Shores, AlabamaFort Morgan Wagon WheelToned Cyanotype

Fort Morgan Wagon Wheel Toned Cyanotype, Gulf Shores, Alabama, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Toned in Wine Tannin

Which versions do you like more? The classic blue cyanotypes or the toned ones that resemble the traditional black and white look?

Thanks for visiting, hope you'll be back :-)

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside - 12. Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle - 13. Cyanotypes XIII: American History - 14. Cyanotypes XIV: Gulf Shores, Alabama

If you like cyanotypes, you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy!

Smith's Fort, Cyanotype on Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Surry, VirginiaSmith's Fort CyanotypeCyanotype Fence at New Town, Jamestown, CyanotypeFence at New Town, Jamestown, CyanotypeCyanotype John Brown's Fort Cyanotype, Harpers Ferry, West VirginiaJohn Brown's Fort CyanotypeCyanotype

Smith's Fort, Wine Tannin Toned Cyanotype on Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Surry, VirginiaSmith's Fort, Toned CyanotypeToned Cyanotype Fence at New Town, Jamestown, Wine Tannin Toned CyanotypeFence at New Town, Jamestown, Toned CyanotypeToned Cyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alabama alternative analog black and white blue cyanotype darkroom fort morgan gulf shores history monochrome photography process rough technique textured toned trip vacation vintage watercolor wine tannin https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/2/cyanotypes-xiv-gulf-shores-alabama Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMT Jirásek Rocks, Nature and Cottages https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/2/jirasek-rocks-nature-and-cottages This Czech Republic series has been almost eight years in the making and it is not done yet. Not even close! But I am determined to wrap up the several long-running series along with posting some up-to-date photography. We're into February now and so far so good with regular weekly posts. One price to pay for taking this long to get the photographs out is a fading memory of the details. The pictures bring back pieces but it sure is more difficult to put together an accompanying narrative. Therefore, I'll let the photos do their own talking today.

Traditional Czech Cottage, Jirásek Rocks, Czech RepublicTraditional Czech Cottage, Jirásek RocksCzech Republic

Traditional Czech Cottage, Jirásek Rocks, Czech Republic

The Windows of a Traditional Czech Cottage, Jirásek Rocks, Czech RepublicThe Windows of a Traditional Czech Cottage, Jirásek RocksCzech Republic

The Windows of a Traditional Czech Cottage, Jirásek Rocks, Czech Republic

Hillside Traditional Czech Cottage, Jirásek Rocks, Czech RepublicHillside Traditional Czech Cottage, Jirásek RocksCzech Republic

Hillside Traditional Czech Cottage, Jirásek Rocks, Czech Republic

Traditional Czech Cottage in a Meadow, Jirásek RocksTraditional Czech Cottage in a Meadow, Jirásek RocksCzech Republic

Traditional Czech Cottage in a Meadow, Jirásek Rocks

Old Czech Cottage Patio, Czech RepublicOld Czech Cottage PatioCzech Republic

Old Czech Cottage Patio, Czech Republic

Jiráskovy skály tunnel, Czech RepublicJiráskovy skály tunnelCzech Republic

Jiráskovy skály tunnel, Czech Republic

Steps at Jiráskovy skály, Czech RepublicSteps at Jiráskovy skályCzech Republic

Steps at Jiráskovy skály, Czech Republic

Closed Shutter of a Traditional Czech Cottage, Czech RepublicClosed Shutter of a Traditional Czech CottageCzech Republic

Closed Shutter of a Traditional Czech Cottage, Czech Republic

Thanks for stopping by again :-)

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries and enjoy!

Mound of Death, Ostaš Rock City, Czech RepublicMound of Death, OstašCzech Republic Rock City Ostaš, Czech RepublicRock City OstašCzech Republic Devil's Car, Ostaš Rock City, Czech RepublicDevil's Car, OstašCzech Republic

Lake Spinka (Rybník Špinka) in Fog, Červený Kostelec, Czech RepublicŠpinka in FogCzech Republic In a Fairy Tale at Pískovna, Adršpach-Teplice Rocks National Park, Czech RepublicIn a Fairy TaleCzech Republic

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy cottage czech czech republic europe house old house traditional cottage vintage https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/2/jirasek-rocks-nature-and-cottages Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMT Birdsong Park beyond Visible Light https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/2/birdsong-park-beyond-visible-light Yashica LM TLR, Twin Lens Reflex, 120 Medium Format 6x6 CameraYashica LM TLRTwin Lens Reflex I really enjoy photographing around Orchard Park, NY, where I live. I like both natural and urban photography. I definitely still prefer running away from people and spending time in the nature, hidden from everyone in the woods, just me, the trees, and an occasional animal. And maybe I should not say "still" but rather more and more.

When frequently revisiting the same locations over and over it's good when something changes so that my photos don't repeat. Sometimes, I can find new subject matter, other times I love photographing the same scene. Different seasons help, different weather helps, different cameras and lenses make a difference too. And when photographing on film, the choice of film matters too. Of course the obvious difference is color versus black and white. But even different color films make each scene look slightly differently, and so do different black and white films. They each feature different contrast levels, different grain, simply a different look. However, there is one type of black and white film that changes things around a lot and that is infrared film.

The so called visible spectrum ranges from about 380nm to about 700nm wave lengths and can vary significantly by person. Beyond 700nm is where infrared light starts and if we could see it the world around us would look quite different. One way to visualize this invisible world is via infrared photography, whether digital or analog. Unfortunately, color infrared films are no longer available today, only some leftover expired rolls. Fortunately, there are several black and white infrared films still made.

Birdsong Tunnel Path on Infrared, Orchard Park, NYBirdsong Tunnel Path on InfraredOrchard Park, NY

Birdsong Tunnel Path on Infrared, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a medium format Yashica LM TLR on Rollei IR 400 black and white infrared film

I used one such film for the photos shared in today's blog post. It's the Rollei Infrared 400. The spectral sensitivity (data sheet) of this film is from 350nm (dipping into ultraviolet) to 780nm (and into infrared). When used without a special filter, the images might not be recognizably different from other black and white films. However, when used with filters like the popular Hoya R72, which does not transmit wave lengths below 720nm, only the infrared light reached the film and bingo, familiar things no longer look the same.

Birdsong Tree Phalanx on Infrared, Orchard Park, NYBirdsong Tree Phalanx on InfraredOrchard Park, NY

Birdsong Tree Phalanx on Infrared, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a medium format Yashica LM TLR on Rollei IR 400 black and white infrared film

Specifically, blues turn black and greens turn white. The photographs you are looking at here are summer time photos, not snowy winter scenes. Isn't this quite magical? I love the infrared transformation and usually have to hold myself back so that I do not overuse this technique. But you know what? I think I have done too much holding back and need to let lose. While I photographed several rolls of infrared film in both 35mm and in 120 medium format, I have not posted many.

Birdsong Boardwalk Troll on Infrared, Orchard Park, NYBirdsong Boardwalk Troll on InfraredOrchard Park, NY

Birdsong Boardwalk Troll on Infrared, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a medium format Yashica LM TLR on Rollei IR 400 black and white infrared film

What about the location? If you're following my blog I am sure you have seen this wonderful small local park here before. Yes, we are in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York. I have gone there for many photographic expeditions and the park always rewards me. Just being there is wonderful and if I end up with a few new keeps images even better.

Leaning over the Creek in Birdsong on Infrared, Orchard Park, NYLeaning over the Creek in Birdsong on InfraredOrchard Park, NY

Leaning over the Creek in Birdsong on Infrared, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a medium format Yashica LM TLR on Rollei IR 400 black and white infrared film

The closing scene is one of my most popular in the park and I love pointing a camera at it over and over again. Today, I'm happy to share the infrared rendition of it. What do you think? Do you like infrared photographs or do you feel it's too much of a trickery?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes photo galleries and enjoy! For more black and white photography, I have a dedicated collection World without Color.

Snowy Birdsong Gate in Winter with a Reflection in the Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Birdsong Gate in WinterOrchard Park, NY Through the Winter Landscape, Creek in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Through the Winter LandscapeOrchard Park, NY Phalanx of Trees Standing Guard by Trail, Birdsong, Orchard Park, New York (NY).PhalanxOrchard Park, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w birdsong park black and white film film photography infrared landscape nature orchard park outdoors rollei rollei ir 400 tlr yashica lm https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/2/birdsong-park-beyond-visible-light Mon, 05 Feb 2024 12:33:21 GMT Sardines, in Still Life https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/1/sardines-in-still-life It all started with some cans of Portuguese canned fish brought back from a recent vacation. The marketing departments of the canning companies did their job and the packaging looked awesome. In fact they all looked so good that I could not take a can opener to them without first preserving them forever in pictures. And of course, I could not just take a straight photo of each can! Instead, it was time for some still life. I always enjoy still life photography but I almost never do it. Hmm, that provides some food for thought.

Sardinhas em Tomate, Still Life, Black BackgroundSardinhas em TomateStill Life

Sardinhas em Tomate, Still Life, Black Background

Portugal's canning industry was born at the beginning of the 19th century when a method for preserving food in a closed metallic container was invented and patented. Despite its ups and downs it remains a huge tradition in Portugal today.

Sardinhas em Azeite Picante, Still Life, Black Background.Sardinhas em Azeite PicanteStill Life

Sardinhas em Azeite Picante, Still Life, Black Background

All of these photographs were captured on a black velvet background with a single continuous light source, a large LED panel. I manually set the LED color temperature to 5,200 Kelvin and set the same value on the camera for an easier color correction later. As you can see by the shadows, the panel was to the right of the camera and a little bit up. Instead of pointing it straight at the set up I feathered the light by turning the light down and left almost towards the camera until the scene was illuminated by the very edge of the light. I like the quality of such light and it also minimizes the amount of background illumination keeping the background nicely dark. My camera was on a tripod and I used a 100mm macro lens to play with shallow depth of field.

Peixe-Espada em Azeite com Nikon FE2, Still Life, Black BackgroundPeixe-Espada em Azeite com Nikon FE2Still Life

Peixe-Espada em Azeite com Nikon FE2, Still Life, Black Background

Yes, my love of traditional film photography got the better of me on two fronts. First, I could not resist sneaking the cameras into the set up even though I must admit, I am not sure how to justify the cameras on the table along with sardines, bread, and butter. Oh well, what can you do. But tell me that Kodak Signet 40 does not look great alongside the can of fish!

Peixe-Espada em Azeite com Kodak Signet 40, Still Life, Black BackgroundPeixe-Espada em Azeite com Kodak Signet 40Still Life

Peixe-Espada em Azeite com Kodak Signet 40, Still Life, Black Background

I also used the 35mm Nikon FE2 with the 135mm Nikkor lens loaded with Orwo NC500 Wolfen Color film to capture this still life set up. I have since developed and filed the film in sleeves but it's still awaiting scanning. Then I will share an analog Part 2 to this digital series.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs of abstracts, patterns, and other miscellaneous photos without a dedicated category, like still photography? Please, visit my Abstracts & Patterns Gallery of Photographs and enjoy.

Fall Abstract Reflection at Moss Lake, Autumn Nature in Western New YorkFall Abstract at Moss LakeAbstract Photography Colorful Bug Ranch Abstract, Route 66 in Conway, Texas (TX)Bug Ranch AbstractAbstract Photography Flying through a Black Hole, an Abstract Refractograph on Black Background.Flying through a Black HoleAbstract Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy canned fish portugal sardines still life still life photography tabletop tradition https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/1/sardines-in-still-life Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMT Fall Sequel to the Spring Prequel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/1/fall-sequel-to-the-spring-prequel Nikon N75, Nikkor 28-105DNikon N75Nikkor 28-105D Alright, since the title suggested there would be a sequel let's get it out before it collects too much dust. The outside world looks nothing like this right now. After a complete lack of winter presence things changes about a week ago on Saturday and it's been snowing steadily since. At the moment, looking through the window, it's a typical Western New York scene out there with everything covered in white. I like winters like that. Cold and snow make everything look clean. Well, at least in the outdoors. The urban environment usually does not keep that look for long as salt turns the snow into a dirty mush everywhere.

Anyway, Im already off on a tangent so let's get back to this fall day. The photographs below will hopefully bring warmth to those of you that are not winter fans. We'll go through the Newton Entrance loop of Chestnut Ridge Park on the western side of the park. It's about 4.5-mile long and one has a choice to follow the paved road or hit the trail in the woods that follows the road for the most part. But stay alert or you may end up elsewhere!

Old Stone Well House, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New YorkOld Stone Well HouseChestnut Ridge Park

Old Stone Well House, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 and AF Nikkor 28-105 D  on Kodak Portra 400, developed in expired C-41 chemistry

I would normally prefer the trail through the woods and walked it here several times too but the road has its advantages, especially when I have a camera on me. What can be better than leaving civilization at a distance and disappearing in the woods? Well, Chestnut Ridge Park features some wonderful manmade stone structures that have attracted my attention for years! and they are on or along the road looping through the park. Of course, this road is enjoyed at its best when it's closed to vehicular traffic as cars passing by can lower the enjoyment. And in winter, one has to hope not to run into a snowmobile day. It happened to us once or twice and the only solution was to turn around and go to the eastern part of the park.

Logs over Creek, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New YorkLogs over CreekChestnut Ridge Park

Logs over Creek, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 and AF Nikkor 28-105 D  on Kodak Portra 400, developed in expired C-41 chemistry

This walk was fully focused on photography and getting in the approximately 4.5 miles was just a wonderful side benefit. However, I still decided to keep things very simple to be able to move along the loop at a brisk pace. I grabbed my plastic fantastic lightweight Nikon N75 and the 28-105 D Macro zoom lens. I am always happy with the photos the combo gets me and am also happy I did select this lens when I was looking for a simple KIT a few years back. Its macro capability often comes handy and overall its image quality is perfectly fine for my taste and expectations for the 35mm film format.

The camera had a little bit of a break in 2023 as I was exercising my later autofocus addition, the Minolta Maxxum 5. When it comes to features, the Minolta is the better camera of the two and I am growing to like it more and more. At the moment, I only have couple prime lenses for it though and for hikes on the light I was happy to pull the Nikon from reserves.

Among Fairies, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New YorkAmong FairiesChestnut Ridge Park

Among Fairies, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 and AF Nikkor 28-105 D  on Kodak Portra 400, developed in expired C-41 chemistry

The above photo "Among Fairies" shows the wonderful versatility of the 28-105 D Nikkor Macro lens. Even handheld, one can document the tiny natural world and capture photos complementing the story of a single hike beyond what a casual hiker will spot. One just needs to be open to getting their knees dirty.

Among Trees, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New YorkAmong TreesChestnut Ridge Park

Among Trees, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 and AF Nikkor 28-105 D  on Kodak Portra 400, developed in expired C-41 chemistry

Scenes like the above trees often grab my attention. However, they do not usually result in a quick snap and moving on. The initial moment of spotting an opportunity is usually followed by a photographic dance. A foot forward or back, left or right, can often alter the frame quite dramatically. Here, I tried to control the spacing between the trees to insure none of them overlapped or got too close to one another.

Bridge across Bubbly Waters, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New YorkBridge across Bubbly WatersChestnut Ridge Park

Bridge across Bubbly Waters, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 and AF Nikkor 28-105 D  on Kodak Portra 400, developed in expired C-41 chemistry

Bridges lined with stone walls are one of those manmade structures I like about the road through the park. They fit the natural environment so nicely and I am glad they have still survived and the county even tries to maintain them as such. A concrete wall, a metal railing, or even a guardrail would just spoil the whole scene for me. So I take pictures of these elements just in case they bite the dust. Do you also notice and appreciate little things like these?

There are more bridges lined with stone walls further down the loop that were recently repaired and new construction techniques were used to make them sturdier and increase their longevity. They don't quite look as beautiful as the old-fashioned style above but I understand and appreciate the effort to balance cost and looks.

Bubbly Waters, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New YorkBubbly WatersChestnut Ridge Park

Bubbly Waters, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 and AF Nikkor 28-105 D  on Kodak Portra 400, developed in expired C-41 chemistry

The scene under the bridge is very eye-catching too. One of the signature features of the Chestnut Ridge Park are its ravines, often filled with year-round or seasonal creeks. White bubbling water complements the fall colors so well! And the shale rock is not too shabby either!

Trees often get very creative finding a way to cast permanent roots and I have been a keen observer for many years. One year, I even focused on trees along trails with my "In the Woods" series but that one is still waiting for its time.

Rooted, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New YorkRootedChestnut Ridge Park

Rooted, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 and AF Nikkor 28-105 D  on Kodak Portra 400, developed in expired C-41 chemistry

The next photograph is very special to me. The Lost (and Found) Mossy Well House has been in the making for a long time mostly because it was, well, lost. A while back, a year or two (or three) I had spotted this beauty on my walk through the park but for whatever reason did not take a picture. Not even with a cell phone. Later, I kept trying to find it when I had a camera on me but could not. And then one day, it was there, right in plain sight.

Not only was I very happy to take a photo of it with the film camera but I also snapped it with my smart phone to preserve its geolocation just in case my memory fails me again. Maybe I am crazy but I love this well house. The gorgeous stonework alone makes this a picturesque structure to photograph but add the roof fully covered with moss and the perfection is complete! I am so afraid it won't last much longer. Judging by the other well houses spread through the park it is just a matter of time for the roof to give in to water and things go bad quickly from there. I need more photographs and I need to keep my hopes that maybe the county will decide to save this one! Please.

The Lost Mossy Well House, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New YorkThe Lost Mossy Well HouseChestnut Ridge Park

The Lost Mossy Well House, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 and AF Nikkor 28-105 D  on Kodak Portra 400, developed in expired C-41 chemistry

The strange thing? As I found one lost well house I lost another. The opening photo of this blog post? I tried finding that dilapidated well house twice already and it's nowhere to be found. It's frustrating on one hand, funny on another, and actually quite motivating to get me back looking for it. Maybe my mind is playing mental trick on me to keep me walking.

Rooted II, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New YorkRooted IIChestnut Ridge Park

Rooted II, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 and AF Nikkor 28-105 D  on Kodak Portra 400, developed in expired C-41 chemistry

See, we are back to the tree roots again. These are rather straightforward and yet asked to be photographed too. The green moss disappearing in the layer of dry fallen leaves created its own magic. Nature is such a wonderful painter!

Vertical & Horizontal, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New YorkVertical & HorizontalChestnut Ridge Park

Vertical & Horizontal, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 and AF Nikkor 28-105 D  on Kodak Portra 400, developed in expired C-41 chemistry

Congratulations, we are at the end of the 4.5-mile loop with some natural geometry, a rectangle in the woods. I can't wait to be back there again. Maybe I will find the newly lost well house, maybe something new will catch my eye! And I will let you in on a secret. I have already walked the loop several times since capturing these photographs and even have a snowy edition in the works. If you stick with this blog it might even come out at some point.

Thanks so much for visiting (again) and enjoy the scenery wherever your hikes take you!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection.  

The Music of Fall at Birdsong, Path between Colorful Trees, Autumn in Orchard Park, New York (NY).The Music of FallBirdsong Park Foggy Meadows and Fences at Sunrise, Knox Farm, East Aurora - Buffalo, New York (NY)Meadows and Fences at SunriseKnox Farm State Park Eternal Flame Falls Ravine and Creek in Chestnut Ridge Park in the Fall - Autumn, Orchard Park, New York (NY).Eternal Flame FallsChestnut Ridge Park

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy chestnut ridge color countryside fall fall colors film film photography forest kodak landscape new york nikon n75 ny orchard park outdoors park photography portra 400 trees well house woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/1/fall-sequel-to-the-spring-prequel Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMT Strolling around Orchard Park and Hamburg, New York https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/1/strolling-around-orchard-park-hamburg-ny Nikon F4, AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8Nikon F4Nikon F4, AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 A black and white trip back to 2022 today visiting the neighboring Orchard Park and Hamburg, New York. The camera and film choice were unusual that day as I ordinarily prefer old manual cameras for my black and white photography and go with a bit more automation with color film.  The reasoning behind those choices is purely practical. It's enough I drive my family bonkers using film instead of super sharp digital perfection. Then, if I miss focus even slightly, that does not help matters a bit. As a result, having auto focus for family photographs helps. It's a simple recognition of the fact that my eye sight unfortunately is not good and still gets a little worse as years go by. My biannual visits to the optometrist prove that.

For a change of pace, I decided to capture one Quaker Marching Band event on black and white film instead of color, which drove the choice of the autofocus Nikon F4. Film of choice was the wonderful Kodak Double-X cinematic film. And since I did not finish the whole roll at the event the combo went with me on couple local expeditions, one through Orchard Park and one through Hamburg, New York.

One Way Do Not Enter, Orchard Park, New YorkOne Way Do Not EnterOrchard Park, New York

One Way Do Not Enter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black & White Negative Film

While standing in front of the Green Eats and waiting for a yummy smoothie to be ready I spotted the corner above and found it irresistible. I liked the dual signage on the brick pattern, decided to center the edge of the corner in the photograph and went for a shallower depth of field to allow for the focus to fall off, which is nicely visible on the righthand side.

Walking back home luck was on my side and the Orchard Park Fire Company had their trucks lined up outside. This black and white photo provides a more subtle alternative to the usual bright red colors but I like that about black and white photography.

Orchard Park Fire Company, Orchard Park, New YorkOrchard Park Fire CompanyOrchard Park, New York

Orchard Park Fire Company, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black & White Negative Film

Further south I added on the obligatory loop around Green Lake to the walk. It adds about half a mile and a ton of potential photographic opportunities despite having photographed it countless times. And I was rewarded this morning too. As I looked back I really liked the dark tree silhouettes against the bright light of the rising sun.

Moody Morning at Green Lake, Orchard Park, New YorkMoody Morning at Green LakeOrchard Park, New York

Moody Morning at Green Lake, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black & White Negative Film

For the next two photographs we're off to the beautiful neighboring village of Hamburg, New York. First stop, the train depot. Let's board for a trip, shall we? I really wanted something a little different and the idea of playing with a shallow depth of field came quite naturally this evening. Maybe the fading evening light gave me a nice assist prompting an open aperture

By Train, Hamburg, New YorkBy TrainHamburg, New York

By Train, Hamburg, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black & White Negative Film

We'll close off today's mix of urban photography and natural landscapes on the charming Hamburg Beach. The photo itself is a blend of natural and manmade thanks to the "House with a View". The whole set up here with the cliffs, the clifftop house, and the often spectacular sunsets feels like being somewhere faraway on a tropical island. For a while, I visited regularly and frequently, yet now I can't remember my last time. Maybe an idea for the next photo op?

House with a View, Hamburg, New YorkHouse with a ViewHamburg, New York

House with a View, Hamburg, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 camera on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black & White Negative Film

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog again for today's dose of black and white film photography.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection.

Hilbert College Reflection, Hamburg, New York (NY)Hilbert College ReflectionHamburg, New York Franciscan Hall, Hilbert College, Hamburg, New York (NY)Franciscan HallHamburg, New York Campus Center, Hilbert College, Hamburg, New York *NY)Campus CenterHamburg, New York

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 5222 b&w black and white cityscape Double-X film film photography hamburg kodak nikon f4 orchard park photography urban photography https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/1/strolling-around-orchard-park-hamburg-ny Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMT What is Winter? https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/1/what-is-winter Happy New Year everyone! Yes, it is January 1, 2024 as another year has bit the dust. Looking around, it is hard to believe it is January in Western New York. On my customary New Year's Day walk, there was some very gentle dusting in the Chestnut Ridge park but for the most part, all remains in wet green. Just the grayness and gloom reminds me of the season.

Thus, instead of fresh 2024 pictures, let's look at what landscape looked like two months ago on November 1, 2023 when winter made its first visit, and it was the prettiest one this season yet. Sure, a bit too early at that point as nature was still in colorful fall mode but that also made it so pretty. Scroll slowly, take your time, and I hope you enjoy the scenery.

Getting out of the door can be a challenge when one feels lazy even when the outside is clearly hinting to get out. It's usually worth it. And this morning, no doubts were left as soon as I pulled into the parking area and stepped out. Who wouldn't love a welcoming scene like this!

Welcome to Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkWelcome to BirdsongWinter's First VIisit

Welcome to Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

As I made the turn in the above photograph I was faced with some magical low fog that immediately peaked my interest and I spent a lot of time on the meadow before even entering the woods, which is where my interest usually lies. The trick was to show off the mystery of the fog without losing the image altogether. Long focal lengths intensify the low visibility so I explored different looks that way. Things also looked quite different front or back lit. And the fog itself kept rolling around the meadow becoming weaker at times and really dense in other moments. I felt like chasing ghosts.

Frosty & Foggy Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkFrosty & Foggy BirdsongWinter's First Visit

Frosty & Foggy Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

When I indulged in fog enough I finally entered the woods. There's a boardwalk right away crossing a small but crucial creek. It is along that creek that a lot of my favorite scenes lie. My eyes used to be drawn to the left side for years thanks to a broken tree trunk forming an A over the creek. But something was different on this visit and my eyes went right first. The creek leading into the woods with some greenery on its banks and the white power look like taken straight out of a fairy tale.

Fall vs Winter along the Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.Fall vs Winter along the CreekWinter's First Visit

Fall vs Winter along the Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

And then the look left. No more A, nature has reclaimed that old formation. It will take me a while to get used to its absence. It will also give me an opportunity to look for something new. Or did that happen already, like the photograph above?

Fall vs Winter along the Boardwalk, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.Fall vs Winter along the BoardwalkWinter's First Visit

Fall vs Winter along the Boardwalk, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

I usually completely ignore this side path to enter or exit the park as I have no reason to go to the road, or to come from there. This morning, I paused, stopped, and find the view irresistible. Nature all around but the utility post in the distance along with the wires providing clues to a road going along and thus civilization not being far.

Utilities Running By, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.Utilities Running ByWinter's First Visit

Utilities Running By, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

The set up for the next photograph was intense, about to step out from the shadows into the light. The water and land were bathed in the warm light of the rising sun. Very bright, yet, still low enough and gentle to allow for a photograph like below despite all of the whites. The snow was helping brighten the shadows but made it trickier not to overexpose the sunlit area.

White and Colorful, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.White and ColorfulWinter's First Visit

White and Colorful, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

And then right back into the woods and a spot that won me over the years. The creek and the tunnel of trees leaning under different angles always make me stop and contemplate the purpose of living. And this. morning, the covered colors and the fresh bright white power gave the same scene yet another look. Even now in the photograph, I enjoy following the creek from the foreground slowly into the back passing under the trees and enjoying what Mother Nature created there.

Creek through the Seasonal Woods, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.Creek through the Seasonal WoodsWinter's First Visit

Creek through the Seasonal Woods, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

My relationship with the old willow is not as far along as the creek scene above but we are slowly getting there. Some days I see a photograph some days I see frustration. I was happy about what this early November day presented though. The light snow and higher than usual water level created a picturesque scene indeed. The reflections drew me in and I did the usual photo dance to position things just right to take advantage of them.

Creek Curve, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.Creek CurveWinter's First Visit

Creek Curve, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

Next a more ordinary scene as I was approaching the end of the loop walking through the narrow trail winding its way through the trees. Despite the canopy over my head the snowflakes found their way all the way to the ground and I was hoping to capture the mood in a photograph. They are subtle but they are there if you pause long enough to let the scene in.

Cold & Snowing along the Trail, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.Cold & Snowing along the TrailWinter's First Visit

Cold & Snowing along the Trail, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

Soon after I came to another favorite scene of mine. I had photographed the bench many times and from many different angles. Then it suffered form disrepair and was missing a leg for a long time. And this morning I noticed it was back in its full glory. And wow, the view it was providing was nothing short of glorious! It felt completely unreal! Such a total contrast between two different seasons, as if I photographed the foreground a month before the background. It was still fall on my side of the pond but time slipped into winter on the side opposite. Wow, what trickery!

The Birdsong Bench, Two SeasonsThe Birdsong Bench, Two SeasonsI often photograph this bench along the path in Birdsong Park, always trying to find new ways to capture it. This morning, nature did that for me. Isn;t it amazing how the near side of the pond is in fall mode while the opposite is all in winter white?

The morning was cold, frosty, gloomy, and snowy. Despite these adjectives the trees of Birdsong Park in Orchard Park, NY also looked quite magical. Fortunately, the layer of snow and ice was just enough to decorate but not too much to cause damage.

The Birdsong Bench, Two Seasons, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

And here we come to the last stop along the Birdsong Park loop and an alternate view of the seasonal dichotomy from the photograph above. I feel the seasonal contrast is more subtle in the photograph below but it is still rather awesome. I wonder though, how would someone else than me see the photograph. Would they even notice the two different seasons in one photo? Or would it be completely obvious and not subtle at all? How does the meaning of a photograph change when someone else than the photographer looks at it? And how does it change when different people look? What would their short descriptions look like? Would they be similar or very different?

Birdsong Pond, Winter or Fall, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York.Birdsong Pond, Winter or FallWinter's First Visit

Birdsong Pond, Winter or Fall, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York

Thanks for stopping by and may the new year be kind to all. Any chance people could get along a little more?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection.

Film photography: Color of Wood, Rural Western New YorkColor of WoodBarns in Winter Film photography: Rural Colors of Winter, Rural Western New YorkRural ColorsBarns in Winter Film photography: Rural White Winter, Rural Western New YorkRural White WinterBarns in Winter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy birdsong park clash color countryside creek fall forest frosty landscape orchard park outdoors park photography swamp trees winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2024/1/what-is-winter Mon, 01 Jan 2024 20:17:55 GMT Spring Prequel to Fall Sequel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/12/spring-prequel-to-fall-sequel Flexaret V, Twin Lens Reflex CameraFlexaret VTwin Lens Reflex As one follows the park loop through the woods a wonderful big meadow emerges about one third of the way through. In the middle of it an old well house stands and right next to it used to stand a tall tree with a crooked top. I used to call it The Watchman. Unfortunately, The Watchman succumbed to age and weather and was eventually cut down completely. As I follow the curve out of the woods my eyes still automatically go to the well house and to the empty position where The Watchman used to stand tall. After a moment, my eyes start to wonder around scanning for a few other remaining old faithful trees. Unfortunately, their numbers are dwindling.

The pine below is one of them. At least I think it is a pine. However, on a walk just a few days ago all of the pines around still had their deep green in the needles while this one seemed quite dry. Is it not a pine? Is it a different king of a pine? Or is it slowly dying too? I took some close up photos and will try to get to the bottom of it. I hope that when spring comes it will find its green again!

Pine on the Big Meadow, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York.Big Meadow PineChestnut Ridge Park

Big Meadow Pine, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a medium format Flexaret V TLR on Fomapan 200 Black & White Negative Film

Another favorite subject of mine are the old deteriorating well houses. The deteriorating part is not. I wish there were funds and will to save them as they complement the natural environment of the park very well. The county has done a great job maintaining the bridges and keeping their stone walls instead of installing ugly guard rails so maybe there's hope. I am not sure though. These old shelters no longer fulfill any function and thus may be left to their fate. As this playing out I still have time to enjoy looking at them and documenting them in my photographs.

Well House in the Woods, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York.Well House in the WoodsChestnut Ridge Park

Well House in the Woods, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a medium format Flexaret V TLR on Fomapan 200 Black & White Negative Film

And why the prequel title? You'll see when the sequel is out. Thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. And for more black and white photography hop over to the World without Color photo collection.

Twinkle in the Trees in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY.Twinkle in the Trees in BirdsongBlack & White Lower Niagara River Rapids - The Wave Crash, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Negative FilmLower Niagara Rapids - The CrashBlack & White Celoron Lighthouse in Black & White near Jamestown, NY. Nikon FE and Ilford FP4 film.Celoron Lighthouse in Black & WhiteBlack & White

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w black and white chestnut ridge countryside film film photography flexaret v foma fomapan 200 landscape meadow new york ny orchard park outdoors park photography trees well house https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/12/spring-prequel-to-fall-sequel Tue, 19 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMT Scenic Cole Road https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/12/scenic-cole-road 35mm Nikon F4 Film Camera, AF 50mm f/1.8 LensNikon F4Nikon F4, AF 50mm f/1.8 Fall is wonderful to be outside, period. This day, the mode of transportation was a motorcycle and the location the rural roads south of Orchard Park, NY. I have picked a few photographs from the wonderful Cole Road that follows one of the local ridges and provides some beautiful distant views as well as roadside points of interest.

Since colors were the focus I had a camera loaded with Kodak Portra 400. And while I like the old manual cameras for my black and white photography I often go more electronic and automatic with color photography. I think it started with family portraiture where I did not want to rely on my not so great sight and neither did I want unfocused photographs that my family love so much. I guess that extended beyond portraiture. With color film, I'll usually be out with a Nikon N75, an F4, or more recently a Minolta Maxxum 5. For this ride, it was the big Nikon.

I have a fancy padded compartment for my cameras when out and about on the motorcycle. I stuff snow pants in the seat bag completely filling it and then squeeze the camera in the center giving it plenty of padding on all sides and hopefully protecting it from all of the motorcycle vibrations.

Leaning Tree on Cole Road, Orchard Park, New York. Nikon F4, Kodak Portra 400, C-41.LeaningCole Road

Leaning Tree on Cole Road, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 on Kodak Portra 400 Color Negative Film

On both its northern and southern ends Cole Road features steep climbs and the peak of the ridge rewards those that make it. I must say, doing this on a bicycle would likely be the most rewarding way but I admit I have not done that yet. Writing this is merely planting a crazy seed for a distant future. And crazy it is, don't believe me? See this color-coded topographical view of the road.

Cole Road Topographic MapCole RoadTopographic Map

Cole Road Topographic Map

Feel like a challenge? Don't let me stop you! At almost exactly the peak of the road, at 1,594 feet (486 meters) the church and the view below will greet you and it will literally be down hill from there. While I was motorized and thus my legs were not objecting, seeing the ominous clouds rolling in made me wonder whether I'd make it home dry or drenched. I really loved the dramatic light though with sunshine overhead and on the church and darkness beyond. Opportunities like this cannot be passed up on and I obviously made a photo stop.

Church on the Hill, Cole Road, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon F4, Kodak Portra 400, C-41.Church on the HillCole Road

Church on the Hill, Cole Road, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 on Kodak Portra 400 Color Negative Film

Other than the beautiful road itself and the stormy drama there were quite a few other beautiful spots to pull over for, enjoy, and photograph. Lone trees are such a photographic cliché but in my opinion for a good reason. They are so eye-catching, and each so different. Too much for you? No point following this post any further.

Golden Top Tree, Cole Road, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon F4, Kodak Portra 400 Color Negative Film, C-41.Golden Top TreeCole Road

Golden Top Tree, Cole Road, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 on Kodak Portra 400 Color Negative Film

It's always great to get some remaining greenery in fall photographs. It sets the warm colors off and balances the landscape better. Not much was left in the scene above but just enough at the bottom portion of the tree crown to separate the tree from the field. Compare to the tree below.

Tree of Gold, Cole Road, Orchard Park, NY. Nikon F4, Kodak Portra 400 Color Negative Film, C-41.Tree of GoldCole Road

Tree of Gold, Cole Road, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon F4 on Kodak Portra 400 Color Negative Film

In the final scene, the landscape fully matured for the fall season and the incoming weather provided a perfect background. I really could not have asked for a more productive collaboration!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

References: Color-coded topographic maps

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Yellow Alley at Emery Park, New York (NY) near East Aurora and Buffalo in the Fall - Autumn.Yellow Alley at Emery ParkFall Roads Knox Farm State Park Alley in the Fall, East Aurora, NY, near Buffalo, NY.Knox Farm Alley in the Fallfall Roads Old Water Tower in the Fall with Colorful Foliage All Around, Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400Old Water TowerFall Roads

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colden road colors country road countryside film kodak motorcycle ride new york nikon f4 ny orchard park photography portra 400 rural https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/12/scenic-cole-road Tue, 12 Dec 2023 13:04:52 GMT Darkroom: A vintage truck the traditional (old-fashioned) way https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/12/darkroom-a-vintage-truck-the-traditional-old-fashioned-way It's nice to find time to take the analog photography all the way from a location to a print without modern technology in between. I enjoy the process very much and it is a very relaxing experience. Unlike many of our day-to-day activities rushing should not enter the picture here. Rushing would not be rewarded. Thus, settling in for a darkroom session with a goal of hopefully leaving with a single photograph is not unusual.

REO Gold Comet 4x6, Darkroom PrintREO Gold Comet 4x6Darkroom Print

REO Gold Comet 4x6
Traditional Black and White Darkroom Print on Ilford MG IV RC Portfolio

And this time, it ended up being two! Sure, the same frame on the film but still two different photographs. FIrst, a 4x6 print on RC paper followed by an 8x10 print on fiber paper. With some math in between getting the right exposure for the second photograph after raising the enlarger up was not too involved. However, with both fiber and RC I am still learning to take the dry down more seriously. I always tend to fall in the "how much can it really darken" line of thought only to be proven wrong once it does. I hear people take their prints to a microwave to give them a quick dry to be able to assess the change. It also takes the print out of the darkness and artificial light into natural light. I will take that step more seriously. After all the work to get to the print why skip a simple step at the very end? See, rushing does not get rewarded here!

REO Gold Comet 8x10, Darkroom PrintREO Gold Comet 8x10Darkroom Print

REO Gold Comet 8x10
Traditional Black and White Darkroom Print on Ilford MG IV Fiber Paper

I hope to find more time for the darkroom through the holidays and into the next year. If you follow my blog you will be able to see how successful that turns out to be. Well, that is assuming I will not run way behind with the blog post. Let's see!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more darkroom prints, head over to the Darkroom gallery.

Previously from the darkroom:

Roofs & Chimneys. Prague Castle, Czech Republic, a hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printRoofs & ChimneysDarkroom Print Chimneys, Prague Castle, Czech Republic, a hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printChimneysDarkroom Print (New) Castle Stairs, Prague Castle, Czech Republic, a hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom print(New) Castle StairsDarkroom Print

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog b&w black and white darkroom film gold comet old photography print reo traditional truck vintage wet https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/12/darkroom-a-vintage-truck-the-traditional-old-fashioned-way Wed, 06 Dec 2023 13:10:27 GMT Welcome to Knox Farm https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/11/welcome-to-knox-farm To Paul, who loved it here.

I have a friend who does not like fall. I am more average than that. While I love black and white photography and love it more and more as the years go on I also love fall. It's the peak of what nature has been working on all year long. It's a celebration of sorts. And if that is not enough to grab a camera and head out and capture it there is one extra motivation, especially living in Buffalo, New York. After the colors of fall we're in for 6 months of gray. So yes, let's grab a camera even on a rainy day and see what some of the places around look like.

Welcome to Knox Farm State Park on a rainy fall day, East Aurora, New York.Welcome to Knox Farm State ParkKnox Farm in the Rain

Welcome to Knox Farm State Park
Nikon F4, 50mm f/1.8, Kodak Portra 800

And look, we're also back to stone walls and the human touch in beautiful landscapes, just in a different wonderful place. To me, the welcoming scene to Knox Farm could not be more picture perfect. I postcard advertising a perfect combination of elements to enjoy.

Road through Knox Farm State Park in the Fall, East Aurora, New York.Road through Knox Farm State ParkKnox Farm in the Rain

Road through Knox Farm State Park
Nikon F4, 50mm f/1.8, Kodak Portra 800

Pictures really bring back memories. Quite often, one look at a photo even from several years back and I remember the whole set up. I remember the weather, where I parked, what my frame of mind was and what went on. And since I usually have more than one photo from a photo outing they help me reconstruct more of the story.

Old Chevrolet Truck in the Rain at Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York.Chevrolet Truck at Knox FarmKnox Farm in the Rain

Chevrolet Truck at Knox Farm
Nikon F4, 50mm f/1.8, Kodak Portra 800

And that story allows me to be there again for another brief visit. Could that be why I enjoy photography? And it's been a while that I have been into this crazy passion of mine. I got sucked back into it around 2005 so it's going on 20 years. My path through photography has been winding through many different directions that you had a chance to follow if you return to my blog once in a while. But photography it still is nevertheless and the variety of options one has makes it so wonderful.

Between the Fences of Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York.Between the FencesKnox Farm in the Rain

Between the Fences
Nikon F4, 50mm f/1.8, Kodak Portra 800

One of the options is photography the old-fashioned way, the analog way. Yes, I mean photography on film. And I have been in that phase for a while now too, since about 2018. I bought a Nikon FE in 2015 and my first steps were careful at first, just feeling around. Looking at the archive on my computer now I only filled up a single roll that first year. Five rolls followed in 2016, back to just one in 2017. And then it exploded! Sixty rolls in 2019 and onwards and upwards it has been from there.

2023 has been a bit of a slow down in capturing new photographs. I have been thinking of what to do with all of the photos. I would like to give them a better life than collecting physical dust in film sleeves or digital dust on the hard drives. I am still figuring that part out. I struggle with social media. I think that is where photos go to die. I don't have any official statistics handy at the moment but how long do people look at each photo as they scroll through their feed? I suspect it is less than one second. And after a day or so the algorithm chases new content and buries yesterday's photos for good.

Why is that? Is that solely because photographs are everywhere and we're simply overloaded and possibly even tired of looking at yet another photo? I just did a quick internet search and it's possible that close to 2 trillion photos are taken every year. With almost 8 billion people on the planet Earth that makes 250 photos per year per person counting infants and all other people who are not in a position to take photos. Or is there more to it? Wow, where did my mind go today and how did this simple post about fall colors get so philosophical?

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Fall Colors at Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora, NY, near Buffalo, NY.Fall Colors at Knox FarmFall Colors Red Cottage across Snowy Winter Field, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York (NY), Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Colorplus 200 FilmRed Cottage across Winter FieldWinter Vibes Knox Farm State Park Alley in the Fall, East Aurora, NY, near Buffalo, NY.Knox Farm Alley in the FallFall Colors

Tiny Red Cottage in Winter, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York (NY), Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Colorplus 200 FilmTiny Red CottageWinter Vibes Beautiful Spring Sunrise at Knox Farm, East Aurora - Buffalo, NYSpring at Knox FarmSpring Mood

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colors east east aurora fall film foliage knox farm kodak landscape new york nikon f4 ny outdoors park portra 800 rainy scenic season state park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/11/welcome-to-knox-farm Mon, 13 Nov 2023 12:00:00 GMT Cold, Rainy, and Colorful https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/11/cold-rainy-and-colorful Previously: Warm and Colorful

It's time for a fall classic! It would not be the season of color without a visit to and post from Letchworth State Park. Unlike last year, weather did not cooperate as much, and it was really gloomy and dark. Wet foliage can actually be fun to photograph, and a polarizing filter can cut through its reflections to deliver really saturated colors. One needs some light for that though!

The Wall, fall leaf peeping at Letchworth State Park, New York.The WallLeaf Peeping

The Wall, Letchworth State Park

It did not help, I will admit, that while I moved my quick release plate to the camera of choice for the day, I forgot my tripod by the door at home. That eliminated long exposures from my repertoire, and I had to bump up the ISO instead. It was so dark that the polarizing filter had to go back to the bag because I could not afford to lose the 2+ stops of light. However, the rain held at more of a drizzle and made for an enjoyable day outside.

Wall Curve, leaf peeping at Letchworth State Park, New York.Wall CurveLeaf Peeping

Wall Curve, Letchworth State Park

I assume most of the people go to Letchworth State Park in the fall to enjoy the colorful show that Mother Nature puts on there for a few weeks. And I certainly enjoy that too! I also enjoy the interaction of manmade versus nature. In a way, my photography has shifted over the years in this direction. I used to carefully work to eliminate any signs of humanity from my photographs. Then, around the time we started doing longer family road trips, I started working the human aspects back into my photography. And you can clearly see that in today's post.

Winding through Seasonal Wonder, Letchworth State Park, New York.Winding through Seasonal WonderFall Colors in Letchworth State Park

Winding through Seasonal Wonder, Letchworth State Park

It would not have been too difficult to exclude the walls, the roads, and all the other manmade structures from my photography on this day but it would have resulted in different photographs. Some would change slightly, some more drastically and some just would not be captured as the human element became the main focal point.

Bridge over Wolf Creek, Letchworth State Park, New YorkBridge over Wolf CreekFall in Letchworth State Park

Bridge over Wolf Creek, Letchworth State Park

The three main attractions in Letchworth State Park are the three main waterfalls: Lower, Middle, and Upper. But don't be fooled, the park has so much more to offer. As we have been returning for more for over a quarter century we are still finding more and more. And it's the more subtle, off-the-beaten-path locations I am growing to appreciate more and more.

Elements of Interest, a wooden shelter with a stone chimney complementing the appealing fall scene in Letchworth State Park, New York.Elements of InterestFall in Letchworth State Park

Elements of Interest, Letchworth State Park

I also grew to enjoy the things probably often overlooked. Yes, that takes me back full circle to the manmade structures. A wooden shelter could probably be viewed as obstructing some pristine natural views. But look at the tasteful wooden construction! And look at that beautiful stone chimney! And what can we see through the shelter's window?

Fall Window, observing the beautiful natural scene through a wooden shelter's window in Letchworth State Park.Fall WindowFall in Letchworth State Park

Fall Window, Letchworth State Park

The park has breathtaking views all around and many of them are thanks to the Genesee River, which carved out a beautiful canyon through the cliffs. A lot of the views in Letchworth are from the cliff tops but there are a few trails that take you down to the river or to some of the tributaries. Either way, you will be rewarded for the steps you take!

Genesee River below tall cliffs in Letchworth State Park, decorated in colors for the fall season.River below CliffsFall in Letchworth State Park

River below Cliffs, Letchworth State Park

Stay behind the Wall, Letchworth State Park, New York.Stay behind the WallFall in Letchworth State Park

Stay behind the Wall, Letchworth State Park

Heck of a View! The Middle Falls and the Upper Falls in the background, including the new railroad bridge over the Letchworth State Park gorge.Heck of a View!Fall in Letchworth State Park

Heck of a View!, Letchworth State Park

Relax! A beautiful wooden shelter in the fall glory of Letchworth State Park, New York.Relax!Fall in Letchworth State Park

Relax!, Letchworth State Park

The Portage Bridge over the Upper Falls in Letchworth State Park, New York, in ColorsThe Portage Bridge in ColorsFall in Letchworth State Park

The Portage Bridge in Colors, Letchworth State Park

Do you have your 'Old Faithful' location you keep returning to? Letchworth State Park is definitely one of mine.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

    Gardeau Overlook in the Fall, Letchworth State Park, New YorkGardeau Overlook in the Fall, Letchworth State ParkFall Colors Wolf Creek Trail in the Fall, Letchworth State Park, New YorkWolf Creek Trail in the Fall, Letchworth State ParkFall Colors Back at Hog's Back in the Fall, Letchworth State Park, New YorkBack at Hog's Back in the Fall, Letchworth State ParkFall Colors

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colors fall foliage genesee river gorge landscape letchworth nature new york ny outdoors scenic season state park warm https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/11/cold-rainy-and-colorful Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT A Walk through East Aurora https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/10/a-walk-through-east-aurora I usually try not to share too many photographs in a single post but a while back I did a post on a walk through Orchard Park, NY and shared all photos at once and liked that format too. Today, I am repeating that approach with photos from a nearby village of East Aurora, NY. Last year, I had about an hour of photography time many Sundays in a row and used that as an opportunity to get to know and photograph the beautiful village.

Zorki 4, Jupiter 8 50mm f/2Zorki 4, Jupiter 8 50mm f/2East Aurora Sunday Walk This was a vibrant day in January 2022 with a clear blue sky and not a speck of snow to be found anywhere, not common in Western New York at all. I usually stick to black and white film for the 6 months of gray but this day screamed for color. I decided to go the less familiar route of an ECN-2 film, specifically the Kodak Vision 3 250D movie film. Even now a year and a half later I must still say that I have not figured out how to effectively deal with the remjet removal and thus movie films remain a minority in my film photography journey.

For a change of pace, I loaded the film into my Zorki 4 range finder fitted with the standard Jupiter 8 50mm lens. While the camera has shortcomings it also has one huge advantage for me.

Since I wear glasses that have gotten stronger over the years I like cameras with a diopter adjustment. Unfortunately, most cameras do not allow for a strong enough adjustment. Even Nikons with their screw in diopter adjustment do not go high enough. However, this old Zorki 4 has a lever next to the viewfinder that allows for sufficient adjustment and then some!

Just briefly on the shortcomings, I recommend reading the manual before operating this camera. There are some quirks you must follow if you don't want to damage the camera. For example, first cock the shutter and only then set the shutter speed. Make sure the selector freely slides into the selected speed position.

Alright, enough on the camera geekery, let's go for a walk. We're starting at Main and Riley Streets heading east along Main Street.

Taste Us & Red's Beef on Weck, East Aurora, NY WalkTaste Us & Red's Beef on WeckEast Aurora Walk

Taste Us & Red's Beef on Weck, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

There are a few narrow passages connecting Main Street with the parking lots in the back. Above is one just like that. And you can choose which restaurant to enter based on your appetite. For the following photo we turn around and look back with the narrow passage on the right. I am a sucker for signage and was able to get three into a single photo here.

Food Parade - Red's Beef on Weck, Taste, Griffon Gastro Pub, East Aurora, NY WalkFood ParadeEast Aurora Walk

Food Parade - Red's Beef on Weck, Taste, Griffon Gastro Pub, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

Next off to the next set of storefronts sticking with the brick theme, even if in different hues.

Kickstand Culture & Aurora Nail Boutique, East Aurora, NYKickstand Culture & Aurora Nail BoutiqueEast Aurora Walk

Kickstand Culture & Aurora Nail Boutique, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

Even though the next section shares the same building and the upper floor remains in brick the first floor features a different siding for a different look.

Head over Heels & Eros, East Aurora, NY.Head over Heels & ErosEast Aurora Walk

Head over Heels & Eros, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

At this point we're moving further east across Church Street finding ourselves by the famous Vidler's. If you want to learn more about this magical store feel free to search for something like "vidlers east aurora history" in your favorite search engine. All I will say here is that it all started in the 1930s during the Great Depression.

Vidler's 5 - 10 & $, East Aurora, NY.Vidler's 5 - 10 & $East Aurora Walk

Vidler's 5 - 10 & $, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

Despite the history going more than 90 years back the founder still welcomes people to the store from his perch on the rooftop.

Founder on the Roof, East Aurora, NYFounder on the RoofEast Aurora Walk

Founder on the Roof, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

I love the large round analog thermometer by Vidler's! And on this sunny day with clear blue sky it was this thermometer providing clues about the time of the year.

30° Fahrenheit, East Aurora, NY30° FahrenheitEast Aurora Walk

30° Fahrenheit, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

For the next photo, we are traveling a little bit into the past as the storefront has changed in the meantime. Back in January 2022 Limelight Music was still located there. At this point, it's a home to the Revolver Records, a dangerous (for one's wallet) vinyl records store.

Limelite Music, East Aurora, NY.Limelite MusicEast Aurora Walk

Limelite Music, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

Let's finish the walk without words, just scroll, look, and enjoy.

Country Cupboard, East Aurora Walk, NYCountry CupboardEast Aurora Walk

Country Cupboard, East Aurora Walk, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

Bruce's Automotive, East Aurora, NYBruce's AutomotiveEast Aurora Walk

Bruce's Automotive, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

Charie's Diner, East Aurora, NYCharie's DinerEast Aurora Walk

Charie's Diner, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

Gingerich Auto Care, East Aurora, NY.Gingerich Auto CareEast Aurora Walk

Gingerich Auto Care, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

Taste & Red's, East Aurora, NYTaste & Red's, East Aurora - iSRD ONEast Aurora Walk

Taste & Red's, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

Little Red Caboose, East Aurora, NYLittle Red Caboose, East Aurora - iSRD ONEast Aurora Walk

Little Red Caboose, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 and Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 lens on Kodak Vision 3 250D Color Negative Movie Film

Alright, that's it for today's visit to East Aurora, NY. If you have any thoughts, I would love to hear from you. Please, use the "Leave a Comment" link under the headline to share your thoughts.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 250d buffalo cityscape colors east aurora film kodak new york ny photography urban vision 3 zorki 4 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/10/a-walk-through-east-aurora Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:00:00 GMT Balcony View https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/10/balcony-view I was on the road for a bit and took a break from my blog for a few weeks. However, it is time to get back to it. I would love to finish up some of the ongoing photo stories and also have some new material I'd like to post. To get back into blogging quickly, I'm starting with a short one today.

It's a continuation of the 2016 trip to the Czech Republic. For a few days we stayed at a cabin near Červený Kostelec. It served as our base for daytrips to the nearby rock cities. It was by a beautiful small lake that offered wonderful morning and evening walks and photo opportunities. And the cabin itself could also be used at the base for my tripod as in this photo captured from its balcony.

Tree at Night under the StarsTree at NightStarry Sky

Tree at Night under the Stars

It was a great quiet moment with thousands of stars above and a dose of city glow in the distance just over the horizon. And of course, a lone tree just happened to grow in the middle of it all.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries and enjoy!

Mound of Death, Ostaš Rock City, Czech RepublicMound of Death, OstašCzech Republic Rock City Ostaš, Czech RepublicRock City OstašCzech Republic Devil's Car, Ostaš Rock City, Czech RepublicDevil's Car, OstašCzech Republic

Lake Spinka (Rybník Špinka) in Fog, Červený Kostelec, Czech RepublicŠpinka in FogCzech Republic In a Fairy Tale at Pískovna, Adršpach-Teplice Rocks National Park, Czech RepublicIn a Fairy TaleCzech Republic

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy city glow czech republic europe glow mood mystery night sky stars tree https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/10/balcony-view Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:00:00 GMT A Photo Served https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/8/a-photo-served Sometimes, photo expeditions are planned, sometimes not. And sometimes, they are not even photo expeditions at all! This visit to an ice skating rink was definitely for a different occasion than photography. When things were over and I walked by these doors on the way out I could not help but taking a photo. It was literally served to me on a silver platter and all that was missing was to capture it. Have you heard the saying that the best camera is the one you have with you? For me on this occasion, it was an old iPhone 7.

Vivid Red Locker Room Doors at a Skating RinkRed LockersPatterns and colors sometimes show up in the least expected places, like these red locker room doors at a ice rink.
July 4 Fireworks, Two Bursts, Orchard Park, New York

The most difficult part was capturing this quartet head on keeping vertical lines vertical, horizontal lines horizontal, and maintaining all of the right angles. I fiddled with the scene quite a bit but the resulting photograph still needed a minor tweak afterwards. Now I need to plan a photo op and return with a "real" camera.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Fireworks Very Differently, a handheld long exposure with intentional camera movement for an unexpected and unpredictable light trails. Orchard Park, New York.July 4 Fireworks, Handheld AbstractAn Abstract Pineapple PatternPineapple PatternA Pattern Colorful Bug Ranch Abstract, Route 66 in Conway, Texas (TX)Bug Ranch AbstractAn Abstract

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy bold colors door ice skating rink indoor interior pattern. red vivid https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/8/a-photo-served Wed, 30 Aug 2023 11:00:00 GMT Alabama 2023, Part V, Magnolia Springs https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/8/alabama-2023-part-v-magnolia-springs Even the last road trip's photographs are now growing old without being seen. The couple I am sharing today are from almost the same place. One beautiful old oak tree alley from its two sides. First, we're looking one way in color.

Old Oak Trees of Oak Street, Magnolia Springs, AlabamaOld Oak Trees of Oak StreetAlabama

Old Oak Trees of Oak Street, Magnolia Springs, Alabama

And then we are looking the other way in black and white. Old trees may be a photographic cliche, but I really do not care. Finding a beautiful old tree is always a good reason to bring the camera to my eye and click the shutter. And the oak trees of the American South are gorgeous. Their crowns tend to create these beautiful tree tunnels. Add some Spanish Moss and the Southern vibe is complete (even if it's neither Spanish nor moss)!

Oak Alley at Oak Street, Magnolia Springs, Alabama. Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100 black and white film, D-23 developer.Oak Alley at Oak StreetAlabama

Oak Alley at Oak Street, Magnolia Springs, Alabama
Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100, D-23 7 minutes

Alright, that's it for today's duo from our 2023 road trip to Alabama. Which version do you like more? Color? Black and white?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Alabama 2023 Series: Part I, Houses on Stilts, Part II, Ends of Day, Part III, A Hop to Pensacola, Florida, Part IV, Mardi Gras, Part V, Magnolia Springs

Seville Quarter, Downtown Pensacola, FloridaSeville QuarterPensacola, Florida Plaza Ferdinand VII Sculpture, Downtown Pensacola, Florida. Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100 Film, D-23.Plaza Ferdinand VII Sculpture, Pensacola, FloridaAlabama Office and Palm Trees, Paradise Isle Resort, Gulf Shores, Alabama.Office & Palm TreesGulf Shores, Alabama

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2023 alabama alley magnolia springs nikon d610 nikon fe oak tree old southern vibe travel trees trip vacation https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/8/alabama-2023-part-v-magnolia-springs Mon, 21 Aug 2023 11:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes XIII: American History https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/8/cyanotypes-xiii-american-history Rolleiflex Automat, 120 Medium Format TLR Camera from the 1940sRolleiflex AutomatMedium Format Welcome to the 13th edition of Cyanotypes. In 2022 we made a family road trip to Virginia to see and learn more about some key places of the American history: Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, and the surrounding area. It felt right having the film cameras with me even though even those were too modern for the subject matter.

I changed things up a little bit on this trip and left my trusty 35mm Nikon FE at home. For black and white photographs it was replaced with a World War II era Rolleiflex Automat. To document the family trip in color the plastic fantastic Nikon N75 came along. Auto-focus comes handy for quick snapshots and to make sure family members are in focus even when things happen fast. And for the historical photos when time allowed the Rolleiflex was a great companion.

Another thing I usually do not do for trips like this but did on this one was bringing a mix of film. I prefer limited choices and familiar film but had some film laying around I wanted to try and did not get to it and so it went on the trip. I had the Cinestill BwXX (Double-X), Berger Pancro 400, Fomapan 400, and Fomapan 200.

Smith's Fort Cyanotype, Surry, Virginia, United States.Smith's FortCyanotype

Smith's Fort Cyanotype, Surry, Virginia, United States, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper

Even though I have to admit the film choice was probably completely irrelevant for today's post. The rough texture of the Shizen Design watercolor paper ends up having so much more influence over the look of the print that any black and white film would most likely end up looking similar. All of my cyanotypes so far have been from 135 or 120 film, scanned, and turned into a large negative printed on an inkjet printer. Thus the thought about the insignificance of film. When at some point I contact print some of my 4" x 5" or 5" x 7" large format negatives, the film choice will certainly matter. Cyanotypes love low contrast negatives.

Smith's Fort, Surry, Virginia, United States, Toned CyanotypeSmith's FortToned Cyanotype

Smith's Fort Cyanotype, Surry, Virginia, United States, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Toned in Wine Tannin

Today, you are looking at three pairs of cyanotype prints. The first one of each pair is the traditional blue print one gets after an ultraviolet exposure and a development in water. The second print of each pair has been dried for 24 hours to allow for a complete oxidation, then fully bleached, washed and toned in wine tannin. In both versions the imperfect vintage look is preserved, yet, each come with their own mood.

Fence at New Town, Jamestown, Virginia, United States, CyanotypeFence at New Town, JamestownCyanotype

Fence at New Town, Jamestown, Virginia, United States, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper

When it comes to toning, the choice of paper seems to be very important. Even though this is the 13th edition of me blogging about cyanotypes and the first one was back on August 11, 2021 - wow, almost exactly 2 years ago - I feel I am still barely scratching the surface and there is so much more to learn. I have already learned, though, that some papers stain pretty heavily during toning and both highlights and shadows take on the tones of the toner. I experienced that with black, green, and white teas. White tea seemed to be the most forgiving probably due to an overall subtle stain. The same happened with red wine and also with wine tannin. The paper all six of todays prints were printed on is a perfect match from that point of view. The shadows stain wonderfully and the highlights stay clean.

Fence at New Town, Jamestown, Virginia, United States, Toned CyanotypeFence at New Town, JamestownToned Cyanotype

Fence at New Town, Jamestown, Virginia, United States, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Toned in Wine Tannin

With the last pair we already left the main destination of our expedition and were headed back towards Buffalo, NY. There was a semi-planned stop along the way in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, to supplement our knowledge of John Brown and the events of 1859.

John Brown's Fort, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, CyanotypeJohn Brown's FortCyanotype

John Brown's Fort, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, United States, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper

The arsenal’s engine house that served as Brown's last hold out is no longer at its original location and was actually moved four times as far as Chicago, IL, but found its way back to within a stone's throw of where it started.

John Brown Fort, Harpers Ferry, United States, Toned CyanotypeJohn Brown FortToned Cyanotype

John Brown's Fort, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, United States, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Toned in Wine Tannin

Which versions do you prefer? The blue? The brown? I'd love to hear from you so don't hesitate and drop a comment on this post.

Thanks for visiting, hope you'll be back :-)

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside - 12. Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle - 13. Cyanotypes XIII: American History

If you like cyanotypes, you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy!

Bird Island Pier Cyanotype, Buffalo, New YorkBird Island PierCyanotype Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, Meeden Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Chautauqua Lake, New York.Chautauqua Belle SteamboatMeeden Cyanotype BUFFALO Cyanotype, Buffalo, New York.BUFFALOCyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative analog blue cathedral comparison cyanotype darkroom harpers ferry history james brown jamestown monochrome new towne photography process smith's fort surry technique textured toned trip ultraviolet united states vintage virginia watercolor wine tannin https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/8/cyanotypes-xiii-american-history Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:00:00 GMT SilverFast iSRD Fighting Remjet https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/7/silverfast-isrd-fighting-remjet Zorki 4 in East AuroraZorki 4East Aurora While I made the mistake of letting this post sit for too long again, I believe this was my first time using a 35mm movie film with a remjet layer. Specifically, the photographs here were photographed with a 35mm Zorki 4 camera on 35mm Kodak Vision 3 250D color negative film.

The first difference was that the film is designed for development in ECN2. All of my color development so far has been done in C-41. In theory, even the 250D can be developed in C-41 but my understanding is that its sensitivity would then be more around ISO 400 rather than 250. I also wanted to try the native process instead of cross-processing in different chemicals. No problem, I got myself one of the ECN2 KITs and since the steps are similar to the C-41 KITs this did not pose a problem.

However, another differentiating feature of movie film is that it is coated with a black remjet that needs to be removed during processing. Automated minilabs had water jets on both sides of the film to wash the coating and quickly carry it away from the film. My home environment does not offer that luxury. What now?

Gingerich Auto Care, East Aurora - iSRD OFF, Kodak Vision 3 250D, ECN2.Gingerich Auto Care, East AuroraiSRD OFF

Gingerich Auto Care, East Aurora - iSRD OFF
35mm Zorki 4 camera, Kodak Vision 3 250D color negative movie film, ECN2 developer

In theory, a simple prewash in baking soda should soften the remjet and wash it off the film. However, it stays in the developing tank until the water is dumped. There is so much theory on the Internet about how to make this effective that it is hard to choose what method to go with. Some say to do several normal inversions, dump, repeat until the water runs clear. Others advise vigorous shaking, followed by thorough washing. There are even people who don't do a prewash at all, develop their film, and then physically wash the remjet off the film at the end of the cycle either with a fiber cloth or with their thumb!

Gingerich Auto Care, East Aurora - iSRD ON, Kodak Vision 3 250D, ECN2Gingerich Auto Care, East AuroraiSRD ON

Gingerich Auto Care, East Aurora - iSRD ON
35mm Zorki 4 camera, Kodak Vision 3 250D color negative movie film, ECN2 developer

For this first attempt at movie film, I tried the baking soda prewash and if my memory serves me well the vigorous shaking method. Everything seemed to go well as a lot of "dirt" came off when I dumped the baking soda solution. I refilled and emptied the tank several times until the water came out completely clear. Then the two developers and fix with washing in between each step. The ECN2 process was more demanding on water than C-41 for sure. The prewash and two extra thorough washes during the process definitely result in a higher consumption.

Little Red Caboose, East Aurora - iSRD OFF, Kodak Vision 3 250D, ECN2Little Red Caboose, East AuroraiSRD OFF

Little Red Caboose, East Aurora - iSRD OFF
35mm Zorki 4 camera, Kodak Vision 3 250D color negative movie film, ECN2 developer

When I hung the film to dry all seemed well. However, when I started scanning, I saw problems right away. There were specs all over like it snowed ash on the film. I was familiar with dust spots, water residue, or leftovers from a wetting agent but this was so much worse! There were so many specs! There was no way I would manually retouch them one at a time. If automation was not available, I would have written the roll off as an unsuccessful attempt and moved on.

Little Red Caboose, East Aurora - iSRD ON, Kodak Vision 3 250D, ECN2Little Red Caboose, East AuroraiSRD ON

Little Red Caboose, East Aurora - iSRD ON
35mm Zorki 4 camera, Kodak Vision 3 250D color negative movie film, ECN2 developer

While a lot of people are happy with and promote digitizing film with digital cameras and macro set ups, I use a dedicated Plustek scanner along with SilverFast software. The scanner offers IR scanning that the software's iSRD can use for automated spotting. While the use of it doubles the scanning time, which is slow to begin with, I usually have it on with all color negative film. It can't successfully be used with black and white negatives due to the film density preventing a successful infrared scan.

Taste & Red's, East Aurora - iSRD OFF, Kodak Vision 3 250D, ECN2Taste & Red's, East AuroraiSRD OFF

Taste & Red's, East Aurora - iSRD OFF
35mm Zorki 4 camera, Kodak Vision 3 250D color negative movie film, ECN2 developer

I figured why not try what it would be capable of in this extreme case. I turned iSRD on and let it do its magic. Were the results perfect? Absolutely not. But in my opinion, they were better than good enough and all of a sudden, the photographs were usable with minimum number of specs. I am really glad that was the case as I really liked the colors the film and ECN2 gave me. It created a whole different mood for these photographs from East Aurora, New York, compared to my previous many rolls from that beautiful village.

Throughout this post I am sharing three pairs of photographs. In each pair, one image is scanned without iSRD and the other one with iSRD. Feel free to click into them to see them large and compare. I did not do any additional manual spotting.

Taste & Red's, East Aurora - iSRD ON, Kodak Vision 3 250D, ECN2Taste & Red's, East AuroraiSRD ON

Taste & Red's, East Aurora - iSRD ON
35mm Zorki 4 camera, Kodak Vision 3 250D color negative movie film, ECN2 developer

In my mind, the availability of infrared scanning and automated dust and scratch removal gives the old-fashioned scanners an edge over digital camera scanning. Sure, it also has disadvantages and everyone will end up choosing what works for them but in this not so successful remjet wash I sure was grateful for the automation.

What advice would you give for remjet removal? Do you have a solution to automated spotting with digital camera digitization? Or do you have any questions or other comments? Please, drop me a comment on this post, I would love to hear from you.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 250d baking soda cityscape color negative colors east aurora ecn2 film kodak movie remjet removal urban vision 3 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/7/silverfast-isrd-fighting-remjet Mon, 24 Jul 2023 11:00:00 GMT Different Take on July 4 Fireworks https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/7/different-take-on-july-4-fireworks July 4 Fireworks, Niagara Falls, 2006July 4 FireworksNiagara Falls, 2006 It has been a long while since I photographed any fireworks. My most memorable ones from the past were at Niagara Falls where I aimed for perfection with a combined landscape below and fireworks above, a wide-angle lens, my camera firmly on a tripod, remote release, and probably several other things to try to come up with the best possible landscape photo featuring fireworks. I wanted to stay vague here saying that it has been a long while. It has been indeed but instead of staying vague I bothered looking that set of photographs up and it was in 2006, very early in my photographic journey! I really got heavily into photography in 2005 so that was only about a year in. However, that is a whole different topic.

What I was getting at here was that I have not really photographed fireworks since. I am just not into them, they seem like a monster waste of money, and they create a lot of mess on the ground and in the air. Especially with the 2023 wildfires in Canada and a frequent bad air quality it felt even weirder this year to do all of this.

July 4 Fireworks, Two Bursts, Orchard Park, NYJuly 4 Fireworks, Two BurstsOrchard Park, NY

July 4 Fireworks, Two Bursts, Orchard Park, New York

However, since we went to see the July 4 parade in Orchard Park, NY I stayed for the fireworks too. And since I had the camera with me why not use it, right? I had a 50mm lens mounted and thus my photography was limited to the bursts alone without any foreground or ground level reference point. I have always felt that was a problem because the fireworks could have been anywhere without any recognizable foreground features.

July 4 Fireworks, Ghosts, Orchard Park, New YorkJuly 4 Fireworks, GhostsOrchard Park, New York

July 4 Fireworks, Ghosts, Orchard Park, New York

Maybe the lack of context encouraged me to think of other ways to be more creative rather than mechanically repeating what I did 17 years earlier (wow, that sounds so much worse than saying 2006). I decided to do these long exposures handheld. Why not, I thought. Since I had no stationary objects in my frame, the fireworks were moving objects anyway, and the background was almost black, why would there be a need for perfect stability? Sure, 10 - 20 seconds is quite a long time but why not?

July 4 Fireworks, Handheld Abstract, Orchard Park, New YorkJuly 4 Fireworks, Handheld AbstractOrchard Park, New York

July 4 Fireworks, Handheld Abstract, Orchard Park, New York

I had the Nikon D610 DSLR with me and during long exposures the mirror is lifted and one can't see anything through the viewfinder. Therefore, I used a trick often used with other optical instruments and kept both of my eyes open. I started by tracking the fireworks through the viewfinder and when it burst open, I'd initiate the long exposure and continue hunting for and tracking additional fireworks with my left eye, trying to move the camera along hoping it would somewhat point at what my left eye was seeing.

July 4 Fireworks, Squiggly, Orchard Park, New YorkJuly 4 Fireworks, SquigglyOrchard Park, New York

July 4 Fireworks, Squiggly, Orchard Park, New York

Initially, I tried to keep my hands steady following one, two, or three different fireworks. As time went on, I went crazier. I explored what would happen if I moved my hands up and down, left and right, or even turning the camera clockwise and back. I also tried going out of focus and back into focus during some exposures. The LCD confirmed that whatever I was doing was translating into the photographs, which encouraged me even more.

July 4 Fireworks, Rain, Orchard Park, New YorkJuly 4 Fireworks, RainOrchard Park, New York

July 4 Fireworks, Rain, Orchard Park, New York

From an exposure point of view, things were really easy this evening. Not including any foreground and having the almost black sky for a backdrop, I only needed to record and not overexpose the fireworks. Shutter speed had minimal impact on the exposure as the fireworks move and the source of light does not stay long enough in one spot for the exposure time to matter. Instead, the shutter speed only controlled how many different bursts I could catch in a single exposure. I found a sweet spot around 15 seconds which allowed for 2 - 3 bursts. Any longer and the result was too chaotic and less would mean single bursts only. To get the fireworks bright but not overexposed I had to work the aperture. I found that between F/16 and f/11 worked well this evening. That also provided enough depth of field for the infinity focus of the 50mm lens.

Conclusion? This was simple and a lot of fun! The results can vary from quite steady with predictable fireworks light trails to a complete mess of lines and anywhere in between.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy abstract crazy creative distortion fireworks handheld independence day long exposure night orchard park reality wild https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/7/different-take-on-july-4-fireworks Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:00 GMT Inverted Blog https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/7/inverted-blog A reader mentioned the gray on black was hard to read. While it seemed alright on a large desktop monitor, I had to agree it was not that great on a phone screen. Just for the blog pages I switched to an inverted black / gray on white. What do you all think? Drop me a guestbook entry if you have an opinion whether this made things better or worse.

For some reason, the reader view is not available. I will have to figure that one out too.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! #etbtsy

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy blog easy reading feedback inverted negative white background https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/7/inverted-blog Mon, 03 Jul 2023 21:25:11 GMT Darkroom: Three Prints of Prague https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/6/darkroom-three-prints-of-prague To my dad, who first introduced me to the wonders of darkroom.

It is a shame but I do not make it into the darkroom as often as I would like to. I'll have to work on that as I truly enjoy the process. I like it allows me to finish the analog picture making journey started by capturing the world on film without a computer inserted into the process. And to top it off, it is very relaxing. The whole world is literally shut out and not allowed to enter. And time becomes relative. Hours can pass by feeling like no time at all.

For now, I have stayed with the simple yet powerful process my dad introduced me to back in 1980s. I take couple light readings from the frame to be printed, one for dark and one for light areas. I use the low value reading (dark in the negative but bright in the final positive) to set the aperture of the enlarger lens to place the target exposure time somewhere around 10 seconds. While it may sound like that there is not much science to this. It's based on past trial and error and knowing that approximately 2/3 EV should get me close. I use the high reading (bright in the negative but dark in the final positive) to gauge the contrast I should start with.

A test strip is the next step. While I am aware of f-stop-based darkroom printing and f-stop-based test strips and definitely see the logic and advantages behind that I have stayed with the simple timing method for now. For my first test strip I will go for about 6 - 7 strips on a 5x7 paper ripped in half to limit waste. Thus, each strip is less than 1 inch wide. I will start on 6 or 8 seconds and add 2 seconds for each next step. In practice, the whole sheet gets exposed for example for 8 seconds. Then I cover a small section and add 2 seconds of exposure. Then I slide the cardboard more in to cover an additional step and repeat until the whole paper is used. That will give me 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 seconds. And that's what you see in the first photo below.

Roofs & Chimneys, Test 1Roofs & ChimneysTest 1 Roofs & Chimneys, Test 2Roofs & ChimneysTest 2 Roofs & Chimneys, Test 3Roofs & ChimneysTest 3

Unfortunately, this time my guesswork was a little bit off and even the darkest stripe lacked punchy blacks. As a result, I repeated the test starting with longer exposures and going past 20 seconds. I could have also opened up the lens a stop but I chose the longer exposure times instead. As you can see, I also widened each stripe and printed 5 variations instead of 7 to have wider areas included in each. Now I definitely had the whole range covered but hesitated on selection. To solve that I printed the final test for the three exposures I wanted to pick from.

Another option is to use bigger time differences for the initial test strip but I usually work with 2 seconds. If I was not metering the dark and light areas at all and depended solely on the initial test strip, I would definitely go with 3 or even 5 second increments to make sure I get to the ballpark with the first test strip. The exposure selection can be narrowed down by going in smaller increments for each successive test.

For now, I've used this simple method of sliding a thin cardboard over the face of the photo paper. That comes with some major disadvantages as each strip includes a different area of the print and the shadows and highlights may not be present in each, making it difficult to pick an exposure working best for both whites and blacks. Localized test strips are meant to solve that challenge. It is something I plan on trying out in the (near) future. Another use for the localized test strips would be insuring a face in a portrait is well represented in a test strip. With the simple method described above the face (or faces) may be completely missing from some of the samples.

Roofs & Chimneys, Prague Castle, Czech RepublicRoofs & ChimneysPrague, Czech Republic

Roofs & Chimneys, Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Traditional Black and White Darkroom Print on Ilford MG IV RC Portfolio

You can see the final print above. Please, keep in mind that these are scanned images of the test prints that I tried to adjust for brightness and contrast to be as close to the paper versions as possible but that is not an exact process. And it was close on my monitor, which is a huge variable. When working on photographs I keep my monitor turned down quite a bit to see what I would get if I printed the photos on a printer or had them printed by an online photo lab. Most people's monitors are set to a way higher brightness. Thus, the photos here are just for process illustration rather than showing which strip was or should be chosen.

Now for a little bit of background for these photographs. When one exits the Prague Castle, the views don't get any less impressive. I have always liked the roofs and chimneys of the houses along the roads on the slopes below. The first two prints in today's post are dedicated just to those views. The one above for the Roofs & Chimneys, and the one below focused on the Chimneys.

Since this print was from the same roll of film exposed and developed identically to the previous one the starting point was easier. One test strip would have most likely been enough but I chose to confirm my selection with a small print. I wanted the chimneys as bright as possible without losing detail in them.

Chimneys, Test 2ChimneysTest 2 Chimneys, Test 2ChimneysTest 2

That relatively quick process gave me the final print below. Even though the sky has a very minor role in this photo I was quite happy about its tonality. On cloudy days that can be taken care of by itself and when the sky is blue, I prefer to use an orange filter. Yellow often seems too subtle while red can be overpowering and can also make it harder to get the right exposure for both highlights and shadows. With the orange filter, I often leave the exposure compensation up to the built-in meter and get very good results. With a red filter, I get better results metering without the meter and adding compensation manually.

Chimneys, Prague Castle, Czech RepublicChimneysPrague, Czech Republic

Chimneys, Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Traditional Black and White Darkroom Print on Ilford MG IV RC Portfolio

For the third and final print we are staying at almost the same location but the focus is now on the approach to the castle, specifically the stairs. In this case they are the Castle Stairs (Zámecké schody) also known as the New Castle Stairs (Nové zámecké schody) in contrast to Old Castle Stairs (Staré zámecké schody) at the eastern entrance.

(New) Castle Stairs, Test 1(New) Castle StairsTest 1 (New) Castle Stairs, Test 2(New) Castle StairsTest 2

As with the chimneys I was happy with my results after one test strip and one small print for a confirmation. Enjoy the final print below.

(New) Castle Stairs, Prague, Czech Republic(New) Castle StairsPrague, Czech Republic

(New) Castle Stairs, Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Traditional Black and White Darkroom Print on Ilford MG IV RC Portfolio

What remains? Not only did this post make me want to print more photos from Prague I already have ideas where to visit next and capture some future printing material. So many opportunities!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

PS: Future darkroom topic ideas: f-stop printing, localized test strip making, 3d-printing a localized test strip masking frame, home made developer

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more darkroom prints, head over to the Darkroom gallery.

Previously from the darkroom:

Historic Chautauqua Belle Steam Ship, hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printChautauqua BelleBlack & White Darkroom Print Historic Chautauqua Belle Steamship, hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom lith printChautauqua BelleDarkroom Lith Print

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog b&w black and white castle chimneys city cityscape czech czech republic darkroom film historic prague print roofs test strip traditional urban photography wet https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/6/darkroom-three-prints-of-prague Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:49:10 GMT Hawaiian Mix https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/6/hawaiian-mix Photographs bring back memories. And they do so in so many ways. They bring back memories in the nostalgic sense of wanting to (or not so much) return to the location and experience it all over again. They bring back memories in the literal sense of recalling forgotten facts back into the accessible section of our brains. Looking at the first photograph I can see the drive up the hill, finding the 'Opaeka'a Falls viewpoint parking lot on the right, walking further up to see the falls in the distance, and then crossing the road to enjoy a beautiful view of the Wailua River and wondering whether the peak in the distance truly was the mysterious Mount Wai'ale'ale as the informational board claimed. How cool would it be to see the peak one day or even stand there while getting drenched by the always present rain!

Wailua River and Mount Wai'ale'ale in the distance on the island of Kaua'i in the Hawaiian archipelago.Wailua RiverKauai, Hawaii

Wailua River and Mount Wai'ale'ale in the distance on the island of Kaua'i in the Hawaiian archipelago

Then while enjoying the views we noticed the roadside sign advertising the Kamokila Hawaiian Village and decided to visit without previously planning to do so. And with the help of the second image I remember the steep hill down, the shoes on the fence welcoming us, and some of the structures and overall look of the village emerges from some obscure and forgotten section of my mind. All of these shoes also qualify for my Lost Shoes collection of photographs, don't they?

Lost Shoes on a Fence in Kamokila Hawaiian Village, Kauai, HawaiiLost Shoes of KamokilaKauai, Hawaii

Lost Shoes on a Fence in Kamokila Hawaiian Village, Kauai, Hawai

As I was captioning these photos today prepping them up to go to their respective galleries on my web site I searched the internet to see what's out there now in 2023. These photographs are from 2016. Yes, it took me seven years to share them with you. Fortunately, we made the spur of the moment decision to visit the village back then. Unfortunately, we won't be able to do that again and it looks like nobody will. At least based on the 2022 news articles, the State of Hawaii had a reason to force the closure of the village after decades in operation. That reveals the next value of photographs. Not only do they bring memories back they also preserve them. They preserve them even for those that never had a chance to witness the photographs' content in person.

Table Set Up at Kamokila Hawaiian Village, Kauai, HawaiiTable Set Up at KamokilaKauai, Hawaii

Table Set Up at Kamokila Hawaiian Village, Kauai, Hawaii

Unlike my usual more focused posts today's post has an interesting variety of photographs spread across three different galleries: Landscapes Faraway, Nature - Animals & Plants, and Travel Photography. In a way, that shows just the tip of the iceberg of what one can experience on this beautiful island.

Plumeria Blooms, Koloa, Kauai, HawaiiPlumeria BloomsKauai, Hawaii

Plumeria Blooms, Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii

I will always associate plumerias with Hawaii and with the Hawaiian leis but they are not native to Hawaii. They are endemic to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. They were brought to Hawaii by Dr. William Hillebrand in 1860 and thrived. Do you want your own plumeria tree? Try a cutting from the Maui Plumeria Gardens. Even with shipping from Hawaii it's not too pricey. I have just spent about half an hour reading about growing plumerias in pots and caring for them even in cold places and am incredibly tempted. In fact, this whole part is a note to self to easily reference in the next few days when I decide to go for it. The brief reading indicates they're easy to start from cuttings and easy to care for in a manner similar to succulents. But don't take my word for it, do your own reading. And don't blame me for buying one!

Stars over Koloa in Kauai, HawaiiStars over KoloaKuai, Hawaii

Stars over Koloa in Kauai, Hawaii

And for a happy ending of today's post I am sharing an end of a very beautiful day on Kauai. What a wonderful starry sky with a planetary cherry on top! What's left? Maybe ordering that plumeria, maybe booking a flight, or maybe just diving into the archives of photographs with a beverage in hand and some happy music in the speakers. Cheers to our happy places! ;-)

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché - So Peaceful - Some Morning Drama - Farmland in the Canyon - Further up Waimea Canyon - At the Edge of Kalalau Valley - Tropical Sunrise - Tropical Sunset - The Photo at Your Back - Hawaiian Mix

Rainbow over Kalalau Valley, Kauai, HawaiiRainbow over Kalalau ValleyKauai, Hawaii Waimea Canyon, Deep & Wide, Kauai, HawaiiWaimea Canyon, Deep & WideKauai, Hawaii Farm at Waimea Canyon, Kauai, HawaiiFarm in the CanyonKauai, Hawaii

Lava Rocks at Waiohai Beach, Kauai, HawaiiLava Rocks at Waiohai BeachKauai, Hawaii Stormy sunrise at Secret Beach, Kauai, Hawaii (HI). Sand, lava rock, Pacific Ocean Waves, and dramatic sky.The Start of a Beautiful Day at Secret Beach, Kauai, HawaiiKauai, Hawaii

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy blue colors hawaii historical kamokila kauai memories mix nostalgia outdoors photography plumeria scenic travel variety village wailua https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/6/hawaiian-mix Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:00:00 GMT Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2023, Roll 2 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/5/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2023-roll-2 Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2023, Roll 1

To Paul, who introduced me to this wonderful location

terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera - Fuji Acros II - WPPD2023 - Sturgeon PointterraPIN ACME Pinhole CameraWPPD2023 As the link above indicates, this is a continuation of the Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2023. The same camera, the same film, and the same theme. If you did not read my intro to the day in Roll 1, I picked a theme of water for WPPD 2023. I wanted something in motion to take advantage of the long exposures one usually gets with a pinhole camera. And I have liked playing with different shutter speeds and water for a long time. It's amazing how much a photograph of water can change simply by varying the exposure time.

The one thing that I changed for Roll 2 was the location. Instead of a small creek I headed to a large lake, a Great Lake to be more specific. The shoreline of Lake Erie has a lot of private areas where a normal riffraff can't get, a few town parks limited to residents only, and a few precious public areas where it's possible to stroll along, contemplate, and even take photographs.

I like this specific location because the curve of the beach is made more interesting by the presence of some beautiful big rocks. And that is what I focused Roll 2 on - the interaction of the waves crashing against the shore and the rocks. It's amazing to photograph but it's also a lot of fun just to sit and watch. Yep, I'll trade this for a TV series any day. It seems that no two waves are the same. Different strength, different direction, and also different placement in the sequence of waves all cause the rocks to get submerged differently. And as one never really knows what each wave will bring it's only fitting to photograph it on film as one won't know what the film captured until quite a bit later. It adds to the mystery.

Submerged Rocks of Lake Erie, WPPD 2023, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer.Submerged Rocks of Lake ErieWPPD 2023

Submerged Rocks of Lake Erie
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

I enjoy how this specific camera renders the sky too. I did not customize the camera to be able to attach a filter and all of these photos are captured without any. I suspect that a horizon placed high in the frame falls in the vignette area of the frame and thus gets darkened preventing it from blowing out. And sure, friendly weather with some clouds in the sky does not hurt either.

In and Out of Water, WPPD 2023, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer.In and Out of WaterWPPD 2023

In and Out of Water
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

Scene selection is always fun and a challenge at the same time. In this case, I knew I wanted water and rocks. Thus the rocks had to be at the water's edge to be swallowed by the waves and promptly revealed again. They could not be too far into the lake as I was not ready to get soaked on this chilly morning. At least I was not wearing sneakers, my usual shoes for expeditions around water, but winter boots. Those gave me about 2 inches of water to work in. That's not much when the lake speaks loudly. Spoiler alert! I left with both shoes filled with water!

Big Rock, WPPD 2023, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer.Big RockWPPD 2023

Big Rock
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

Sometimes, I try to find angles that will group and arrange several rocks in an interesting formation. Other times I will go for a single rock. In all cases, I try to get very close to my subjects with the very wide angle of view of the terraPIN ACME pinhole camera. However, I do leave an inch or two more space than I used to. In combination with the dark vignette I like to give my subjects a little room to breathe.

Flooded Jagged Gaps, WPPD 2023, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer.Flooded Jagged GapsWPPD 2023

Flooded Jagged Gaps
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

In the past I used to experiment with either including or excluding the horizon from the frame. Over time I grew to like the horizon included either very low or very high in the frame. Since there is no viewfinder on this camera it is a bit of guesswork but there are some helpful tools included on the camera. To get the right vertical angle there are lines on the side of the camera that approximate the angle of view. To get a high horizon I tilt the camera forward (downward) almost to a point that the upward pointing line becomes horizontal. Just the slightest angle up pulls the horizon into the frame.

Gap Revealed, WPPD 2023, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer.Gap RevealedWPPD 2023

Gap Revealed
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

In the two photographs above you can compare how different things can appear based on wave strength and proper timing. How many small waves does one need to count off before a bigger one arrives? How many bigger ones arrive back to back? How many times is all of this so random that one can make no assumptions?

Between Rocks, WPPD 2023, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer.Between RocksWPPD 2023

Between Rocks
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

I tried to get really close and really low for the final photo and it definitely changed the original top down perspective. Sometimes this trickery with distance results in a complete loss of perspective when one can't really tell the real-life size of the objects. Were the rocks just a few centimeters? Or were they large boulders?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

More of my Pinhole Photography ...

Down Smoke Creek, Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with TerraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Fuji Acros II black and white film.Down Smoke CreekPinhole Photography Two Canoes, Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with TerraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Fuji Acros II black and white film.Two CanoesPinhole Photography Against the Current, Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with TerraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Fuji Acros II black and white film.Against the CurrentPinhole Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 120 3d-printed black and white d-23 film fuji fuji acros lake erie landscape lensless medium format monochrome nature New York outdoors pinhole simplicity square sturgeon point terrapin acme water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/5/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2023-roll-2 Tue, 30 May 2023 11:00:00 GMT Alabama 2023, Part IV, Mardi Gras https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/5/alabama-2023-part-iv-mardi-gras In 2023 we were finally in the right place at the right time to enjoy Mardi Gras activities. After a brief consideration of the nearby options we decided to stay local and enjoy not just one but two parades!

Mardi Gras, Gulf Shores, AlabamaMardi GrasGulf Shores, Alabama

Mardi Gras, Gulf Shores, Alabama

We started within literally walking distance and walked about a mile to see the parade in Gulf Shores, Alabama, which was in the morning. That was new, different, and fun and we doubled up in Orange Beach, Alabama, in the afternoon.

Mardi Gras, Gulf Shores, AlabamaMardi GrasGulf Shores, Alabama

Mardi Gras, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Despite the relative proximity (8 miles) we drove, which posed a challenge. While we expected that, we underestimated how little parking there would be available and arrived rather late. Definitely a lesson learned and a confirmation that our choice #1 was a perfect one. No driving definitely makes it easier and more enjoyable.

Mardi Gras, Gulf Shores, AlabamaMardi GrasGulf Shores, Alabama

Mardi Gras, Gulf Shores, Alabama

And that is it for today's quick visit to the Mardi Gras in Gulf Shores, Alabama in February 2023.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Alabama 2023 Series: Part I, Houses on Stilts, Part II, Ends of Day, Part III, A Hop to Pensacola, Florida, Part IV, Mardi Gras

Seville Quarter, Downtown Pensacola, FloridaSeville QuarterPensacola, Florida Red Stairs, Pensacola, FLRed StairsPensacola, FL Office and Palm Trees, Paradise Isle Resort, Gulf Shores, Alabama.Office & Palm TreesGulf Shores, Alabama

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2023 alabama colors festival gulf shores mardi gras parade people travel trip vacation https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/5/alabama-2023-part-iv-mardi-gras Mon, 15 May 2023 11:00:00 GMT Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2023, Roll 1 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/5/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2023-roll-1 terraPIN ACME, 3d-printed Pinhole CameraterraPIN ACMEPinhole Camera This year's Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD 2023) came at a perfect time for me. I've been on pause not only with pinhole photography but photography in general. I was just thinking about it all, about the purpose, about the end goal, about what's worth it and what's not. I deactivated the sales features on my website back in November 2022 and recently requested the deletion of my Etsy site. I have only done very little limited photography in about half a year.

When the WPPD 2023 weekend arrived, I was ready to grab a pinhole camera and head out into the wild. Ahead of time I knew I wanted to use my 3d-printed terraPIN ACME that only saw three rolls through it and I liked the results. I did not take any notes though and could not remember how I measured and calculated the f-stop. I knew it was not wider than f/144 so I decided to start there for my first roll, adjusting from there. I also knew I wanted to use up my Fuji Acros II 100 film that freshly expired last year.

Green Lake Canoes, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer.Green Lake CanoesWPPD2023

Green Lake Canoes
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

terraPIN ACME, 3-d Printed Pinhole CameraterraPIN ACMEPinhole Camera The original Fuji Acros as well as the new Fuji Acros II land themselves very well to long exposure pinhole photography thanks to their almost non-existent reciprocity failure. As such, using it was a no brainer especially since I had some on hand. I have also been trying to slim down my film stash, especially if expired or on the verge of expiration.

Since I knew the ISO 100 film, f/144, and cloudy weather would result in long exposures I wanted to have some motion in my photographs. I chose water for my WPPD2023 theme and in the end managed to almost stick with it.

Down Smoke Creek, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developerDown Smoke CreekWPPD 2023

Down Smoke Creek
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

As you can see I selected a nearby Yates Park in Orchard Park, New York. In a small package it manages to feature two beautiful bodies of water: Green Lake, and Smoke Creek. I wanted to focus on the creek. I had photographed it a few times in the past but struggled to reconnect with that area after the town cleaned up the lake a few years ago, which involved deforesting a significant chunk of land around the dam.

Up Smoke Creek, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developerUp Smoke CreekWPPD 2023

Up Smoke Creek
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

This was my opportunity, and it went very well. I had a blast there with the pinhole camera despite having taken several photographs pretty much from the same spot just rotating around and selecting a different camera height. So many opportunities! I also already decided that I will be heading back soon with a lensed camera and color film. To find the charm of this location I only had to wonder about a little bit and find a new vantage point, the old one gone with the wind.

Against the Current, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developerAgainst the CurrentWPPD 2023

Against the Current
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

I really like how the bright glare off the water made the stream look like a flowing melted lead in the above photograph. That takes my mind back to the film, Fuji 100 Acros II. With Fuji's exit from film manufacturing, it is my understanding this successor to the original Acros 100 is made by Ilford based on a Fuji recipe. And it delivers! It's not going to become my all-around film though mostly due to its intense cupping. That makes it really difficult to scan in the flimsy film carriers of flatbed scanners. In fact, I suspect most of the edge blur in these photographs is not due to the pinhole camera used but rather due to the far from flat film during scanning. I like the results, though, and don't want to go through digitizing these with a digital camera. The 3d-printed film carrier for that method would keep the film perfectly flat. Maybe if I am bored on a rainy day, I will try that just for comparison's sake. Probably not.

Rocks of Smoke Creek, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developerRocks of Smoke CreekWPPD 2023

Rocks of Smoke Creek
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

Kraken Dungeon, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developerKraken DungeonWPPD 2023

Kraken Dungeon
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

At one spot there is this monster of a structure sticking out of the creek bed. Maybe a storm sewer access point, maybe something else, it totally does not fit the otherwise natural and romantic feel of the place. I wanted to photograph this monster lair, this Kraken Dungeon, but forgot and left my photo perch. When I looked around to survey the location one final time for the day I spotted ti again and had to return. There's no water in the picture but it still fits the water theme, doesn't it?

Two Canoes, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developerTwo CanoesWPPD 2023

Two Canoes
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

As you can see, I closed the first WPPD 2023 roll where I started. I was back at the canoes looking for additional, more close-up and abstract angles. I especially like the above Two Canoes.

One Canoe, terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developerOne CanoeWPPD 2023

One Canoe
terraPIN ACME medium format pinhole camera, Fuji Acros II black and white film, D-23 developer

Finally, One Canoe closes off today's blog post. 8 photographs from a roll of 12, not too bad. All 12 technically came out but I did not like them enough to share. If you like what a simple 3d-printed box with a tiny hole can do, come back soon, I will share my second roll from this year's WPPD. The theme of water will stay, the location will differ.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

More of my Pinhole Photography ...

Mysterious Rocks on Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point. terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white film.Mysterious RocksPinhole Photography Bow Up from Water on Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point. terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white filmBow Up from WaterPinhole Photography Five and a Half Rocks on Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point. terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white filmFive and a Half RocksPinhole Photography

Refueling Truck, Black and White Pinhole Film Photography, terraPIN ACME, Fuji Acros 100Pinhole Refueling TruckPinhole Photography Lemonda Wagon, Black and White Pinhole Film Photography, terraPIN ACME, Fuji Acros 100Pinhole Lemonade WagonPinhole Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 120 3d-printed black and white d-23 film fuji fuji acros green lake landscape lensless medium format monochrome nature New York orchard park outdoors pinhole simplicity square terrapin acme water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/5/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2023-roll-1 Mon, 08 May 2023 11:00:00 GMT More from Rock City Ostaš https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/4/more-from-rock-city-ostas Wow, what a crazy break! I posted the first part of this photo story back on October 28, 2021. So in case you don't remember how this story started, feel free to get a refresher at Back for more mystery, Ostaš, Part 1.

The location of the Ostaš Rock City was a site of a terrible tragedy in 1421. The villagers from a nearby village of Police hid here from the army of Sigismund of Luxembourg. However, their location was betrayed and the army massacred the villagers including men, women, and children. Is that why the Mound of Death appeared in the rock wall?

Mound of Death, Ostaš, Czech RepublicMound of Death, OstašCzech Republic

Mound of Death, Ostaš, Czech Republic

The above Mound of Death is not the only creatively named rock formation in the Ostaš Rock City. Others include Armed Man, Traitor (related to the story above) and the below Devil's Car. Their look changes from different angles and who knows what they would all be called if someone else did the honors.

Devil's Car, Ostaš, Czech RepublicDevil's Car, OstašCzech Republic

Devil's Car, Ostaš, Czech Republic

Sometimes it is not about the rock formations towering above the forest floor but about the gaps in the table mountain itself. Sneaking through narrow gaps like the one below provides a reminder about our human size compared to Mother Nature. While usually translated to English as a cave it is more of a deep and narrow notch.

Czech Brothers' Cave, Ostaš, Czech RepublicCzech Brothers' Cave, OstašCzech Republic

Czech Brothers' Cave, Ostaš, Czech Republic

In a few places the view opened up and the tall rock formations looked rather magnificent against the blue sky and the bonus white puffy clouds floating by for the perfect backdrop.

Below Cat Rocks, Ostaš, Czech RepublicBelow Cat Rocks, OstašCzech Republic

Below Cat Rocks, Ostaš, Czech Republic

Some of the narrow passages required custom made solutions like the ladder below.

Up the Cat Rocks, Ostaš, Czech RepublicUp the Cat Rocks, OstašCzech Republic

Up the Cat Rocks, Ostaš, Czech Republic

And that's it for today's brief stroll through a beautiful piece of nature in the Czech Republic. And it looks like next time will be a slight change of pace even though we will not leave the rock cities completely. Where are we heading? You will have to check back ...

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries and enjoy!

Cat Rocks, Rock City Ostaš, Czech RepublicCat Rocks, OstašCzech Republic Rock City Ostaš, Czech RepublicRock City OstašCzech Republic In a Fairy Tale at Pískovna, Adršpach-Teplice Rocks National Park, Czech RepublicIn a Fairy TaleCzech Republic

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy climbing czech republic europe hiking landscape mystery nature ostas outdoors photography rock city rock formation rocks thoughts thrill travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/4/more-from-rock-city-ostas Fri, 28 Apr 2023 20:43:52 GMT Lakeshore Pinhole Photography at Sturgeon Point https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/4/lakeshore-pinhole-photography-at-sturgeon-point terraPIN ACME 3d-printed medium format pinhole cameraterraPIN ACMEPinhole Camera Taking a break from the 2023 Alabama Road Trip, let's take a look at some different moody photographs. These were all taken with a 3d-printed pinhole camera at a material cost approaching zero. In fact, the single roll of Kodak T-Max 100 black and white film was more expensive than the camera.

The simplicity of the camera is underpinned by it being a pinhole camera with no lens. Instead of a lens, the camera has a tiny hole. In fact, the name pinhole exaggerates the size as the hole is so small that a pin would not fit through. To complete the simplicity, I did not fit this version of terraPIN ACME with a fancy laser drilled pinhole but instead made my own by solely mechanical means into a sheet of aluminum from a soda can.

Mysterious Rocks on Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point. terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white film.Mysterious RocksPinhole Photography

Mysterious Rocks
Photographed with a medium format pinhole camera on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white film, developed in D-23

Behind the scenes with a terraPIN ACME 3d-printed medium format pinhole cameraterraPIN AcmePinhole Camera in Action I have a few favorite approaches to photographing the Sturgeon Point beach area. While that can lead to repetitive images and a difficulty to challenge myself to find something new, nature usually helps out. It seems that on no two visits does the beach look the same. Finding different submerged rock formations is one of those things I like to do every time, and they never ever look even similar, let alone the same. It seems like the force of the water repositions the rocks. Then, water level determines how submerged they are. Wind will create different waves.

With the tiny pinholes the f-stop of my pinhole cameras is between f/100 and f/200. Combined with a medium speed film at ISO 100, this results in exposures of several seconds, automatically pushing the photographs into the long-exposure territory without the use of any special filters. As the moving water does its thing the photographs are transferred into the mysterious moody territory.

Five and a Half Rocks on Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point. terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white filmFive and a Half RocksPinhole Photography

Five and a Half Rocks
Photographed with a medium format pinhole camera on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white film, developed in D-23

The camera features a very wide angle of view. The film plane is about 25mm from the pinhole, which would be a wide angle even on a 35mm camera, let alone the 120 medium format. This makes it fun to experiment with extreme close ups. While nothing is really in a sharp focus with a lensless camera the tiny pinhole resulting in a large f-stop creates an almost unlimited depth of field. As a result, things 1cm away will be as in focus as things at infinity. Different photographers prefer different looks but one school of thought with these extreme wide angles is that "if you think you're close enough, get closer". I am not really sure where I'd place myself. I continue experimenting with close and more moderate distances and often prefer the look of stepping just a bit back letting my main subject form a center of the square image and the natural vignetting accenting it. However, here the camera was almost touching the rock's corner.

Bow Up from Water on Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point. terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white filmBow Up from WaterPinhole Photography

Bow Up from Water
Photographed with a medium format pinhole camera on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white film, developed in D-23

There are quite a few of these dome-shaped rocks along the beach. Some dry far from the water's edge, some close getting splashed over, and some permanently submerged. They're like cannon balls cut in half. They seem unnatural as if from another planet. Sometimes I call them UFO rocks even though they're most certainly not flaying (any more), at least I have never witnessed that. For today's post, I went with a more boring name of a Dome Rock.

Dome Rock on Lake Erie Beach at Sturgeon Point. terraPIN ACME Pinhole Camera, Kodak T-Max 100 black and white filmDome RockPinhole Photography

Dome Rock
Photographed with a medium format pinhole camera on Kodak T-Max 100 black and white film, developed in D-23

May this serve as a reminder that every last Sunday of April is the annual Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day. This year it falls on Sunday, April 30. I am not yet sure what camera or cameras I will bring but an idea is brewing. Maybe this terraPIN ACME and the Holga Wide Pinhole (WPC), one for black and white and one for color. Check back in May for results.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

More of my Pinhole Photography ...

Lemonda Wagon, Black and White Pinhole Film Photography, terraPIN ACME, Fuji Acros 100Pinhole Lemonade WagonPinhole Photography Wagon Wheel, Black and White Pinhole Film Photography, terraPIN ACME, Rollei Retro 80sPinhole Wagon WheelPinhole Photography Refueling Truck, Black and White Pinhole Film Photography, terraPIN ACME, Fuji Acros 100Pinhole Refueling TruckPinhole Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 120 3d-printed black and white d-23 film kodak kodak t-max lake erie landscape lensless medium format monochrome nature New York outdoors pinhole shoreline simplicity square sturgeon point terrapin acme water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/4/lakeshore-pinhole-photography-at-sturgeon-point Tue, 18 Apr 2023 11:00:00 GMT Alabama 2023, Part III, A Hop to Pensacola, Florida https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/4/alabama-2023-part-iii-hop-to-pensacola-florida From Gulf Shores, Alabama, it's not too far to other states. Namely Florida is right around the corner following Route 182 east and enjoying the Gulf of Mexico on the right.

Orange Bicycle, Downtown Pensacola, FloridaOrange BicyclePensacola, Florida
Orange Bicycle, Downtown Pensacola, Florida

I really enjoyed this charming town and it did not hurt we visited a day before Mardi Gras and some of the decorations were already up for a more festive mood. The beautiful afternoon sun warmed up the air and the tones of the photographs I liked the increased contrast too.

Red Stairs, Pensacola, FLRed StairsPensacola, FL
Red Stairs, Pensacola, FL

So many passages and balconies all around with stairs of many kinds. The red of this staircase looked gorgeous against the deep blue sky and it translated into a photograph really well too, which is not always the case. I tried different angles standing directly in front of the stairs, a little to the left, a little to the right, and in the end liked this version the most as it shows how one can sneak by the stairs.

Bricks, Pensacola, FloridaBricksPensacola, Florida

Bricks, Pensacola, Florida

Mentioning the balconies, they all looked great. But this decorated one with the brick building behind it and lit by the warm rays of sun took the prize. I loved the deep black shadow underneath this scene created too.

Plaza Ferdinand VII Sculpture, Pensacola, FloridaPlaza Ferdinand VII SculpturePensacola, Florida

Plaza Ferdinand VII Sculpture, Pensacola, Florida
Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100, D-23 7 minutes

Not exactly sure about the significance of this sculpture but am assuming it was related to the next day's Mardi Gras. Like with the stairs above I tried various angles here too but in the end the obvious symmetry of the head on approach won.

Seville Quarter, Pensacola, FloridaSeville QuarterPensacola, Florida

Seville Quarter, Pensacola, Florida

That light! We really lucked out on the lighting conditions while visiting Pensacola. Many of the photographs would become quite boring had it not been for the help of the warm directional sunlight. The yellow makes for another great combination with the blue sky, and the red text fits in too.

Mardi Gras Masks, Pensacola, FloridaMardi Gras MasksPensacola, Florida

Mardi Gras Masks, Pensacola, Florida
Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100, D-23 7 minutes

Walking under the balcony of the Seville Quarter color photo, the Mardi Gras masks in the window caught my attention and I explored several angles again trying to show the sense of the place. I selected this version as the sidewalk goes on into the distance and is lined with the columns supporting the balcony above.

Tarragona St, Pensacola, FloridaTarragona StPensacola, Florida

Tarragona St, Pensacola, Florida

There was something irresistible in the old brick building especially once we cleared the corner and saw the palm trees down the narrow street. And just a little further the crosswalk willed in the corner and the scene was camera ready.

Pensacola Bay Bridge, FloridaPensacola Bay BridgePensacola, Florida

Pensacola Bay Bridge, Florida

Just a few steps from there we made our way to the water's edge offering a nice view of the Pensacola Bay Bridge. And that view will be the end of today's post.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Alabama 2023 Series: Part I, Houses on Stilts, Part II, Ends of Day, Part III, Hop to Pensacola, Florida

Gulf Shores Beach Sunset, AlabamaGulf Shores Beach SunsetGulf Shores, Alabama. Office and Palm Trees, Paradise Isle Resort, Gulf Shores, Alabama.Office & Palm TreesGulf Shores, Alabama Gulf State Park Pier at Sunset, Gulf Shores, AlabamaGulf State Park Pier at SunsetGulf Shores, Alabama

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2023 bright cityscape coast colors daylight florida gulf of mexico light pensacola sunny travel trip urban vacation https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/4/alabama-2023-part-iii-hop-to-pensacola-florida Tue, 11 Apr 2023 11:00:00 GMT Alabama 2023, Part II, Ends of Day https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/3/alabama-2023-part-ii-ends-of-day In the spring and in the fall, around the two annual equinoxes, a south facing beach like the one in Gulf Shores, Alabama, have one extra advantage. You can observe both a sunrise and a sunset from the same spot and both will be pretty much over the beach for a different mood from the ones over open water. In fact, the whole winter between the two equinoxes you will be able to enjoy both sunrises and sunsets, even if a bit more over the water. As the days extend, the sun will migrate too far over the land to the north.

Setting sun over the beach at Gulf Shores, Alabama.Gulf Shores Beach SunsetGulf of Mexico
Setting sun over the beach at Gulf Shores, Alabama
Nikon D610, Nikkor AF-S 24 - 85mm ED, Aperture Priority +1 EV, 1/125 sec, f/16

Standing at almost the same spot as for the photo above just turned to the left and that is where the sun rose the following morning. For a different mood I went with a long exposure here completely flattening the already calm surface of the Gulf of Mexico. Not sure how but even the slope of the sandy beach disappeared for a complete leveled look of the sand and water.

Rising sun over the beach at Gulf Shores, AlabamaGulf Shores Beach SunriseGulf of Mexico
Rising sun over the beach at Gulf Shores, Alabama
Nikon D610, Nikkor AF-S 24 - 85mm ED, Aperture Priority +4 EV, 25 sec, f/22

First, I tried finding angles that would eliminate. any signs of civilization from my photos. however, as we continued our walk down the beach and the shape of the beach behind us changed it offered the below view including the silhouetted condominiums under the wild sunset colors. 

A distant condo silhouette under bold sunset colors in Gulf Shores, AlabamaSunset Colors over Gulf Shores BeachGulf of Mexico

A distant condo silhouette under bold sunset colors in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Nikon D610, Nikkor AF-S 24 - 85mm ED, Aperture Priority -2/3 EV, 1/125 sec, f/4.5

And finally for the least intuitive view. While this was at sunset the below view is towards the east. There, the bold colors of the sunset were replaced with more subtle pastel tones. And no, the long pier of the Gulf State Park did not hurt the composition a bit. It was visible from quite a distance and it took us a while to realize we would not make it all the way to it that evening.

The Gulf State Park Pier in the distance with painterly sunset colors in the eastern sky.Gulf State Park Pier at SunsetGulf of Mexico

The Gulf State Park Pier in the distance with painterly sunset colors in the eastern sky
Nikon D610, Nikkor AF-S 24 - 85mm ED, Aperture Priority, 1/50 sec, f/7.1

And that is it for today. One beach, many different looks.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Alabama 2023 Series: Part I, Houses on Stilts, Part II, Ends of Day

Sunny Afternoon at Paradise Isle Resort, Gulf Shores, AlabamaSunny Afternoon at Paradise IsleGulf Shores, Alabama Office and Palm Trees, Paradise Isle Resort, Gulf Shores, Alabama.Office & Palm TreesGulf Shores, Alabama Paradise Isle Resort at Dusk, Blue Hour over Gulf Shores, AlabamaParadise Isle at DuskGulf Shores, Alabama

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2023 alabama beach coast colors gulf of mexico gulf shores landscape light ocean seascape sunrise sunset travel trip vacation water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/3/alabama-2023-part-ii-ends-of-day Thu, 30 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT Alabama 2023, Part I, Houses on Stilts https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/3/alabama-2023-part-i-houses-on-stilts After two days on the road, we pulled into the Paradise Isle Resort's parking lot, and I knew there would be many photographs of the resorts' buildings on stilts. While it is a common sight along the shore it definitely is not a common sight around Buffalo, New York. I immediately felt a connection and looked forward to exploring the raised house in different light. However, there was something captivating about that exact look in the middle of the afternoon with the sun in my eyes and the backlight skimming the walls of the resort.

I was tired from the long drive and a bit lazy and did not feel like digging out the camera at that very moment even though some lessons of the past went through my head. The light might not be the same again! We might not be there mid-afternoon again! Yet, all I did was pull out my phone and snapped a quick memory that way. For a few days afterwards, my worries kept coming true. Eventually I got my second chance though when we were not exploring elsewhere, and the light was similar to the arrival conditions.

Sunny Afternoon at Paradise Isle Resort, Gulf Shores, AlabamaSunny AfternoonParadise Isle Resort

Sunny Afternoon at Paradise Isle Resort, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Nikon D610, Nikkor AF-S 24 - 85mm ED, Aperture Priority +2/3 EV, 1/60 sec, F/16

The resort offered some other picturesque angles. Here's a pretty basic head on photograph across the West Beach Boulevard. I tried several other angles but in the end liked the simplicity of this one. I also liked how the palm trees fit in this frame.

Office of the Paradise Isle Resort, Gulf Shores, AlabamaOfficeParadise Isle Resort

Office of the Paradise Isle Resort, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Nikon D610, Nikkor AF-S 24 - 85mm ED, Aperture Priority +2/3 EV, 1/200 sec, F/10

Since the houses on stilts also featured outside lamps I had to try a blue hour photo. We were lucky with the week spent there and evenings and nights offered clear skies with some decorative clouds floating by. And yes, I was happy with a scene similar to the opening one, just a few steps back to include one extra unit. I was hesitant about the cars on the right edge but did not have much of a choice as I absolutely wanted to include the utility poles. Why not though? These are vacation houses and the cars belong there.

Paradise Isle Resort at Dusk, Blue Hour over Gulf Shores, AlabamaDuskParadise Isle Resort

Paradise Isle Resort at Dusk, Blue Hour over Gulf Shores, Alabama
Nikon D610, Nikkor AF-S 24 - 85mm ED, Aperture Priority +2 & 2/3 EV, 15 sec, F/10

The next evening we returned early enough to catch another dusk photograph. For this one I went around the corner and looked for a new angle. When I thought I was done someone turned on the light in the window on the right and I grabbed one more photo. And I am glad I did. As I reviewed the whole series it was that last one that came ahead of the rest for me. It added a little extra bonus.

Blue Hour over Paradise Isle Resort, Gulf Shores, AlabamaBlue HourParadise Isle Resort

Blue Hour over Paradise Isle Resort, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Nikon D610, Nikkor AF-S 24 - 85mm ED, Aperture Priority +1 EV, 25 sec, F/11

There you have it, the opening post to another series. Apparently, I am doing really well with the sequels to the other ones (from 2016!).

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Alabama 2023 Series: Part I, Houses on Stilts

De Immigrant on Mississippi, a dutch-style windmill in Fulton, Illinois (IL).De Immigrant on MississippiRoad Trip Trading Post in Georgetown, ColoradoTrading Post in Georgetown, ColoradoRoad Trip A Rural House, Southern Moravia, Czech Republic, EuropeA Rural HouseTravel

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2023 alabama coast gulf of mexico gulf shores houses light resort stilts travel trip vacation https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/3/alabama-2023-part-i-houses-on-stilts Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT Pineapple, Ananas, Piña, Abacaxi https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/2/pineapple-ananas-pina-abacaxi This time it did not take a long time at all to add to the Animals & Plants photo gallery. After some frogging last time, we're exploring the look of a tasty fruit this time around. First up? A close up, always creating an intriguing pattern of shapes and colors. Sometimes more yellow, sometimes more green, but always tasty unless it's left standing around for too long turning into pineapple wine.

Pineapple Pattern Close UpPineapple PatternA close up on pineapple skin pattern

Pineapple Pattern Close Up
Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro, 1/4 sec at f/16, ISO 200

I have had an opportunity to meet and talk with people from many countries and somehow by accident our discussions often turned to a pineapple. While our common language usually was English, we found it interesting that ananas was the word for it in our native languages. And the more people I asked the more of them knew the fruit as ananas.

For the second photo I have gone for a profile. Can you tell this pineapple is looking left? I liked the contrast between the warm colors of the fruit and the black background.

Pineapple Profile, Side Close UpPineapple ProfileThe side of a pineapple, or its profile.

Pineapple Profile, Side Close Up
Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro, 0.6 sec at f/16, ISO 200

And finally, a full head portrait to close us out today. Unlike the two photos above I did not want to go for a frame-filling portrait. Instead, I wanted to give the fruit plenty of room around the edges. I like the mood better that way.

Pineapple, Ananas, Piña, AbacaxiPineappleHow do you say pineapple?

Pineapple, Ananas, Piña, Abacaxi
Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro, 0.5 sec at f/11, ISO 100

All photos were captured with a very simple set up. I hung a black velvet fabric behind (and under) the pineapple for a blank black background. Then I placed a single large adjustable LED light (18" FotodioX C-700RSV FlapJack) at about 45 degrees on the left and turned it more right to just illuminate the fruit by the feathered edges of the light. With that set up almost no light was falling on the fabric to the left of the fruit and the right side was far enough to also stay in the dark. In fact, the light was turned more towards the camera than the fruit and was causing a flare despite having placed a hood on the lens. I flagged the light off with a piece of black matboard leaned against the light from the camera side. I manually set the camera white balance to 3700K and the light to 3600K for a slightly warmer rendering.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs of the animal kingdom? Visit my Nature - Animals & Plants and enjoy!

Banana FlowerBanana FlowerPlants Catkins, Green Grass Theme, Spring in Western New YorkCatkins, Green ThemePlants A Close Up of Cherry Tree Blossoms at the Buffalo History Museum's Japanese GardenCherry Tree BlossomsPlants

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy ananas black background fruit pineapple still life https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/2/pineapple-ananas-pina-abacaxi Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMT Winter Landscapes from the Southtowns https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/1/winter-landscapes-from-the-southtowns Mamiya 645 1000s, Fomapan 400 Black and White Negative Film.Mamiya 645Fomapan 400 This is a loose continuation of my winter series: Winter Strangler, Winter is Here (Again)!, and Winter is Here! The whole series is connected not only by winter but being around the Southtowns of Buffalo, NY and photographed with a medium format Mamiya 645 camera on black and white film. The sad reality of winter in these parts is that sunshine is way too precious and most days are of various shades of gray. various tones of gloom. On the few passing moments when blue sky shows up I am tempted to rush for color film and capture the sight for perpetuity but a look to the west often quickly squashes my hopes as I see the gloom rolling in. This often happens in the morning when the low rising sun has a chance to get under the clouds. Sometimes that light can be so dramatic and tricky that it tricks me into thinking that the gloom from the west are not heat clouds but a rather pretty dark shade of blue sky. And then sun hops above the clouds.

Basketball Hoop, Western New York Winter. Snyder Road, West Falls, NY. Mamiya 645 1000s, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer.Basketball HoopWestern New York Winter

Basketball Hoop, Western New York Winter, Snyder Road, West Falls, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

On days like this snow is a huge bonus. While the sky may be dark and gloomy snow on the ground cleans and brightens everything up. Up is down and down is up. The light comes from the ground.

Car Repair Shop, Western New York Winter. Center Street, East Aurora, NY. Mamiya 645 1000s, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer.Car Repair ShopWestern New York Winter

Car Repair Shop, Western New York Winter, Center Street, East Aurora, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Foma Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

The Southtowns of Buffalo, NY are in the so called snow belt, the area to the east of Lake Erie that gets most of the lake effect snow. Thus they also provide picturesque winter scenes, whether they are scenic landscapes or ordinary scenes along the small country roads people take daily on their commutes to work. Do they see it all though?

Old Shed in the Field, Western New York Winter, Emery Road, East Aurora, NY. Mamiya 645 1000s, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer.Old Shed in the FieldWestern New York Winter

Old Shed in the Field, Western New York Winter, Emery Road, East Aurora, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Foma Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

That's one of the reasons I like photography. It helps me pay more attention. I see things, I look for things that I would otherwise overlook. And I see history passing through my mind, things changing, things getting older, and once in a while a new thing popping up. Barns and sheds usually slowly give in to time, eventually collapsing. But here and there, even if rarely, a beautiful new barn pops up and brings a huge smile. Maybe it's knowing it will be there for me to watch forever.

Emery Park Pergola, Western New York Winter, East Aurora, NY. Mamiya 645 1000s, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer.Emery Park PergolaWestern New York Winter

Emery Park Pergola, Western New York Winter, East Aurora, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Foma Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

The car is parked in a lot now and we're on the foot through the beautiful Emery Park south of the village of East Aurora, NY. And even here it's a twofold story. There's scenic nature, always reliable, always beautiful. And then there is the human side of things, the structures people build. I really appreciate some of the local parks and the fact that the towns, counties, and state usually try to build things in a way that blend better with nature even if those choices are not the cheapest. Look at this stone pergola. Isn't it some much better than some quickly raised shelter? While not on these photos, I was very pleasantly surprised recently as some bridges were being repaired in Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, NY, and their side walls were wrapped in stone. It gives the parks charm and it makes them happier places to those who pay attention.

Aging Stone Bridge, Western New York Winter, Emery Park, East Aurora, NY. Mamiya 645 1000s, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer.Aging Stone BridgeWestern New York Winter

Aging Stone Bridge, Western New York Winter, Emery Park, East Aurora, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Foma Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

On that note here's an example of the potential contrast. There's a beautiful old stone bridge crossing the creek but it has fallen into disrepair and will need to be services. Meanwhile, a simple wooden bridge was laid down nearby to keep the trail open. Will the stone bridge be repaired to bring smiles to future generations or will "lack of funding" make this one history? I hope it can be repaired. It would be another reason to smile in this wonderful park.

Freezing Waters, Western New York Winter, Emery Park, East Aurora, NY. Mamiya 645 1000s, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer.Freezing WatersWestern New York Winter

Freezing Waters, Western New York Winter, Emery Park, East Aurora, NY
Mamiya 645 1000s, Foma Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL Developer

I started with doom and gloom of the Western New York Winter but found happier topics along the way. And as I am getting to the closure of today's philosophical post I can see a very small gap in the clouds. And guess what's visible through it! Indeed, a blue sky!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! If black and white is your cup of tea, why not head over to the World without Color photo collection? And finally, if you enjoy looking at winter scenery, I have the Winter collection just for that purpose.

Snow Covered Spooky Winter Wetlands, Orchard Park, New YorkSpooky Winter WetlandsWinter Snow Covered Winter Entrance to the Wetlands Woods, Orchard Park, New YorkWinter EntranceWinter Through the Winter Landscape, Creek in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Through the Winter LandscapeWinter

Snowy Birdsong Gate in Winter with a Reflection in the Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Birdsong Gate in WinterWinter Branches and Trees Dressed in White Snowy Coat for Winter, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Branches Dressed for WinterWinter The Creek Guard in Winter, A Old Tree in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)The Creek Guard in WinterWinter

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white east aurora film foma fomapan mamiya 645 medium format nature new york ny outdoors road rural snow southtowns west falls winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/1/winter-landscapes-from-the-southtowns Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:00:22 GMT Ribbit, Ribbit, Croak, Croak https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/1/ribbit-ribbit-croak-croak For today's post I am going with a complete change of pace. While I do have a photo gallery dedicated to plants and animals on my website it is the smallest one of them all. Now it will be two pictures bigger!

Sun-Tanning Bullfrog, A bullfrog basking in the warmth of the waning sunshine of the setting sun.Sun-Tanning BullfrogLast Bits of Sunshine

Sun-tanning bullfrog basking in the warmth of the waning sunshine
(The Original/Old) Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR, 400mm, 1/800 at f/5.6, ISO 220

We have a favorite three-mile loop through local wetlands that's great for walks and runs. For variety and beautiful scenery there are three ponds along the way too. That's how we describe where we are on the trail. So here we're by the second pond and in late afternoons it is surrounded by bullfrogs soaking in the heat for the night. I always see them and try to make it by without scaring them. I figure if it were me I would not want to jump into the water yet either.

Peeking Bullfrog, A bullfrog peeking out above the surface of a small pond enjoying the last warm rays of the setting sun.Peeking BullfrogLast Bits of Daylight

Bullfrog peeking out above the surface of a small pond enjoying the last warm rays of the setting sun
(The Original/Old) Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR, 400mm, 1/800 at f/5.6, ISO 450

This evening was different though. Instead of a walk or a run I picked up my camera, a long lens, and slowly walked the trail backwards to get to the second pond faster. And the slow mode of operation continued on location too. I tried to stay low and kept my distance at first, grabbing a few safety photos, then inching forward. And again and again. As usual there were quite a few bullfrogs to photograph each posing differently and using a different strategy for camouflage. I looked for those that were surrounded by greenery for a more picturesque photo. Too much mud did not seem to do it for me.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs of the animal kingdom? Visit my Nature - Animals & Plants and enjoy!

Japanese Macaque, Animal KingdomJapanese MacaqueAnimal Kingdom Iguana of Fence Post, Animal KingdomIguana of Fence PostAnimal Kingdom Eye contact with a coyote in the light of setting sun in Sonoran Desert, Arizona (AZ).Coyote in the DesertAnimal Kingdom

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy animal bullfrog environment evening frog green hiking loop nature new york orchard park outdoors pond sunny trail wetlands https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/1/ribbit-ribbit-croak-croak Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT Same Beach Different Mood https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/1/same-beach-different-mood Zero Image 35mm, Wooden Pinhole CameraZero Image 35mmPinhole Camera In my last post The Photo at Your Back I talked about some of the creative options a photographer has on location. One of them was using a pinhole camera. In today's post I decided to close the loop and share what difference that can make. The photograph below was captured with a 35mm pinhole camera. Those are not the most popular ones as the resulting photographs are more blurry than with larger formats and yet the cameras are not that much smaller.

Right there lies another creative option - the choice of format. However, this choice is usually made ahead of time and not on location. At least I don't bring all of my formats at the same time. On the contrary, for the last few years, I have really enjoyed a limited choice. Not only does it help me focus on photography instead of fiddling with gear it also offloads a lot of weight from my camera bag which my back appreciates a lot and so do I.

Pinhole Take on the Lava Rocks at Waiohai Beach. 35mm Zero Image Pinhole Camera, Ilford PanF+ 50 Black & White Film.Pinhole Take on the Lava Rocks at Waiohai BeachPinhole Photography

Pinhole Take on the Lava Rocks at Waiohai Beach
35mm Zero Image Pinhole Camera, Ilford PanF+ 50 Black & White Film.

What do you think? Does a black and white pinhole rendering change the mood of a scene a lot? If you are curious enough to find out, you can go a few posts back to Tropical Sunset and compare. It's pretty wild, isn't it?

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Makawehi Lithified Cliffs, 35mm Pinhole Photograph on Ilford PanF Black and White FilmMakawehi Lithified CliffsPinhole Photography Shipwreck Beach, 35mm Pinhole Photograph on Ilford PanF Black and White FilmShipwreck BeachPinhole Photography Ke'e Beach, 35mm Pinhole Photograph on Ilford PanF Black and White FilmKe'e BeachPinhole Photography

 

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy beach blur coastline creative hawaii ilford kauai landscape lava lensless long exposure mood moody natural nature ocean outdoors pacific palm tree panf pinhole scenic waiohai https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/1/same-beach-different-mood Wed, 18 Jan 2023 13:30:00 GMT The Photo at Your Back https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/1/the-photo-at-your-back In my last post from Hawaii (Tropical Sunset), I showcased a beautiful Kauai beach lit up by the warm light of the setting sun. My focus was on the obvious point of interest. Who would not fall in love with a golden sandy beach, palm trees, gentle surf, and for a bonus some pitch black lava rocks. The opportunities in situations like these are endless and one can experiment with so many different photographic techniques.

Shutter speed plays a huge role changing the look and feel of the ocean. Go for a long one and the action melts into a peaceful mist. Go the other way and a very short shutter speed freezes the droplets of the surf showing the energy charged water hitting the coastline. Then the choice of a wide-angle lens versus a telephoto one will completely change the message in a photo. And for a yet another twist one can reach for a macro lens and focus on the little things that often get overlooked. Then there also is focusing and depth of field to be explored. Another alternative can be going for a less literal or an abstract photograph and introduce camera motion during the exposure. And these are just a few examples for a more unique photo of an often-photographed place. And what place is not photographed often these days?

And then there is the another quite simple alternative as long as we keep our eyes open. Too often do we get so focused on a specific subject that we become blind to the other subjects around. And very often, a great photo, or even the better one, is full 180 degrees at our backs. While I don't always remember this, I have been trying to stay aware of this for many years now. Finish with your primary subject, keep your camera handy, and simply turn around. What do you think?

Kauai Beach Boys, Waiohai Beach, Kauai, Hawaii.Kauai Beach BoysWaiohai Beach, Kauai

Kauai Beach Boys, Waiohai Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

It was no different this particular evening at the Waiohai Beach. I had spent quite a while taking advantage of the beautiful sunset light and explored the beach per the above. I also had a pinhole camera loaded with black and white film for a different take on that evening. And I had fun and left with several photographs that I really like and that will remind me of the experience for years to come. However, as the light faded, and I felt satisfied with the wonderful photographic opportunities the location had offered I turned around and started walking away. That is until I saw the scenes that I am sharing with you here today.

Too Blue to Surf, Waiohai Beach, Kauai, HawaiiToo Blue to SurfWaiohai Beach, Kauai

Too Blue to Surf, Waiohai Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

The combination of dusk and artificial illumination provides a whole different opportunity and look. The time after sunset and before night turns black is called blue hour and is an intersection of reality and visual trickery. The warm artificial light clashes with the cool natural light and our brains magically blend the two together for a nice but not all that striking view. However, things turn out differently when the photographer decides to set the overall white balance based on the warm artificial light. And digital cameras actually do that quite automatically in real time. The result? The cool background becomes even cooler and turns blue, creating a truly striking contrast with even more visual impact that the original scene. A limitation of the media becomes its strength. Even though it's clearly a manipulation it appears that blue hour photography has been able to retain its appeal for a long time and definitely outlasted some other techniques that proved to be short-lived fads, like overdone HDR tone-mapping. Or maybe that is just my wishful thinking because there is still quite a bit of this genre, and many smart phones default to such scene rendering. 

Next time you finish your primary photographic objective, don't pack up yet. First, turn around. You might be (pleasantly) surprised.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché - So Peaceful - Some Morning Drama - Farmland in the Canyon - Further up Waimea Canyon - At the Edge of Kalalau Valley - Tropical Sunrise - Tropical Sunset - The Photo at Your Back

Paddling through Life, Canandaigua City Pier, New York (NY)Paddling through LifeCanandaigua Lake Buoyed, Canandaigua City Pier, New York (NY)BuoyedCanandaigua City Pier On the Water, Canandaigua City Pier, New York (NY)On the WaterCanandaigua Lake

Road Trip Travel Photography, Route 66: Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, NMRoute 66: Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari, NMRoute 66 Road Trip Route 66: Dodge, Santa Rosa, New Mexico (NM)Route 66: Dodge, Santa Rosa, NMRoute 66

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy beach blue blue hour colors hawaii kauai light night outdoors photography rental scenic surf shop travel waiohai https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/1/the-photo-at-your-back Mon, 16 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT Winter Strangler https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/1/winter-strangler It seems that I forgot one more photo in my last Winter is Here (Again)! post. I thought about including it along with the next batch but something did not feel right. Thus, I am sharing a short one today to correct the omission.

Green Lake in White, Winter in Orchard Park, NY. Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL.Green Lake in WhiteWinter in Orchard Park, NY

Green Lake in White, Winter in Orchard Park, NY
Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL

Foma Retropan 320 has quite a pronounced grain that comes through strong even in the medium format photos. It's definitely a personal preference but I also think the subject matter either works with this type of film or it does not. In the case of snowy landscapes I like the combination quite a bit. What do you think?

Thanks for visiting, ...

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! If black and white is your cup of tea, why not head over to the World without Color photo collection? And finally, if you enjoy looking at winter scenery, I have the Winter collection just for that purpose.

Barn and silos in white in winter storm in Buffalo and Western New YorkBarn and Silos in WhiteWinter Broken tree in winter storm in Buffalo and Western New YorkBrokenWinter Snowstorm over three roofs, winter storm in Buffalo and Western New YorkSnowstorm over Three RoofsWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white conditions film foma frozen grainy green lake gritty mamiya 645 new york ny orchard park outdoors retropan snow southtowns winter yates park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2023/1/winter-strangler Mon, 09 Jan 2023 13:01:39 GMT Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/12/cyanotypes-xii-prague-castle Nikon FE, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 Pancake, Black and WhiteNikon FEBlack and White In today's twelfth edition of Cyanotypes we are moving from the countryside to the city. And not just any city but the best city in the world! We're going to hop on the Metro and let the A line take us to the Malostranská station, walk a few steps up Klárov street and turn up the stairs to the Prague Castle. And again, it's not just any stairs but Staré zámecké schody (Old Castle Stairs).

The stairs date back to the 17th century and provide a quick connection between public transportation and the castle. They take us to the castle's east gate, which serves as a back entrance to the castle complex. It's a completely different arrival experience compared to the guarded main gate followed by several courtyards. Through here, one enters what appears to be a small village with narrow streets that eventually take us to the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral (the full current name is Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert) at the 3rd Courtyard.

Old Castle Stairs, Shizen Watercolor Cyanotype, Prague Castle, Czech RepublicOld Castle StairsShizen Watercolor Cyanotype

Old Castle Stairs, Prague Castle, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper

Tools of the trade? It all started with my trusty Nikon FE loaded with my favorite Fomapan 400 black and white film. What other film could one possibly document the Czech Republic with? Later, I home developed the film in a replenished D-23 developer, which grew on me tightly over the last two years that I have not used any other developer.

Then I interrupted the analog path with a digital interlude, scanning the 35mm film and printing a 5" x 7" negative on an inkjet printer in order to be able to make the cyanotype contact print. And that is where I finished the photo's journey with a final analog touch, hand-coating the watercolor paper with the cyanotype emulsion, exposing the contact print with a UV lamp, developing in water, letting dry on a line, and pressing under a stack of books.
Old Castle Stairs, Wine Tannin Toned Cyanotype, Prague Castle, Czech RepublicOld Castle StairsWine Tannin Toned Cyanotype

Old Castle Stairs, Prague Castle, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Toned in Wine Tannin

I also wanted an additional variety of these photos from Prague. Therefore, I made a few extras that I bleached and toned with wine tannin, one of the many options available for print toning. It tones the print similarly to black tea but stains the paper itself less. However, the paper itself playes a significant role too. The Shizen Design Watercolor Paper I like to use is especially good at this property and highlights do not stain much. It's a personal choice for sure though. The paper has a very rough texture and is made from fully recycled materials that hold on to the emulsion to a varying degree. I really like the rough look I get though. The only time I deviate is when I want some more subtle prints with a lot of detail. This paper definitely does not render detail well.

St. Vitus Door, Shizen Watercolor Cyanotype, Prague Castle, Czech RepublicSt. Vitus DoorShizen Watercolor Cyanotype

St. Vitus Door, Prague Castle, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper

From the Old Castle Stairs and through the east gate we made our way all the way to the 3rd courtyard and the spectacular St. Vitus Cathedral, which was founded in 1344 and was only completed in 1929. Indeed, it took almost 600 years to finish. Talking about history, Prague Castle itself probably dates back to the year 880. From the 10th century the castle was the seat of the head of state and the church, the Prague bishop.

St. Vitus Door, Wine Tannin Toned CyanotypeSt. Vitus DoorWine Tannin Toned Cyanotype

St. Vitus Door, Prague Castle, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically Printed on a Hand-Coated Textured Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, Toned in Wine Tannin

Exiting the castle through the main west gate one can descend either via the Ke Hradu and then Nerudova streets or via Zámecké schody (Castle Stairs), also called Nové zámecké schody (New Castle Stairs). The interesting thing is that these new stairs are older than the old ones. A steep dirt road in their place is documented back in the 13th century. Steps were mentioned as early as the 14th century and their current form is from the 17th century.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside - 12. Cyanotypes XII: Prague Castle

If you like cyanotypes, you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy!

Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech RepublicKarlštejn Castle Tower and WallsCyanotype Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls, Tea Toned Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic..Karlštejn Castle Tower and WallsTea Toned Cyanotype Helfštýn Castle Palace Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Helfštýn Castle PalaceCyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative analog blue blueprint cathedral city cityscape cyanotype czech republic darkroom europe monochrome old castle stairs photography prague castle process st. vitus technique textured ultraviolet vintage watercolor https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/12/cyanotypes-xii-prague-castle Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:07:41 GMT Winter is Here (Again)! https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/12/winter-is-here-again Foma Retropan 320, Mamiya 645 1000sFoma Retropan 320, Mamiya 645 1000sFoma Retropan 320, Mamiya 645 1000s My posts will now have a split personality right in sync with the weather outside. We've gone from winter to fall and right back to winter to wrap up the previously started winter adventure in the Southtowns of Buffalo, New York. If you'd like to get the full continuity, feel free to go back to Country Roads in Winter and Winter is Here!, which are Part I and Part II of this winter experience. Today's Part III is the finale.

You can see the choice of camera and film on the right and I will repeat, that Foma Retropan 320 in combination with winter landscapes is growing on me. Yes, the grain is the size that one could bite it, but it seems to suit the mood very well. Of course, feel free to disagree and leave me a note either way, I'd love to get your perspective.

I love the large barn in the first photo, which is just up the hill from me. Unlike many other barns you have seen on my blog this one is in a good shape and in active use with hopefully many years ahead. It's next to a larger and busier road making it harder to stop and photograph. But it all worked out on this occasion, and I am really glad. It looks even better in winter! And that grain!

Winter on Chestnut Ridge Road, Orchard Park, NY. Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL.Winter on Chestnut Ridge RoadOrchard Park Winter

Winter on Chestnut Ridge Road
Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL

And then there are roads themselves. I am not sure when my obsession with roads began but I have my suspicions. I think our first long family road trip in 2013 had something to do with that. And I mean mostly narrow back roads, whether winding or straight as a shot. They have their charm and come with different moods. Or maybe they are accepting of my moods. I gave this one an ambiguous name of Southtowns Winter. The photo is not means as a depiction of a specific location. It's meant to express what the Southtowns of Buffalo, NY are known for, what it feels like to be there for about 4 months every year.

Southtowns Winter, Orchard Park, New York. Mamiya 645, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL.Southtowns WinterOrchard Park Winter

Southtowns Winter
Mamiya 645, Foma Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOL

Let's see what the weather has in store for us going forward. That may influence what the next post brings. Or it may not. Looking at the photo candidates I see a neutral opportunity as there has been too much of a break from cyanotypes on these pages and I have some new ones I've been holding back for a while. Is it time to get them out?

Thanks for visiting, ...

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

PS: I goofed up a little bit and the second photo is from the next roll of film. Thus it's on Fomapan 400, not Retropan 320. And the photo that was supposed to be here will be in the next wintery post making for another mixed film post. But you know what? That could be a good thing to show the comparison side by side. The Retropan definitely shows more grain and creates a different mood.

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! If black and white is your cup of tea, why not head over to the World without Color photo collection? And finally, if you enjoy looking at winter scenery, I have the Winter collection just for that purpose.

Through the Winter Landscape, Creek in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Through the Winter LandscapeWestern NY Winter Snow Covered Spooky Winter Wetlands, Orchard Park, New York. Rolleiflex Automat, Fomapan 400, Caffenol Delta.Spooky Winter WetlandsWestern NY Winter Snowy Birdsong Gate in Winter with a Reflection in the Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY). Rolleiflex Automat, Fomapan 400, Caffenol Delta.Birdsong Gate in WinterWestern NY Winter

Longboards in Winter, Frozen Hamburg Beach, Hamburg, NY. Nikon FE, Ilford Delta Film, Kodak XTOL..LongboardsWestern NY Winter Hamburg Kingdom of Ice in Winter, Hoak's Lakeshore Restaurant, Hamburg, NY. Nikon FE, Ilford Delta Film, Kodak XTOL.Hamburg Kingdom of IceWestern NY Winter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white conditions explore film foma fomapan grainy gritty mamiya 645 new york ny orchard park outdoors retropan road rural snow southtowns winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/12/winter-is-here-again Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMT Warm and Colorful https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/11/warm-and-colorful I think today is a good day to go back to fall and share some bright, colorful, and warm photos of a sunny day in Letchworth State Park. While receiving the 6+ feet of snow was a fun Buffalo classic the rain that we've had over the last several days has not been! Most of the snow is gone but a good amount is still hanging on despite a week of warm temperatures and the rain. But it's not the bright white and happy snow, it's wet and dirty and only contributes to the overall miserable weather.

Gardeau Overlook in the Fall, Letchworth State ParkGardeau Overlook in the Fall, Letchworth State ParkSlightly off-the-beaten-path in Letchworth State Park ...

Gardeau Overlook in the Fall, Letchworth State Park

May these photos bring some sunshine to our dreary days!

We usually take southern backroads and enter Letchworth via the Castile entrance and then focus on the southern part of the park. Once in a while to stir the pot a little bit we take the 20A, circle around the park's northern tip and enter from the northeast. That allows us to enjoy the sights around route 20A and then drive through the full length of the park, pick some stops we normally do not get to enjoy, and hike some new trails. Indeed, we still have not hiked quite a few.

The first picture here is one such example as we rarely stop at the Gardeau Overlook and enjoy the plains where the Genesee River flows out of the Letchworth gorge. The cliffs are replaced with more vegetation here, which works well with the seasonal foliage. I was really glad to find a vantage point that was not too overgrown, and it was possible to spot the river. And even better, it was one of the many river bends.

Wolf Creek Trail in the Fall, Letchworth State ParkWolf Creek Trail in the FallWhile the main attractions in Letchworth State Park ...

Wolf Creek Trail in the Fall, Letchworth State Park

Further south the Wolf Creek area is very popular, and I was glad this was not a weekend. The creek flowing under a bridge, the surrounding forest, and the tall waterfall into Genesee River all make for quite a picturesque location. The trail that starts across the creek from the parking area is a gem too, though. I really like the stairs, the rock walls lining the trail, the forest, and the gorgeous views one gets rewarded with after a very short hike.

The rock walls are a beautiful add-on to a lot of the viewpoints and trails in Letchworth State Park and I hope people's stupidity does not force a change to thick tall steel railings or worse, some plastic monstrosities. Every time I see people on or behind the walls these thoughts go through my mind. Every time someone gets hurt in the park the chances of negative changes grow. I hope future generations will still get to enjoy thsi park in its current form with the rock walls adding beauty rather than taking away.

Back at Hog's Back in the Fall, Letchworth State ParkBack at Hog's Back in the FallWhile not one of the three main attractions in Letchworth State Park ...

Back at Hog's Back in the Fall, Letchworth State Park

The day ended up on a two for one deal for the northern part of the park. We decided we also wanted to take 20A back home and thus had another chance to fill in the blanks. I like the Hog's Back area quite a bit and have photographed there many times in the past and if you go back through or search my blog or the Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes photo gallery you will find more photos to compare. Sometimes, the Genesee River can be a small creek that's hard to find and other times, the whole floodplain down in the valley will be flooded. I enjoyed how it looked on this day! But even here, finding an unobstructed view was unusually difficult. My usual spots were so overgrown with shrubs that I could not believe they were the same spots. In the end, standing on my tippy toes, I found this last view shared today.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Autumn Reflection, Sinking Ponds, East Aurora, New York (NY.Autumn Reflection at Sinking PondsFall Abstract Fall ColorsFall ColorsFall Abstract Fall Abstract Reflection at Moss Lake, Autumn Nature in Western New YorkFall Abstract at Moss LakeFall Abstract

Stone Wall in the Fall, Letchworth State Park, New YorkStone WallLetchworth State Park Colorful Morning Inspiration, Middle and Upper Falls, Letchworth State ParkColorful Morning InspirationLetchworth State Park

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colors fall foliage genesee river gorge landscape letchworth nature new york ny outdoors scenic season state park warm https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/11/warm-and-colorful Wed, 30 Nov 2022 14:20:05 GMT Winter is Here! https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/11/winter-is-here Foma Retropan 320, Mamiya 645 1000sFoma Retropan 320, Mamiya 645 1000sFoma Retropan 320, Mamiya 645 1000s I had a completely different post in mind for today. I was going with a warm and colorful fall post from our annual fall time in the woods expeditions. However, that seems rather inappropriate as we had to dig out from over six feet of snow on Saturday. Since I have not heard any official names for this event, I termed it Snowember 2.0 in loving memory of that 2014 winter storm.

As a result, I am going with a winter theme. Right now, the forecast calls for a warm up during the week and a significant snow melt, as it often happens when snow arrives this early. On one hand it is quite a waste as this would serve as a super snow base for the season but on the other hand a thaw can provide the needed relief for maintenance crews as well as our roofs. There have already been a number of collapsed structures and having so much snow above my head does not make me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

To get a dose of happy winter mood we're heading just a little bit south to the rural Southtowns on Buffalo, New York. There are some roads I really enjoy exploring and visiting repeatedly in different conditions. And sometimes the equipment or materials contribute to the difference. I've posted winter scenery captured on Foma Retropan 320 before but the more I look at this combination the more I like it. I think the grain combines very well with the mostly high key images. And I will admit, I have also been moving more and more away from perfection full of detail. I enjoy many forms of photographic imperfections. And a grainy film like the Retropan 320 fits the bill quite well.

Draudt Road Barn and Silos, Orchard Park Winter. Mamiya 645, Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL.Draudt Road Barn and SilosOrchard Park Winter

Draudt Road Barn and Silos, Orchard Park Winter
Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL

The first photo shows my favorite angle on the old barn and silos. I like that the structure is fairly prominent while still showing the surroundings, the charming narrow road running by, the utility poles, and of course the trees. Lately, I have been more and more of a fan of wider views though allowing my main subjects fall further into the background and leaving plenty of room around them in the frame, when such a photo is possible. I was glad that for this scene I chose to do both, the closer angle as well as the wider one.

Winter On Draudt Road, Orchard Park Winter. Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL.Winter On Draudt RoadOrchard Park Winter

On Draudt Road, Orchard Park Winter
Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL

And then there are views that speak to me all of a sudden. I passed them as many times as the sights photographed lot more often, yet, I may not have raised the camera and clicked the shutter before. That is the case with the photo below. Somehow, this winter scene was what I needed to change that.

Farmhouse in Trees, Orchard Park Winter. Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL.Farmhouse in Trees in WinterOrchard Park Winter

Farmhouse in Trees, Orchard Park Winter
Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320, Kodak XTOL

What do you think? A worthy trade off of fall and winter photos? Or would you have preferred I went with my original colorful plan. If that is the case you won't have to wait too long, I have that post planned next and the weather will determine when that is.


Thanks for visiting! Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! If black and white is your cup of tea, why not head over to the World without Color photo collection? And finally, if you enjoy looking at winter scenery, I have the Winter collection just for that purpose.

Farmhouse in Winter, Orchard Park, Southtowns, Buffalo, NY. Mamiya 645, Retropan 320, XTOL.Farmhouse in WinterWestern New York Winter Winter on a Country Road, Orchard Park, Southtowns, Buffalo, NY. Mamiya 645, Retropan 320, XTOL.Winter on a Country RoadWestern New York Winter Utility Poles Lining a Snowed In Country Road, Orchard Park, Southtowns, Buffalo, NY. Mamiya 645, Retropan 320, XTOL.Utility PolesWestern New York Winter

Beautiful Barn in Winter, Back Roads of Orchard Park, New York. Pentacon Six, Fomapan 400, D-23.Beautiful Barn in WinterWestern New York Winter Railroad Crossing, 3 Tracks, Back Roads in Winter in Orchard Park, New York. Pentacon Six, Fomapan 400, D-23.Railroad Crossing, 3 TracksWestern New York Winter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white draudt road expedition film foma grainy gritty mamiya 645 new york orchard park outdoors retropan rural southtowns winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/11/winter-is-here Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:00:00 GMT Southtowns Gems https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/11/southtowns-gems Mamiya RB67, 90mm Mamiya-Sekor, Fomapan 200Mamiya RB67Mamiya RB67, Fomapan 200 One of the Southtowns Gems that gave a name to today's post is located on a loop I like to circle quite often, recently mostly on a motorcycle. However, it's also a great medium difficulty bicycle ride, which unfortunately I have not done in a long while.

The house is located in West Falls, NY and at some point, I noticed how great it looks in sunrise light. Its facade is facing east and when the sun clears the terrain to the east and illuminates it with its warm rays it lights up like a light bulb. And of course, the wonderful variations go from there, whether a sunny morning with clear skies paving the way for a fitting filter or cloudy skies with the clouds getting a similar sunshine treatment from below as the house itself.

One of these sunny mornings it was time to go back to the target location with a camera. The tool of choice was a Mamiya RB67 loaded with Fomapan 200 black and white film. To enhance the sky behind I fitted an orange filter on the lens. I had three lenses with me for this expedition: a wide angle 65mm, normal 90mm, and a short telephoto 127mm.

How did things go in the end? I started the day with the 90mm lens at the primary location. As hoped for, the house was lit wonderfully and all that remained was a choice of a perspective. I settled on the 90mm and an angle that would include not only the house but also the leaning utility pole across the street. I decided to go hand-held to keep things simpler. The camera is so heavy that its inertia helps with steady photos. And as I mentioned, the scene was brightly lit.

Camera malfunction, an abstract roadside photograph from West Falls, New York. Mamiya RB67, 90mm Mamiya-Sekor, Fomapan 200, D-23.Camera malfunctionWest Falls, NY

Camera malfunction, an abstract roadside photograph from West Falls, New York
Mamiya RB67, 90mm Mamiya-Sekor, Fomapan 200, D-23

What do you think? Exactly as planned, right? I was quite surprised when I developed the roll a few days later and found that the 10 total frames were divided into three groups. The first group, like the first photo here, had an alright exposure but lots of motion blur, the second group were blanks, and the final third group looked as intended.

This was only my second or third outing with the camera and the first time I decided to pay attention to the camera and lens combination. I also decided to go hand-held and forgo the mirror lock-up mode to simplify. When I saw the results, I was able to tie the three groups to the lenses used and carefully inspect each to see what was happening.

The 90mm lens showed visibly lazy shutter blades that closed fast at first but then took extra time to fully close, explaining the motion recorded on film. The 65mm lens was in an even worse shape with the shutter blades fully seized not opening at all. And finally, to provide at least some happy relief from a total failure, the 127mm lens operated perfectly. Over the years oil must have seeped over the blades rendering them almost motionless.

I already had repairs quoted and it's not looking good. One can buy 5 - 10 secondhand lenses on eBay for the repair price. The repair tech is very good, and the lenses would be like new. But with the price of the used lenses being so low it may be better to gamble on those, even if I have to buy a handful before finding one in a solid working order.

Mailboxes, West Falls, NY. Mamiya RB67. 127mm Mamiya-Sekor, Fomapan 200, D-23.MailboxesWest Falls, NY

Mailboxes, West Falls, NY
Mamiya RB67, 127mm Mamiya-Sekor, Fomapan 200, D-23

In the second photo we are still at the first location. After the overall photo I decided to get closer with a tighter lens and focus on the mailbox trio on the corner. And I am glad I did, at least location number one was not a total bust.

From West Falls, I continued along my favorite loop while often deviating to find other nearby photogenic sights. And after the 30% success rate of this roll of film it sure looks like I will have an opportunity to revisit many of the locations.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Passing Storm over Buffalo with a Mamiya RB67Passing Storm over BuffaloMamiya RB67 Dock D, Erie Basin Marina with a Mamiya RB67Dock D, Erie Basin MarinaMamiya RB67

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white cityscape film foma fomapan loop mamiya rb67 new york scenic southtowns urban west falls https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/11/southtowns-gems Tue, 15 Nov 2022 12:00:00 GMT Tropical Sunset https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/11/tropical-sunset It's been a while since I added to my Seascapes photo gallery. It appears the last post was from a sunrise so why not balance things out with couple photographs from sunset.

Waiohai Beach Sunset, Kaua'i, Hawai'iWaiohai Beach SunsetKaua'i, Hawai'i

Waiohai Beach Sunset, Kauai, Hawaii

Yes, I am fulfilling a promise from the last post to post from somewhere warm. I am not sure I timed it all that well though as the beginning of November 2022 does not feel all that different right here in Buffalo, NY. Yesterday's temperatures reached a crazy 76°F and today did not lag too far behind. While a very pleasant summer extension it makes me think how we are going to pay for it with Lake Erie staying this warm. A fun lake effect snow in the making?

Lava Rocks at Waiohai Beach, Kauai, HawaiiLava Rocks at Waiohai BeachKauai, Hawaii

Lava Rocks at Waiohai Beach, Kauai, Hawaii, Kauai, Hawaii

Which photograph do you prefer? The first one with a shorter exposure time freezing a moment in time close to what one's eyes would see or the second with a long exposure moving us just slightly outside of reality?

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché - So Peaceful - Some Morning Drama - Farmland in the Canyon - Further up Waimea Canyon - At the Edge of Kalalau Valley - Tropical Sunrise - Tropical Sunset

Sunrise over Makawehi Lithified Cliffs in the tropical Pacific paradise of Kauai, HawaiiSunrise over Makawehi Lithified CliffsKauai, Hawaii Stormy Pacific Daybreak over Lava Filled Coastline of Kauai, HawaiiStormy Pacific DaybreakKauai, Hawaii Lava & Water and a Leaving Storm, Kauai, HawaiiLava & WaterKauai, Hawaii

Colors of Sunrise at Shipwreck Beach, Keoneloa Bay, one of Po’ipu beaches, South Shore Kauai, Hawaii (HI).Colors of Sunrise at Shipwreck BeachKauai, Hawaii Stormy sunrise at Secret Beach, Kauai, Hawaii (HI). Sand, lava rock, Pacific Ocean Waves, and dramatic sky.The Start of a Beautiful Day at Secret Beach, Kauai, HawaiiKauai, Hawaii

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy coastline hawaii kauai landscape lava light natural nature ocean outdoors pacific palm tree photography sand scenic sunset waiohai https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/11/tropical-sunset Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:56:47 GMT Creek, Canal, River https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/10/creek-canal-river Rolleiflex Automat, 1940s TLRRolleiflex Automat1940s TLR Sometimes even a roll of 12 exposures proves to be too much for a single photo outing. This one covered two locations. First, a walk in the Niawanda Park in Tonawanda where the final stretch of Tonawanda Creek caught my eye. It was not the creek itself but the manmade features on the creek and along its banks. Second, an always refreshing walk down the Bird Island Pier in Buffalo. And again, without any effort to coordinate the content of this roll of film, my fascination was diverted from the Niagara River to the encountered manmade features.

I had my Rolleiflex Automat from the 1940s loaded with a fresh roll of Fomapan 400, my favorite all around film. You might think a 400-speed film is not the best fit for a sunny day, but I rate this specific film at 200 and I usually have a yellow or orange filter on my cameras loaded with black and white film. So right there, one is down to either a 100 or 50. That leaves just enough leeway to stop the lens down a bit for the right dose of depth of field.

Alright, let's head to the northtowns first, specifically the place where Tonawanda Creek finds its mouth into the Niagara River. And there, its northern banks are lined with picturesque boathouses that caught my eyes many times before and I keep looking for the best way to capture the idyllic sight in a photograph. This day, that attempt was a black and white square.

Tonawanda Creek Boathouses, North Tonawanda, NY. Black and White. Rolleiflex Automat, Fomapan 400.Tonawanda Creek BoathousesBlack and White

Tonawanda Creek Boathouses, North Tonawanda, NY
Rolleiflex Automat, Fomapan 400, D-23

There is also an old defunct swing bridge that now remains permanently swung out of the way. It has been drawing my attention for years. Here's a 2012 photograph with a completely different take on the same structure. It was built in the 1890s and served the New York Central Railroad through the 1970s.

Boathouses and Swing Bridge, North Tonawanda, NY. Black and White. Rolleiflex Automat, Fomapan 400.Boathouses and Swing BridgeBlack and White

Boathouses and Swing Bridge, North Tonawanda, NY
Rolleiflex Automat, Fomapan 400, D-23

For the next two photographs let's head south from Tonawanda to the city of Buffalo, specifically to Broderick Park on Unity Island (previously Squaw Island). That's where the Bird Island Pier starts and splits apart the Niagara River and Black Rock Canal. The total length is around 2 miles but unfortunately, it's been a long time since I could walk its whole length. Weather is taking a toll on the structure and repairs don't keep up. A good chunk of the pier is flipped over making the section unpassable. In the photograph below, we're looking from that point back north towards the Peace Bridge

On Bird Island Pier, Buffalo, NY. Black and White. Rolleiflex Automat. Fomapan 400.On Bird Island PierBlack and White

On Bird Island Pier, Buffalo, NY
Rolleiflex Automat, Fomapan 400, D-23

And the final photograph brought a smile. In one of the many overflows from the canal to the river there was a "For Rent" sign drowning. Maybe it would not be so funny without the context, but I was walking with a friend who is in the rental business.

For Rent, A Deal, Buffalo, NY. Black and White. Rolleiflex Automat, Fomapan 400.For Rent, A DealBlack and White

For Rent, A Deal, Buffalo, NY
Rolleiflex Automat, Fomapan 400, D-23
 

And those were the four squares I prepared to share with you all today. What's planned for the next one? As the Western New York weather turns cold it will be something warm. Come back (hopefully) next week and see for yourself.

Thanks a bunch for stopping by and ... Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Different Types of Ships, USS Little Rock Guided Missile Cruiser vs Spirit of Buffalo Sailboat, Buffalo, NYDifferent Types of ShipsBuffalo, NY On the Water, the Mouth of the Buffalo River into Lake Erie, Buffalo, NYOn the WaterBuffalo, NY Sailboat and a Cruiser, USS Little Rock Guided Missile Cruiser vs Spirit of Buffalo Sailboat, Buffalo, NYSailboat and a CruiserBuffalo, NY

Edward M Cotter & Spirit of Buffalo, Canalside, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter & Spirit of BuffaloBuffalo, NY Edward M Cotter and USS Little Rock at Naval & Military Park, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter at Naval Park IIBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy bird island pier black and white buffalo cityscape erie canal film foma fomapan new york niagara river rolleiflex automat square tonawanda creek urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/10/creek-canal-river Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:00:00 GMT Pinhole Photography in Niagara River Gorge https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/9/pinhole-photography-in-niagara-river-gorge ZeroImage 35mm Pinhole Camera and Kodak Max 400 color negative film.ZeroImage Pinhole CameraPhotography simplified One of the reasons I love photography so much is that gets me out, away from the busyness and routine of the everyday life. It gives me an opportunity to get lost in my thoughts and vision and see the world around me with a renewed interest and intensity. It was this feeling years ago that prompted me to start closing my blog posts with "enjoy the beauty that surrounds you" #etbtsy.

Pinhole photography takes that concept to the next level. It drastically simplifies the whole photographic experience and allows me to fully focus on the experience. Most of the technicalities simply go away.

There is no lens, just a tiny hole through the front of the camera in its place. As a result, any considerations for the aperture opening (f-stop) go away. These cameras have a fixed aperture size and it is very, very small. The resulting f-stops are usually between 100 and 200. That removes any depth of field considerations. Anything front to back will have the same level of focus. You will often hear that pinhole cameras have an unlimited depth of field. That's an interesting combination with the other fact that images from pinhole cameras are never really "sharp", especially by today's standards.

Down the Lower Niagara Rapids, Niagara River Gorge. 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max color negative film.Down the Lower Niagara RapidsNiagara River Gorge

Down the Lower Niagara Rapids
Photographed with a 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max 400 film

Since I am talking about pinhole photography on film here, once the film is chosen and in the camera that removes another variable during photography. There is no changing of the light sensitivity (ISO/ASA) mid-roll. With the aperture fixed and the light sensitivity fixed only one variable remains, and that is the shutter speed. And that is usually not a real variable. The shutter speed needs to correspond to the level of light hitting the scene to achieve a proper exposure. Whirlpool Rapids Bridges, Niagara River Gorge. 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max color negative film.Whirlpool Rapids BridgesNiagara River Gorge

Whirlpool Rapids Bridges
Photographed with a 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max 400 film

I carry an external light meter when out and about with a pinhole camera but whether I use it or not depends on the situation. On a sunny summer day no light meter is needed and the good old Sunny 16 rule works remarkably well. Sunny 16 states that you can set your aperture to f/16 and the shutter speed to 1/ISO. For example, with an ISO 400 film, 1/16 and 1/400 sec. will result in a good exposure. With today's cameras that would mean using a 1/500 sec. (if shutter speed set manually). Rocky Banks of Niagara River, Niagara River Gorge. 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max color negative film.Rocky Banks of Niagara RiverNiagara River Gorge

Rocky Banks of Niagara River
Photographed with a 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max 400 film

Now let's see how this applies to the pinhole camera used for all of the photographs in today's post. The 35mm ZeroImage camera features an f-stop of f/136. Going from the Sunny 16 f/16, we have these steps: f/22, f/32, f/45, f/64, f/90, f/128 (close enough to f/136). With each next f-stop the amount of light hitting the film is cut in half and thus the shutter speed needs to double to compensate. In our example, we have to double it 6 times: 1/250, 1/125, 1/60, 1/30, 1/15, 1/8.

The Kill Zone, Niagara River Gorge. 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max color negative film.The Kill ZoneNiagara River Gorge

The Kill Zone
Photographed with a 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max 400 film

Things get a bit fuzzy from here but in my experience that is just fine with pinhole photography. The Kodak Max 400 I was using was over 10 years expired and thus I decided to rate it at 200 instead of 400. With that the shutter speed goes to 1/4 sec. And the light was not really at a full summer blast so I decided to go to 1/2 sec. All this "accuracy" is not really critical with this camera. As you can see in the picture the shutter is a wooden slider that is moved manually. However, what this helped me determine was that the required shutter speed was slow enough and I could use this camera and film combo and simply open and close the shutter within about 1/2 second.

After this initial mental exercise, it was just photography. The lighting remained about the same the whole afternoon and all I had to do was find a scene I liked, lay the camera on a rock, guess the angle of view, press the camera down with my left hand and open and close the shutter latch with my right. And don't forget to advance! I always wind to the next frame right after taking a picutre to avoid unintentional double exposures.

Water Zooming By, Niagara River Gorge. 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max color negative film.Water Zooming ByNiagara River Gorge

Water Zooming By
Photographed with a 35mm ZeroImage pinhole camera on expired Kodak Max 400 film

I rarely use expired film but did have a few rolls of this expired Kodak Max 400 and figured this was the perfect use for it, with the lose definition of focus and proper exposure. It was also an opportunity to try pinhole photography in color as I almost always use black and white film for this purpose. And finally, I took advantage of the dual formats supported by the ZeroImage camera and removed the frame spacers for a slightly wider panoramic view.

What do you think about this bare bones take on photography? Does the lack of sharpness bother you or are you alright with it? In 35mm, the effect is definitely more pronounced as the tiny original image gets more magnified for viewing. With 6x6 or 6x9, some pinhole photographs may be hard to tell from regular lenses photos. And in large format, it they may be unrecognizable.

A different point of view to judge this lack of sharpness by is my reality. I have been wearing glasses for a while and every few years they get stronger. When I take them off my world is far from sharp and exact. Pinhole photography gives me a chance to show the world more of what I see without my lenses.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Buffalo, NY on ZeroImage 35mm Pinhole Camera.Cargill Pool Grain ElevatorPinhole Shipwreck Beach, 35mm Pinhole Photograph on Ilford PanF Black and White FilmShipwreck BeachPinhole Makawehi Lithified Cliffs, 35mm Pinhole Photograph on Ilford PanF Black and White FilmMakawehi Lithified CliffsPinhole

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm c-41 color colors exposure film focus gorge hiking landscape lensless nature New York niagara outdoors pinhole rapids river simplicity water whirlpool zeroimage https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/9/pinhole-photography-in-niagara-river-gorge Mon, 26 Sep 2022 11:00:00 GMT Niagara Falls, New York https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/9/niagara-falls-new-york Yashica LM TLR Camera and Film, Kodak Double-X, Fomapan 200, Sekonic Twinmate L-208 Light MeterYashica LM and FilmTLR Camera This was a day off from work dedicated to hiking and photography and as an added bonus my wife joined me. What was not to like? And who would not like a 4-day workweek? My plans called for an exploration of some new trails as well as for revisiting some well known ones. It was time to hop in the car and drive north to Niagara Falls, NY.

First to the new trails. We walked around the Niagara Falls State Park many times before and hiked the Whirlpool State Park and Devil's Hole State Park as many times. However, we always skipped the area in between. I am not sure what triggered the thought but one day I ended up on the New York State's website for Niagara Gorge Trails and identified Trails #4 and #3 as hiking targets. The website stated there was some water damage to Trail #4 and it would not take us all the way to the Whirlpool Bridges but it should be open to and a little bit past its intersection with Trail #3. At this planning stage, I planned on hiking down and back up the same way. While I always prefer loops that was not an option here, or so it appeared on the map.

And for the trails to revisit? That would very much depend on how much time the new exploration would take. Read on to see what happened.

Whirlpool Rapids Bridges, Niagara Falls, NY. Yashica LM, Fomapan 100, D-23.Whirlpool Rapids BridgesNiagara Falls, NY

Whirlpool Rapids Bridges, Niagara Falls, NY
Yashica LM, Fomapan 100, D-23

After parking at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center and seeing the blue skies and full sun I loaded my Yashica LM TLR with Fomapan 100 (a black and white negative film) and we headed down the trail. I also had an orange filter affixed on the taking lens of the camera to darken the blue skies and avoid the washed out look. And yes, there are public restrooms available to make hiking more comfortable.

All along the trail I was looking for an opening in the trees towards the river hoping to get a view back to the Falls or forward to the Whirlpool Bridges. In the end, the trail offered both and in two different varieties. There was an official lookout, and in one or two places there was an opening in the trees I liked, as in the photograph above.

Across the Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls, NY. Yashica LM, Fomapan 100, D-23.Across the Rainbow BridgeNiagara Falls, NY

Creek Gate
Yashica LM, Fomapan 100, D-23

While trail #4 headed towards the Whirlpool Bridges, trail #3 turned our direction almost 180 and headed towards Rainbow Bridge and Niagara Falls, completely descending to the riverbanks. Continuing up the river we reached a point where the river widened quite a bit, which opened up an interesting vantage point as if from the middle of the river.

Then, the hike took us to the paved observation deck you can see in the photo above on the left. There was a heavyweight lift that can probably raise and lower ships into the river, but that is my guess here, I did not further look into its purpose. You can see its tall column in the above photo too. And the most surprising feature for the first time visitors found at that location? An elevator! The Schoellkopf Public Elevator in what remains of the Schoellkopf Power Plant directly connects the parking lot where this whole adventure started with the deck down below and cuts the travel time down to seconds.

I did have some doubts, this was meant to be an outdoors hiking day and using an elevator felt like massive cheating. Elevator? Hike back? In the end, the elevator won. The hike was not a loop but rather a there and back arrangement, thus my motivation to explore sunk a bit. Also, if a chunk of time could be saved here we'd have time for another walk in the area, right?

Storm over Niagara Falls, NY. Yashica LM, Fomapan 100, D-23.Storm over Niagara FallsNiagara Falls, NY

Storm over Niagara Falls, NY
Yashica LM, Fomapan 100, D-23

As soon as we walked out of the elevator and looked towards the Falls, we could see a dramatic weather change. An ominous storm was moving in and it seemed like the outdoors activity might be in danger. However, the weather radar seemed to have good news. It was showing a relatively narrow front moving through. Solution? We decided on a lunch break in a restaurant we'd not been in before either and took advantage of already being this far north.

The planned worked perfectly. After lunch, rain stopped and the heavy clouds were slowly moving past. We could see nice weather in the west. Thus, we headed for my favorite walk along the American Falls over the Green Island and to Goat Island. We walked down to Luna Island to see the Bridal Veil Falls. I always enjoy the view of the river rushing down there. Then we continued to the tip of the Goat Island to enjoy the above view of the American Falls. The lighting conditions were insane! The storm moved past us but filled the sky in that direction while it was already sunny overhead and behind us. You can even see a rainbow in the photo above, even though I must admit black and white photography may not be the best way to present one. Yes, that subtle white bow on the left is a rainbow.

Rushing Down to the Falls, Niagara Falls, NY. Yashica LM, Fomapan 100, D-23.Rushing Down to the FallsNiagara Falls, NY

Rushing Down to the Falls
Yashica LM, Fomapan 100, D-23

To add to the day's step count we walked further around the Horseshoe Falls to the Three Sisters Islands. I still love the area quite a bit, however, a dose of nostalgia usually hits me. I definitely liked that location even more before it became civilized. Paved paths and fences have been installed for safety. I miss the days when one could freely wonder about the islands looking for just the perfect photo spot. It also used to be easier to capture the natural look of the Upper Niagara Rapids without the fences finding their way into one's photograph.

Canada Down the River, Niagara Falls, NY. Yashica LM, Fomapan 100, D-23.Canada Down the RiverNiagara Falls, NY

Canada Down the River, Niagara Falls, NY
Yashica LM, Fomapan 100, D-23

The last two photographs of today's post are literally back to back. They are both taken from the bridge connecting the Three Sisters Islands with Goat Island. First, a view up the river and second, a view towards Niagara Falls even though there is no sign of those. I always enjoy looking at the many islands in the river making the location look more "wild" than it really is. And those buildings? You are looking at the other river bank to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

After this stop, it was time to head back to the Niagara Discovery Center parking lot. for a return drive home. If only one could spend this much time walking or hiking daily!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Phalanx of Trees Standing Guard by Trail, Birdsong, Orchard Park, New York (NY).Phalanx6x6 Square Cottage in Winter Woods, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park near Buffalo, NYCottage in Winter Woods6x6 Square Brant Street Pier on Lake Ontario, Burlington, ON, Canada, Photographed on Lubitel 166B and Fomapan 400 FilmBrant Street Pier, Burlington, ON6x6 Square

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white film foma fomapan hiking landscape nature new york niagara falls niagara gorge outdoors park rainbow bridge trail whirlpool bridges yashica lm https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/9/niagara-falls-new-york Mon, 19 Sep 2022 11:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/9/cyanotypes-xi-moravian-countryside Nikon FE, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 Pancake, Mint BackgroundNikon FENikon FE, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 Pancake Today's eleventh post on cyanotypes builds on what I have posted about before. I shared how different papers can completely change the look of the final image. I compared three types of paper so far, all watercolor papers. On one end, I used a very bright watercolor paper with a very rough texture, which further contributed to an even more lo-fi look and high contrast. In the middle, I used a watercolor paper with a more subtle texture and lower brightness, which preserved more of the original detail and resulted in less contrast. And finally, printing on a basic smooth watercolor paper provided a result looking the most like a regular photograph, just in blue.

That final option is what I selected for the two prints presented in today's post. I wanted to keep and show the fine detail in the tree as well as the grass and thus went straight for the smooth paper.

Along the Creek, Cyanotype, Hiking NemotínekAlong the CreekCyanotype, Hiking Nemotínek

Along the Creek, Hiking Nemotínek, Nemotice, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated smooth watercolor paper

The ability to reproduce fine detail really showed in the second photograph below. The grass and shrubs covering the banks of Kyjovka came through with a surprising detail, including the two trees in the background.

Kyjovka, Cyanotype, Hiking Nemotínek, Nemotice, Czech RepublicKyjovkaCyanotype, Hiking Nemotínek

Kyjovka, Hiking Nemotínek, Nemotice, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated smooth watercolor paper

I will definitely continue experimenting with the three papers I have already used as well as introduce new ones. Oh, and I forgot about a fourth type I used at the very beginning and quickly abandoned. It was inkjet watercolor paper and I really do not recommend it for this type of printing, especially if you want something at least somewhat predictable. The cyanotype chemicals will react with the chemicals the paper is coated with to better receive ink and anything can happen. However, even that can provide its own unique look.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color - 11. Cyanotypes XI: Moravian Countryside

If you like cyanotypes you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy! Do not hesitate to contact me whether you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of my prints.

 

Bird Island Pier Cyanotype, Buffalo, New YorkBird Island PierCyanotype BUFFALO Cyanotype, Buffalo, New York.BUFFALOCyanotype Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, Shizen Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Chautauqua Lake, New York.Chautauqua BelleCyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative analog blue blueprint countryside cyanotype czech republic darkroom europe hiking kyjovka landscape monochrome morava moravia nemotice nemotinek outdoors photography process snovidky technique textured ultraviolet vintage watercolor https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/9/cyanotypes-xi-moravian-countryside Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:00:00 GMT The Trees of Birdsong https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/9/the-trees-of-birdsong Pentax K1000 35mm Film CameraPentax K1000 It's hard to believe the origins of this post go all the way back to June 2020. Back then, I was part of a community project called the Partnership of the Passing Pentax. A Pentax K1000 was being shipped around the country with different photographers using the same camera, the same lens, and the same film to photograph their area.

I wanted to make sure the camera would not get stuck with me for too long and only kept it for two days. Day 1 was a roll of Kodak Double-X in Birdsong Park, day 2 was another roll on the shore of Lake Erie (more on that in a future post, hopefully not in two more years). This project and my approach allowed me to see the park quite differently.

Twinkle in the Trees, Trees of Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkTwinkle in the TreesTrees of Birdsong

Twinkle in the Trees
Birdsong on Pentax K1000 and Kodak Double-X

So what was different? Since I visit the park often I try to be very careful about what I photograph. Did I photograph it before? Is it any different? Should I press the shutter? I question every single photograph and try to talk myself out of it. This evening, I fully intended to go through a whole roll of 35mm film. I had just over an hour to get approximately 36 photographs. Even rounding things a bit for simplicity that is about a photo every two minutes. That was definitely something I had not done in this park in a long time, probably since my very first visit.

Creek Gate, Trees of Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkCreek GateTrees of Birdsong

Creek Gate
Birdsong on Pentax K1000 and Kodak Double-X

There was another significant difference that evening. My cameras usually have a wide angle lens, like a 28mm, attached as the default. The Pentax K1000 used for this project came with a 50mm lens and that was quite a difference. It was a whole different world. Back in 2020, using a 50mm lens was a complete unknown to me. And looking at it now, I suspect it was this experience that opened up the world of normal lenses to me. I now go out with 50mm lenses much more often and even went on whole big trips with that focal length as my only lens!

Old Branches, Trees of Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkOld BranchesTrees of Birdsong

Old Branches
Birdsong on Pentax K1000 and Kodak Double-X

There is a saying "can't see the forest for the trees" but I think my usual wide angle approach resulted in me not being able to see the trees for the forest. I'd always be framing for my foreground, middle ground, and background. With the 50mm lens, I could place more focus on details, on narrower areas, I could, or even had to flatten my plane of focus on a specific feature. The opening photo of this post is a scene one gets to see immediately after turning into the woods. It always makes an impression on me, yet, I had never been able to photograph it that way. This evening, I could. The same experience followed just a few steps further into the forest with the gorgeous branches of the old tree. I was able to raise my camera up and focus on just the scene that caught my eye, the branches.

Dead Tree Up Close, Trees of Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkDead Tree Up CloseTrees of Birdsong

Blooming Bush
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

This old and very dead tree is the only photograph in today's post that is outside the woods. I love the tree and I always stop, admire it, and sometimes take a picture if I can convince myself that something about it looks different. And again, the normal lens facilitated a different perspective.

Forest, Trees of Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkForestTrees of Birdsong

Blooming Bush
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

However, we are heading right back into the woods. There was something magical with the light that evening. Whether it was a figment of my imagination or reality I am not qualified to say due to my bias towards these photographs but even now more than two years later I still see that shimmering light. Maybe it was the lens, maybe it was the backlight painting the pictures on the Kodak motion picture film, maybe it was my imagination, or maybe it was a combination.

Creek in the Woods, Trees of Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkCreek in the WoodsTrees of Birdsong

Creek in the Woods
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

To close out today's post we're stopping by the creek. This particular spot has captivated me for years but it has been only the last year or two that I've really come to appreciate and enjoy the full length of the creek as it passes through the park. The combo of the creek and the leaning trees along both banks creates some very charming scenes. In this specific location, the fallen tree crossing the creek and its reflection add a little extra to the whole scene.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 5222 birdsong black and white double-x film k1000 kodak landscape light nature new york orchard park outdoors park pentax project trees twinkle https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/9/the-trees-of-birdsong Fri, 02 Sep 2022 11:00:00 GMT Birdsong in Purple, Part II https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/8/birdsong-in-purple-part-ii Continued from Birdsong in Purple, Part I

Pentax Spotmatic, 35mm Film CameraPentax Spotmatic35mm Film Camera It's already the second half of August and my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes photo gallery still has winter photos at the top! Wow! Let's change that right away with some color. And while moving from white to color, why not go with some crazy colors?

I think this makes for a great opportunity to wrap up the walk around Birdsong Park with a Pentax Spotmatic loaded with Lomochrome Purple special effects film. I am not big on filters and I am not big on special effects films, however, I am trying to keep my mind open and try different things out here and there. Who knows, maybe I'll find something to my taste!

A Creek Flows Through, Birdsong Park on Lomochrome Purple, Pentax Spotmatic. Orchard Park, NY.A Creek Flows ThroughBirdsong Park on Lomochrome Purple

A Creek Flows Through, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple film and developed in Arista C-41

I think it's a little more complicated with my statement above. I am very interested in alternative processes with black and white photography and some of them definitely form a departure from reality. You've seen me post a lot about Cyanotypes, a process that results in blue and white photographs. And I love those! I also tried my hand in lith printing and loved those tritone prints. Somehow, I am more open to crazy results with black and white photography whereas more conservative with color photography. So yes, Lomochrome Purple is definitely pushing the envelope for me! And if I ever get the Lomochrome Turqoise it will be no different. That being said, I love the light in the first photograph shared here, purple or not!

An Accidental Tee Pee, Birdsong Park on Lomochrome Purple, Pentax Spotmatic. Orchard Park, NY.An Accidental Tee PeeBirdsong Park on Lomochrome Purple

An Accidental Tee Pee, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple film and developed in Arista C-41

I have gone through a change of my likes and focus in Birdsong and the two photos above are from the surroundings of the creek flowing through the park. It is the creek and the wonderful old leaning trees lining its banks that have become so captivating to me recently. In contrast, the next two photos have no water featured, which is a bit strange given the fact the park is basically a swamp.

Purple Canopy, Birdsong Park on Lomochrome Purple, Pentax Spotmatic. Orchard Park, NY.Purple CanopyBirdsong Park on Lomochrome Purple

Purple Canopy, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple film and developed in Arista C-41

I love this park and it is really close to where I live. And I love making photographs close to home. There is always something new to capture and things are changing all the time. Sometimes, I find new subject matter, other times I go for a new take on something previously photographed. Now that I have selected the photos for this post I went back to the archives to see if I had posted more traditional versions of these. If you are curious and want to compare, feel free to scroll down once you finish reading.

Among Trees, Lomochrome Purple, Pentax Spotmatic. Orchard Park, NY.Among TreesBirdsong Park on Lomochrome Purple

Among Trees, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple film and developed in Arista C-41

How do you like this purple look of Lomochrome Purple? Any favorite photos from this post or from Part I? What do you think about their comparison to the three below?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.  

Leaning Trees of Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkLeaning Trees of BirdsongOrchard Park, NY Morning at the Tree Tunnel of Birdsong Park in the fall - autumn, Orchard Park, New York (NY).The Tree Tunnel of BirdsongOrchard Park, NY The Music of Fall at Birdsong, Path between Colorful Trees, Autumn in Orchard Park, New York (NY).The Music of Fall at BirdsongOrchard Park, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy c-41 colors film landscape lomochrome lomography nature orhard park outdoors park pentax purple special effect spotmatic summer vegetation water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/8/birdsong-in-purple-part-ii Tue, 23 Aug 2022 11:00:00 GMT Nights around Buffalo, East Aurora https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/6/nights-around-buffalo-east-aurora Previously at Night: Ice Cream at Night - Michigan Street Bridge at Night - Buffalo at Night - Welcome to Buffalo

This will be a four part series of night photography around Buffalo, NY. Today, we are starting in East Aurora. The next three sequels will be Hamburg, Orchard Park, and Buffalo. We're also traveling back in time a bit to 2020 and some photos may date themselves as such. Can you spot them?

Nikon FM2n with 50mm f/1.8 Pancake LensNikon FM2n with 50mm f/1.8 Pancake35mm Film Camera Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

For these night photography outings I loaded my Nikon FM2n with a roll of Kodak T-Max P3200 film. I like that specific camera for night photography because of its LED light meter that is very easy to see at night. On my other cameras, like the Nikon FE, I enjoy their analog match needle meters quite a bit but those become of limited value in the dark. And that's where the LED lights shine. I paired the camera with a fast 50mm f/1.8 lens to see through the night even better.

Let me get another technical detail out of the way right at the beginning. While I like the grain that film brings to the photography game I like it in measured doses. Based on my previous experience with this film, it came out of the developer rather thin when exposed at 3200. Setting my meter to 1600 and developing normally certainly worked much better for me. For this roll, I took things one step further. I exposed the roll at EI 800 (overexposed by 2 stops) and later developed for 1600 (1 stop pull) in Kodak XTOL. I'm quite happy with the results and will stick to this method in the future unless I absolutely need a higher ISO. However, it turns out 800 speed film and an f/1.8 lens are a great combo for night photography, whether black and white or color.

Rookies Sports Bar and Grill at Dusk, East Aurora after Dark. Nikon FM2n, Kodak T-Max P3200, XTOL.Rookies Sports Bar and Grill at DuskEast Aurora after Dark

Rookies Sports Bar and Grill at Dusk, Night Photography, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FM2n on Kodak T-Max P3200 Black and White Negative Film

Nights in the suburbs can be devoid of people even under normal circumstances but these photographs document September 2020, the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. I never went after documenting that period directly but the emptiness definitely crept into some of my photographs, like here, and you can definitely spot other clues about the times.

Aurora Theatre Showing Fifty Shades of Grey Sweatpants, East Aurora after Dark. Nikon FM2n, Kodak T-Max P3200, XTOL.Aurora Theatre Showing Fifty Shades of Grey SweatpantsEast Aurora after Dark

Aurora Theatre Showing Fifty Shades of Grey Sweatpants, Night Photography, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FM2n on Kodak T-Max P3200 Black and White Negative Film

The Head over Heels Women's Boutique across the street was just about perfect for a night photograph. I definitely enjoyed the brightly lit shop window.

Head over Heels Women's Boutique after Dark, East Aurora after Dark. Nikon FM2n, Kodak T-Max P3200, XTOL.Head over Heels Women's Boutique after DarkEast Aurora after Dark

Head over Heels Women's Boutique after Dark, Night Photography, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FM2n on Kodak T-Max P3200 Black and White Negative Film

And we're going to close today off with an East Aurora classic, the Vidler's store. It opened in 1930 during the early days of the Great Depression and despite the odds made it and is a staple on today's East Aurora's Main Street. The first photo captures the store at dusk before things turned dark. In the background, you can see "Vidler on the Roof", or the store's long-time president Edward W. Vidler, welcoming you to the store from its rooftop.

Vidler's 5 & 10 at Dusk, East Aurora after Dark. Nikon FM2n, Kodak T-Max P3200, XTOL.Vidler's 5 & 10 at DuskEast Aurora after Dark

Vidler's 5 & 10 at Dusk, Night Photography, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FM2n on Kodak T-Max P3200 Black and White Negative Film

And then the night settled in. I always enjoy the one-figure clock when walking along the Main Street. Alright, it is not a clock but a thermometer but I always go through these thoughts. Too bad there was no illumination in the actual clock in the background, that would have made the photo even better. I don't know if that was just a malfunction or if it is never illuminated and now that I realized it I may have a new reason to revisit the location.

Vidler's 5 - 10 & $ at Night, East Aurora after Dark. Nikon FM2n, Kodak T-Max P3200, XTOL.Vidler's 5 - 10 & $ at NightEast Aurora after Dark

Vidler's 5 - 10 & $ at Night, Night Photography, East Aurora, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FM2n on Kodak T-Max P3200 Black and White Negative Film

So there you have it, this has been Part 1 of Nights around Buffalo. I hope you'll be back for parts 2, 3, and 4. Thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

All posts in the Nights around Buffalo series: #1 Nights around Buffalo, East Aurora - to be continued

Nostalgic Black and White Hydraulic Hearth Restaurant, Larkin Square, Buffalo, New York (NY). City nights.Nostalgic Hydraulic HearthCity nights Hamburg Palace Theatre Classic, City nights.Hamburg Palace ClassicCity nights Stormy over Buffalo Central Terminal on a Black & White Photograph. World without Color.Stormy over Buffalo Central TerminalWorld without Color.

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy aurora black and white boutique cityscape east aurora film head over heels kodak lights local monochrome new york night nikon fm2n ny p3200 photography rookies theatre urban vidler's https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/6/nights-around-buffalo-east-aurora Mon, 27 Jun 2022 11:00:00 GMT Lomo Buffalo, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/6/lomo-buffalo-ny Smena 8M, a simple plastic Lomo cameraSmena 8MA simple plastic Lomo camera This day's photography was all about experimenting and seeing what I could come back with from familiar places using not so familiar tools. In my hand, I had a very simple plastic camera, the Smena 8M, which was actually the camera I started my photographic endeavors with back in the 1980s.

It's a very simple fully manual camera that requires no power as there is not meter or any other electronics. Both shutter speed and f-stop are set on the lens. The shutter is cocked with a dedicated lever also on the lens and is thus separated from film advance. While that may take some getting used to it's not really a problem. And if you forget and click the shutter release button? No problem, cock it and fire away again. It's also very simple to do multiple exposures if one so desires. Focus is accomplished by zone focusing. The real bonus? Given the simplicity the camera can deliver some surprisingly good quality and sharp photographs.

To complete the Lomo experience I loaded the camera with a Lomography Metropolis color negative film, which delivers photographs featuring a different color palette and pronounced grain. Colors are mostly muted and somewhat shifted towards the greens. I used that film before and was not much of a fan for natural landscapes but enjoyed the results from urban settings.

BUFFALO, a scene from Canalside, Buffalo, New York.BUFFALOA scene from Canalside, Buffalo, New York.

BUFFALO, a scene from Canalside, Buffalo, New York.
Photographed with a Smena 8M 35mm camera on Lomography Metropolis color negative film

For the first photograph I struggled a bit as the space in front of the building is limited and the camera has a fixed 40mm lens. At first, I was reluctant to raise the camera up as I am not a fan of converging vertical lines in architecture but I eventually had to accept reality. Plus, it was a lo-fi kind of a day so why not? In the end, I am now very glad I did. I like both the version above as well as the Cyanotype print I made with it.

Next up was a walk over to the Naval Park to see how the ships would look with this lomo combo. In the end, I opted for an obvious angle I had photographed before. I think the colors of the film go well with the steel hulls.

USS Croaker and Company, Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park.USS Croaker and CompanyBuffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park

USS Croaker and Company, Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park
Photographed with a Smena 8M 35mm camera on Lomography Metropolis color negative film

And finally, away from the Canalside and waterfront, the next photo is on Buffalo's Main Street with its signature Buffalo Metro Rail.

Train on Main, The NFTA Metro Rail train on Buffalo's Main StreetTrain on MainThe NFTA Metro Rail train on Buffalo's Main Street

Train on Main, The NFTA Metro Rail train on Buffalo's Main Street
Photographed with a Smena 8M 35mm camera on Lomography Metropolis color negative film

Overall, this photographic outing revealed that this extremely simple plastic camera is perfectly capable and I will certainly be using it again. And I still like the Lomography Metropolis film for urban settings. I guess they picket the name (Metropolis) well.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

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Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Vintage USS Little Rock, Military & Naval Park, Buffalo, NYVintage USS Little RockBuffalo, NY Vintage Erie Canal Harbor Train Stop à la 70s, Buffalo, New York (NY)Erie Canal Harbor à la 70sBuffalo, NY Vintage USS Croaker and Little Rock. Military & Naval Park, Buffalo, NYVintage USS CroakerBuffalo, NY Sunny Spring Morning at Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo, NYSpring Morning at the MuseumBuffalo, NY Morning Reflection, Buffalo History Museum and Japanese Garden, Buffalo, NYMorning ReflectionBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm buffalo c-41 canalside city cityscape color downtown film lomo lomography metropolis new york ny smena 8m urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/6/lomo-buffalo-ny Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/6/cyanotypes-x-from-black-and-white-or-color 1940s Rolleiflex AutomatRolleiflex Automat1940s Rolleiflex Automat Welcome back to my cyanotype series and its tenth installment. After focusing mostly on the tiny village of "Horní Rozsíčka" where I spent a lot of time as a child, we're moving over to the city where I live currently. With city scenes, buildings, and architecture I remain a fan of the rough texture of the Shizen Design watercolor paper. After going monochrome, blue in this case, the rough texture obliterates a lot of the details and I am left wit a further abstracted photograph, which I like.

For photo number one we're headed to Broderick Park in Buffalo, NY and to the Bird Island Pier that starts there. It frequently suffers weather and winter damage, which is a shame, because it is a really unique and wonderful way to walk several miles literally in the middle of the mighty Niagara River. So far, it was always repaired in the end and I hope that continues, even though some of the recent damage has been slow to fix and the pier is cut short as a result.

Camera of choice on this day? A World War II time Rolleiflex Automat. It needed quite extensive repairs to be in its current shape but right now it's like clockwork. I loaded it with Fomapan 400, attached a yellow filter to the taking lens and headed out.

What you see in today's first cyanotype is the view one gets when reaching the unpassable damage area and turning around. It's the pier heading back to Unity Island and Broderick Park and the signature Peace Bridge between the United States and Canada.

Bird Island Pier Cyanotype, Buffalo, NYBird Island Pier CyanotypeBuffalo, NY

Bird Island Pier Cyanotype, Buffalo, NY, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured watercolor paper

Smena 8M 35mm CameraSmena 8MSmena 8M 35mm Camera For cyanotype number two we're headed into the heart of the city. It's hard to believe Canalside really wasn't a thing until a few years ago. I did something different for this cyanotype. I normally select from one of my black and white photographs but for this one, I picked a photo captured on Lomography Metropolis color negative film. These cyanotypes are printed using a digital negative and even for this one I first converted the color photo into a monochrome.

However, I have heard of people printing their negatives in color and getting great results. Maybe I'll have to try that soon and compare with a monochrome one to see if there's a difference in practice. In theory, each color allows different levels of UV to pass through. That is similar with different density of black. Would the color negative result in more or less contrast?

Oh, and the camera of choice for this downtown Buffalo expedition? Smena 8M was the camera I started my (film) photography endeavors with back in the 1980s. Indeed, there was no discussion about film versus digital back then. Film was all there was and our family's film choice were black and white film stocks from Orwo. I don't remember why but my Dad was not a fan of Fomapan. He used to buy Orwo in bulk on our occasional trips to East Germany. I used that camera on several school trips and got alright results for the purpose they were supposed to serve. Some of them even saw the light of day as darkroom prints. Even now in 2022 I was rather pleasantly surprised about what one can get from a simple camera like this.

BUFFALO, Canalside, Buffalo, NYBUFFALOCanalside, Buffalo, NY

BUFFALO, Canalside, Buffalo, NY, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured watercolor paper, bleached and toned in green tea

Yes, a short post today, just two photographs. Come back soon and maybe there will be a new post with more to share. Do you like one of these two cyanotype prints or one from the past posts in this series? You can see them all in my Cyanotype Gallery and if you're interested, you can order one there too and get your own unique and original print. No two are the same. I coat the paper by hand and print of textured papers. As a result, they each have their own look and feel.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky - 10. Cyanotypes X: From Black and White or Color

If you like cyanotypes you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy! Do not hesitate to contact me whether you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of my prints.

House of Memories, Cyanotype II, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicHouse of Memories, Cyanotype IIHorní Rozsíčka On the Way from School, Cyanotype, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicOn the Way from School, CyanotypeHorní Rozsíčka U Vlachů, Cyanotype, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicU Vlachů, CyanotypeHorní Rozsíčka

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative analog bird island pier blue blueprint buffalo canalside cyanotype darkroom downtown monochrome new york ny photography process technique textured ultraviolet vintage watercolor https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/6/cyanotypes-x-from-black-and-white-or-color Thu, 02 Jun 2022 12:54:45 GMT Stormy over Buffalo, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/5/stormy-over-buffalo-ny Mamiya RB67Mamiya RB67 I don't understand how it took me so long to post these photos. There's a bit of a gap between me taking pictures and then developing and scanning them but everything eventually makes it to a physical binder as well as bits on a hard drive. However, only a tiny fraction sees the light of day afterwards. Some of it is just a selection process when I don't feel like I should share the photographs but other times, it is just not spending sufficient time on the publishing task.

Whether it is digital posts on my website or social media, making inkjet prints, darkroom prints, zines, or cyanotypes, I feel like it is that phase that deserves a lot more attention. In the end, what is the purpose of capturing the world around us if the pictures cannot be seen again? To be fair, photo taking motivates me to spend more time outside in fresh air and under the sun so there's still that purpose for me. But is that enough?

So how long has it been? These photos are from summer 2020. It was only my second roll with a new to me Mamiya RB67 and as such I was mostly focused on learning to use it rather that having any high expectations. The camera is a beast, heavy as a tank, and requires a certain process to execute a photo session successfully. In many aspects, it is similar to large format work.

Yet, when I arrived on location my hopes of cooperating weather seemed to meet and exceed my expectations. The storm that was rolling through the area at sunset time was just clearing the western sky and moving overhead and over the city. While absolutely perfect that put a bit of a time pressure on me as I did not have time to waste.

Passing Storm over Buffalo, Dramatic Buffalo, New York. Mamiya RB67, Kodak Tri-X 400, Kodak XTOL.Passing Storm over BuffaloDramatic Buffalo, New York

Passing Storm over Buffalo, Dramatic Buffalo, New York
Photographed with a Mamiya RB67 medium format camera on Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film

As you can see, it all worked out. I got my photo! The scene lasted for a few minutes before the sun dipped under the horizon at my back, which gave me a chance to point the camera in a few different directions.

Erie Basin Marina after Storm, Buffalo, NY. Mamiya RB67, Kodak Tri-X 400, Kodak XTOL.Erie Basin Marina after StormBuffalo, NY

Erie Basin Marina after Storm, Buffalo, New York
Photographed with a Mamiya RB67 medium format camera on Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film

For the last photograph in this set, I decided to place the focus on the boats in the marina and use the city and the storm as a backdrop. I moved closer to one of the docks and the fence and framed the below photo. I really like how it all came together even now two years later. The clouds look like someone painted them in with a paint brush and their jagged edges fit the Dock D sign perfectly.

Dock D, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NY.Dock D, Erie Basin MarinaBuffalo, NY

Dock D, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a Mamiya RB67 medium format camera on Kodak Tri-X 400 black and white film

I was really happy with the results and yet, this remains the last Tri-X I used. It's been almost two years and maybe it's time to get a roll or two ready for the next summer storm? We'll see.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Instagram @danielnovakphoto - Facebook @danielnovakphoto - flickr @masinka

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Different Types of Ships, USS Little Rock Guided Missile Cruiser vs Spirit of Buffalo Sailboat, Buffalo, NYDifferent Types of ShipsBuffalo, NY Film photography: Edward M Cotter's Solo Show in Black and White, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter's Solo ShowBuffalo, NY Sailboat and a Cruiser, USS Little Rock Guided Missile Cruiser vs Spirit of Buffalo Sailboat, Buffalo, NYSailboat and a CruiserBuffalo, NY

Sideview of Kleinhans Music HallSideview of Kleinhans Music HallBuffalo, NY Black & White Symmetry, South Grand Island Bridge, Buffalo, NYBlack & White SymmetryBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 120 black and white buffalo city cityscape clouds dramatic erie basin film Kodak light mamiya rb67 marina medium format monochrome ny ominous storm summer Tri-x https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/5/stormy-over-buffalo-ny Mon, 23 May 2022 11:00:00 GMT Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/4/cyanotypes-ix-horni-rozsicky From the wonderful Chautauqua Belle of my last cyanotype blog post we're heading over to a tiny village in the Czech Republic, a village where time stopped a long time ago. A village with a strong personal connection for me.

After I visited the village of Horní Rozsíčka in 2019 after more than two decades and mentioned to my Mom that it felt like time stopped there she agreed and added that time had in fact stopped there back in the 1980s. I spent about an hour walking around with two cameras. I had Kodak Double-X loaded in my trusty Nikon FE and Kodak Ektar 100 in the plastic fantastic Nikon N75. I walked the main loop circling the village, I added the loop that went by the orchard, fields, and barn, and I also walked down the short hill towards a house called Pazderna. And of course, I idled a bit by the two houses where my grandparents lived.

The "new" one they lived in was hard to see. The whole house was overgrown by the surrounding vegetation reminding me of a Czech version of the Sleeping Beauty fairy-tale where the whole castle of the Rose Kingdom was overgrown by roses. The one across the street, the "old cottage" serving as a farm house, was also rather overgrown on three sides but at least the side facing the street was unobstructed. That became the focus on my photographic attention and later became the "House of Memories" darkroom print, a lith print, and a cyanotype.

In today's post I am sharing a new take on the "House of Memories" printing it from a different negative where I opened the shadows a bit more and chose the Shizen Design watercolor paper with its strong texture. The texture disrupts the photo in a way I really like, the recycled content of the paper further adds to its unpredictability, and finally, I also printed two versions. One straight blue cyanotype and one cyanotype toned in green tea.

House of Memories, Cyanotype II, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicHouse of Memories, Cyanotype IIHorní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic

House of Memories, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured watercolor paper

The alternative version was printed the same way as the blue cyanotype above. However, once the print was done, I allowed it to dry and react to oxygen for about 24 hours. Then I fully bleached it and toned it in green tea. 

House of Memories, Tea Toned Cyanotype II, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicHouse of Memories, Tea Toned Cyanotype IIHorní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic

House of Memories, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Tea Toned Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured watercolor paper, bleached and toned in green tea

I also remembered another path we used as kids. It was a dirt road shortcut to an old school house and then down to a sister village of Dolní Rozsíčka. Cherry trees lined a section of the path and were a favorite spot when the cherries were ripe. I only walked a short distance and back. On my way back, this wonderful view opened up.

On the Way from School, Cyanotype, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicOn the Way from School, CyanotypeHorní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic

On the Way from School, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured watercolor paper

Since this was a tea toning session, I also printed an extra to be bleached and toned in green tea. Compare the feel of that version below.

On the Way from School, Tea Toned Cyanotype, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicOn the Way from School, Tea Toned CyanotypeHorní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic

On the Way from School, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Tea Toned Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured watercolor paper, bleached and toned in green tea

And finally, the third pair of today's cyanotypes is from a corner that I must have walked and run countless times as a child. It led to couple of my friends, it led to the village pond where we climbed its fence and fished, it led to the village center with a small circle a mobile grocery bus would stop  at twice a week and people would form a line for their chance to do their shopping.

U Vlachů, Cyanotype, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicU Vlachů, CyanotypeHorní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic

U Vlachů, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured watercolor paper

And of course, the second green tea toned version.

U Vlachů, Tea Toned Cyanotype, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech RepublicU Vlachů, Tea Toned CyanotypeHorní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic

U Vlachů, Horní Rozsíčka, Czech Republic, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Tea Toned Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured watercolor paper, bleached and toned in green tea

At some point, I want to do more with my photos from this tiny forgotten village where I spent many summers and weekends as a kid. I may even need to return once or twice more to gather additional material. Initially, I thought I'd hold all of these photos until such grand reveal but then decided to take it one step at a time and share what I have now. I hope you have enjoyed this cyanotype sequel and a brief glimpse into a place of my childhood.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers - 9. Cyanotypes IX: Horní Rozsíčky

If you like cyanotypes you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy! Do not hesitate to contact me whether you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of my prints.

 

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, Shizen Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Chautauqua Lake, New York.Chautauqua Belle SteamboatShizen Design Cyanotype Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, Tea Toned Shizen Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Chautauqua Lake, New York.Chautauqua Belle SteamboatTea Toned Cyanotype Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, Meeden Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Chautauqua Lake, New York.Chautauqua Belle SteamboatMeeden Cyanotype  

Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech RepublicKarlštejn CastleCyanotype Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls, Tea Toned Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic..Karlštejn CastleCyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative analog blue blueprint childhood cyanotype darkroom green tea horní rozsíčka house of memories monochrome photography process rozsíčky technique toning ultraviolet village vintage https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/4/cyanotypes-ix-horni-rozsicky Thu, 28 Apr 2022 15:40:39 GMT Country Roads in Winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/3/country-roads-in-winter With film photography and the delay in having pictures available that I introduce with my development and scanning process, the seasons I share usually spill over from one to the next. And I usually don't mind that at all. However, I always hesitate to share white winter photos into the spring as I worry that no one really wants to see those.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using the Amazon search box in bottom left of this page for anything you want (commission earned) keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

So while few of you may be enjoying the hopefully last blast of winter 2021/22, I am taking advantage of this window to share a few more cold frames. On one hand, they are photographed with a medium format Mamiya 645 1000s camera providing increased quality over smaller formats but on the other, my film of choice was Foma Retropan 320, which has a pronounced grain. It makes for an interesting combination that I like, especially with the bright winter photos.

On top of the grain, there are also some dark spots visible in a few areas, which resemble the emulsion problems specific to Fomapan 200. Does or did Retropan 320 share those at least for a while? It would appear so.

Farmhouse in Winter, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with Mamiya 645 medium format camera on Foma Retropan 320.Farmhouse in WinterOrchard Park, NY

Farmhouse in Winter, Orchard Park, NY - Winter in Western New York
Photographed with Mamiya 645 medium format camera on Foma Retropan 320 black and white film

For this photo op I did not head too far, only a couple miles south down some of my favorite country roads I love driving and riding on. In winter, the vehicle of choice definitely is a car but the rest of the year if can be either a motorcycle or a bicycle. No matter what the mode of transportation, I love watching the changes.

Triplets that Are No More, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with Mamiya 645 medium format camera on Foma Retropan 320.Triplets that Are No MoreOrchard Park, NY

Triplets that Are No More, Orchard Park, NY - Winter in Western New York
Photographed with Mamiya 645 medium format camera on Foma Retropan 320 black and white film

The photograph above is a bit of a sad story that I get to see all too often. The two structures on the left gave in to time and are no more. Many local barns are disappearing. It is always a great feeling when I run into a new one being built, even if those moments are in minority. Or maybe because of it?

Winter on a Country Road, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with Mamiya 645 medium format camera on Foma Retropan 320.Winter on a Country RoadOrchard Park, NY

Winter on a Country Road, Orchard Park, NY - Winter in Western New York
Photographed with Mamiya 645 medium format camera on Foma Retropan 320 black and white film

And for the last picture, I really liked how the utility poles framed the drive into nothingness, including the overhead cable zigzag.

Utility Poles, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with Mamiya 645 medium format camera on Foma Retropan 320.Utility PolesOrchard Park, NY

Utility Poles, Orchard Park, NY - Winter in Western New York
Photographed with Mamiya 645 medium format camera on Foma Retropan 320 black and white film

I hope you did not mind this winter themed post too much and based on which turn the weather takes I may squeeze in one more. Who knows? Either way, I am sure spring truly is right around the corner and I will admit that while I enjoy a good winter I also look forward to warm weather at this point. Once we're past the warm weather teaser the white relapses do become a bit of a nuisance, don't they?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using the Amazon search box in bottom left of this page for anything you need (commission earned) keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Hamburg Kingdom of Ice in Winter, Hoak's Lakeshore Restaurant, Hamburg, NY. Nikon FE, Ilford Delta Film, Kodak XTOL.Hamburg Kingdom of IceWinter The Ice Claw, Hoak's Lakeshore Restaurant, Hamburg, NY. Nikon FE, Ilford Delta Film, Kodak XTOL..The Ice ClawWinter Longboards in Winter, Frozen Hamburg Beach, Hamburg, NY. Nikon FE, Ilford Delta Film, Kodak XTOL..LongboardsWinter

Barn and silos in white in winter storm in Buffalo and Western New YorkBarn and Silos in WhiteWinter Broken tree in winter storm in Buffalo and Western New YorkBrokenWinter Icy Pier in Winter, Sturgeon Point Marina.Icy PierWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm agfa apx black and white buffalo film forest landscape nature new york nikon fe2 ny orchard park photography snow white winter woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/3/country-roads-in-winter Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:07:46 GMT Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/3/cyanotypes-viii-toning-different-papers Today we're going to explore how different papers effect the look of cyanotype prints and even more importantly how they effect toning. This is my eight installment on the topic of cyanotypes. If you missed the previous ones, feel free to scroll to the bottom of this post where I have included a short reference to the previous posts.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Let's start with a straight Cyanotype of the Beautiful Chautauqua Belle on two of my favorite papers so far. The first is the Shizen Design textured surface cold press recycled watercolor paper. It has a very rough texture, accepts the emulsion coating very unevenly, and produces sharp images with high contrast that lack fine detail. I really like this paper and the vintage look it gives my photos.

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat Cyanotype, Shizen Design Watercolor PaperChautauqua Belle Steamboat CyanotypeShizen Design Watercolor Paper

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold press recycled watercolor paper

The second paper is the Meeden Textured Surface Cold Press Watercolor Paper. Overall lot more subtle than the first, with noticeable texture but regular and accepting the emulsion very evenly. Results are of lower contrast, lot more details are preserved but the images appear a little blurrier overall. It is really important to use heavy glass or weigh it down to insure the negative keeps as close of a contact with the paper as possible.

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat Cyanotype, Meeden Watercolor PaperChautauqua Belle Steamboat CyanotypeMeeden Watercolor Paper

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Meeden Textured Surface Cold Press Watercolor Paper

Now let's repeat the same sequence but bleach the blues and tone the prints in green tea. The properties of the Shizen Design paper remain the same and it shows another advantage for this process. The paper itself seems to resist staining very well. The tea toner attaches mostly to the previously coated and bleached areas and leaves the bare paper alone.

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, Tea Toned Cyanotype, Shizen Design Watercolor PaperChautauqua Belle Steamboat, Tea Toned CyanotypeShizen Design Watercolor Paper

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Tea Toned Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold press recycled watercolor paper, bleached, and toned in green tea

The Meeden Textured Paper is very different from this point of view. While its other Cyanotype properties also still hold true, green tea tones the previously coated, exposed, and bleached surfaces as well as a stains the paper itself, which is clearly visible in the last print included here today. The lower contrast and the stain work together to produce a different warm tone vintage look.

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, Tea Toned Cyanotype, Meeden Watercolor PaperChautauqua Belle Steamboat, Tea Toned CyanotypeMeeden Watercolor Paper

Chautauqua Belle Steamboat, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Tea Toned Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Meeden Textured Surface Cold Press Watercolor Paper, bleached, and toned in green tea

Which paper do you like better? I'd love to hear from you. Please, feel free to use the comments function.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning - 8. Cyanotypes VIII: Toning Different Papers

If you like cyanotypes you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy! Do not hesitate to contact me whether you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of my prints.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech RepublicKarlštejn CastleCyanotype Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls, Tea Toned Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic..Karlštejn CastleTea Toned Cyanotype

Helfštýn Archway Cyanotype - Blue, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Helfštýn ArchwayCyanotype Blueprint Helfštýn Archway Cyanotype Toned in Black Tea, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Helfštýn ArchwayBlack Tea Toned Cyanotype Helfštýn Archway Cyanotype Toned in Red Wine & White Tea, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Helfštýn ArchwayRed Wine & White Tea Toned Cyanotype  

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative analog blue blueprint chautauqua belle cyanotype darkroom green tea historic monochrome photography process steamboat steamship technique toning ultraviolet vintage https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/3/cyanotypes-viii-toning-different-papers Wed, 16 Mar 2022 11:26:25 GMT Western New York Winter Woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/2/western-new-york-winter-woods Fresh winter's snow can turn any landscape into a land of magic and a forest is no different. And when the snow is sufficiently sticky not only does it coat horizontal surfaces it sticks on everything in any direction. Trees wrapped in white look so wonderful!

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

This day, I felt like I woke up to a wonderland. All of the neighborhood trees had winter coats on and the ouside was calling me. It really was a simple decision. All I had to do was to put winter clothes on, add good boots, grab a camera, and head out. The edge of the woods in the first photograph is just minutes of walking and serves like a visual season meter. On this day, the dial was clearly showing winter.

Trees of the Winter Woods, Winter in Western New York, Orchard Park, NY.Trees of the Winter WoodsWinter in Western New York

Trees of the Winter Woods, Winter in Western New York, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 35mm camera on Agfa APX 400 black and white negative film

And into the woods I went next. I tend to take the same route every time, which is good and bad at the same time. The good part comes from knowing it well and having many favorite little things to notice along the way and watch them change with passing time. Take this stump as an example. I have photographed it in all seasons and for different reasons. Here, the puffy hat it was wearing was the trigger for another photo of it.

Buried Stump, Winter in Western New York, Orchard Park, NYBuried StumpWinter in Western New York

Buried Stump, Winter in Western New York, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 35mm camera on Agfa APX 400 black and white negative film

I like to shy away from signs of civilization in my photos but the snowed in boardwalk seemed to express what I was enjoying perfectly. A coat of fresh snow on the ground that no one has been through yet, trees wearing white, and I with a camera soaking it all in. Oh, and I love the fresh air that comes with winter. Somehow, the cold air is more intense and feels cleaner and very refreshing.

Boardwalk in Snow, Western New York Winter, Orchard Park, NY.Boardwalk in SnowWestern New York Winter

Boardwalk in Snow, Western New York Winter, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 35mm camera on Agfa APX 400 black and white negative film

Many people prefer warm weather and that is fine, to each their own. I think it's an acquired taste. One needs to head out often enough to find the magic and there is so much winter can offer photographically and in general. So next time you see everything coated in white, don't hesitate to leave the warmth of your home, put on some good winter clothes and head out.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Snowed In Farmhouse in Winter, Knox Farm, East Aurora, NYFarmhouse in WinterWNY Winter Hay Bales in Snow in Winter, Knox Farm, East Aurora, NYHay Bales in SnowWNY Winter Battle Lost, A Broken Old Tree at Knox Farm in WInter, East Aurora, NYBattle LostWNY Winter

Snowy Birdsong Gate in Winter with a Reflection in the Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Birdsong Gate in WinterWNY Winter Winter Creek in Birdsong Park Covered in Ice and Snow, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Winter Creek at BirdsongWNY Winter Snow Covered Spooky Winter Wetlands, Orchard Park, New YorkSpooky Winter WetlandsWNY Winter

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm Agfa APX black and white buffalo film forest landscape nature new york Nikon FE2 ny orchard park photography snow white winter woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/2/western-new-york-winter-woods Wed, 16 Feb 2022 12:39:07 GMT Cyanotypes VII: More Toning https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/2/cyanotypes-vii-more-toning This cyanotype session was mostly to gain more experience as see what worked and what did not. There are two themes directly continuing from the last episode. I continued with the castle theme and with both straight blueprints as well as bleached and tea toned cyanotypes.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

I also stuck with the rough texture of the Shizen Design Cold Press Watercolor Paper. For me, there's something oddly satisfying in the rendering of that paper. Capturing the photos on film sent me down the retro path, then I printed them as cyanotypes, another step down that path, so why not add a paper with texture so rough that details almost disappear and it all becomes more about the overall form, shape, and the interaction of light and dark.

Helfštýn Castle Tower and Walls CyanotypeHelfštýn Castle Tower and WallsCyanotype

Helfštýn Castle Tower and Walls Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

For the first photo, we did not even leave Helfštýn, the castle we entered last time around. This time, the focus was on the castle walls and the watch tower in one of the corners. The lighting set up was quite different for this photo and I wanted to see how it would come out as a cyanotype. Dark clouds and a rainstorm rolled over and then sunshine lit the castle brightly up while the sky remained an ominous dark. Definitely a different look but I like how it worked out.

Despite the many recommendations I read not to use white tea but green instead, I am a white tea fan so far. Unlike what the internet says I find 4 tea bags per 500ml working perfectly fine, darks become dark enough, and white tea barely stains the paper. I also like the colder tones compared to the browns of green tea. For now, I will continue experimenting with both as I bought a monster pack of green tea bags too. For drinking, I prefer loose tea so green tea toned cyanotypes it is until the box runs out.

Helfštýn Castle Tower and Walls, White Tea Toned CyanotypeHelfštýn Castle Tower and WallsWhite Tea Toned Cyanotype

Helfštýn Castle Tower and Walls, White Tea Toned Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

And now it is time to leave Moravia and travel over to Bohemia not far from the capital of Prague. There's one of the most picturesque castles in the whole of Czech Republic and Europe for that matter too. It's name is Karlštějn and it overlooks a namesake village. It was named after one of the greatest Czech Kings, Karel IV (Charles IV), who was very successful and also became a Holy Roman Emperor. The Karlštejn Castle was founded in 1348

Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls CyanotypeKarlštejn Castle Tower and Walls Cyanotype

Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

I was really happy with how this particular photograph turned out as a cyanotype. It fit the process and the rough paper texture very well and so far remains one of my most favorite cyanotype creations. It will be hard to top. Seeing how well it worked as a blueprint there was just one other thing to try. You guessed it. How would it look toned in white tea?

Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls, White Tea Toned CyanotypeKarlštejn Castle Tower and WallsWhite Tea Toned Cyanotype

Karlštejn Castle Tower and Walls, White Tea Toned Cyanotype, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

That session proved to be another success. Which one do you like better? I'd love to hear from you. Please, feel free to use the comments function.

And a final thought before I sign out. A few posts back I wondered whether one could pre-treat a large batch of paper with the cyanotype chemicals and then use them as needed. Now the answer is shaping up for me. Yes, it can be done and it works fine as long as the paper is in a dark and dry place. But I would not recommend that. I like my results best when I use the treated paper within 48 hours. Otherwise, the chemicals turn yellowish and even processed cyanotypes then retain this yellow cast, which I do not like. A rinse in vinegar sometimes helps clear it out a little but it lingers. Bleaching for toning seems to take care of it so that can be one strategy if you leave your paper around too long.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning - 7. Cyanotypes VII: More Toning

If you like cyanotypes you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy! Do not hesitate to contact me whether you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of my prints.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Helfštýn Archway Cyanotype - Blue, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Helfštýn ArchwayCyanotype Blueprint Helfštýn Archway Cyanotype Toned in Black Tea, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Helfštýn ArchwayBlack Tea Toned Cyanotype Helfštýn Archway Cyanotype Toned in Red Wine & White Tea, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Helfštýn ArchwayRed Wine & White Tea Toned Cyanotype

An old house by a train station. An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from Eureka Springs, Arkansas.Old HouseCyanotype House of Memories Cyanotype, An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.House of MemoriesCyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative analog blue blueprint castle cyanotype darkroom helfstyn historic karlstejn medieval monochrome photography process technique toning ultraviolet white tea https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/2/cyanotypes-vii-more-toning Mon, 07 Feb 2022 13:08:46 GMT Ice Cream at Night https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/ice-cream-at-night I've been focused on local photography of the southern suburbs of Buffalo, NY for quite a while now. More and more, it is the ordinary that surrounds me every day that not only catches my eye but gets me out with the camera. I  am sure you will see even more posts like that from me in 2022.

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Instead of a single walk through a single neighborhood we're visiting three different food stands today. They're each very popular with the local community in their own way and each have their specialty. However, they are also stands that look great at night thanks to their bright lights or neons that make them very eye catching when the daylight runs out.

The idea started with a wonderful vintage ice cream stand in Orchard Park, New York. I drive by it almost every day and quite often even after dark. I figured I could include the popular local ice cream stands on a single roll of film of night photography. And of course, I had to start where the idea was born. I had to start by Custard Lite in Orchard Park, NY.

For this purpose, I loaded my Nikon FM2n with a roll of Cinestill 800T film. I like that specific camera for night photography because of its LED light meter that is very easy to see at night. On my other cameras, like the Nikon FE, I enjoy their analog match needle meters quite a bit but those become of limited value in the dark. And that's where the LED lights shine. I paired the camera with the original all metal pancake Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens.

Custard Lite Corner at Dusk, Night Photography, Orchard Park, NYCustard Lite Corner at DuskNight Photography

Custard Lite Corner at Dusk, Night Photography, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FM2n on  Cinestill 800T Color Negative Film

This first establishing photograph has become a favorite of mine. I really enjoy leaving enough room in the frame for the utility poles and playing with their position in the frame. Most streets in the are run in a perpendicular pattern but here and their one is the oddball. And the end of the Ellicott Road is just such a road placing Custard Lite on a small triangular plot of land.

Since this was at night, there was a new opportunity though. There was an opportunity to show off the lights, to show off the vintage look of this stand. The 50mm lens worked well too and just allowed me to fill the frame with the building while staying within the safety of the lot. I was very happy I went for this frame filling photo and even happier when it showed up on my monitor screen. That's one of the quirks of film photography. It adds a dose of suspense as there is no LCD to quickly check to make sure the exposure and the focus were in order.

Custard Lite Lit Up, Night Photography, Orchard Park, NYCustard Lite Lit UpNight Photography

Custard Lite Lit Up, Night Photography, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FM2n on  Cinestill 800T Color Negative Film

I enjoy photography very much but prefer to do so away from people. For me, getting some peace and quiet and time just for myself are part of it. As soon as people are around the experience changes for me and it is no longer so relaxing and enjoyable. Night photography has its pros and cons from this point of view. There are usually fewer people around and that opens up new locations to photography that would otherwise be full of people. However, the people that are around will be even more suspicious of someone walking around and taking pictures at night. A lot of people just can't understand why I would take a photo of a building at night without any bad intentions. And if you run into a paranoid person that had one too many drinks the situation can get quite ugly.

Taffy's after Dark, Night Photography, Orchard Park, NYTaffy's after DarkNight Photography

Taffy's after Dark, Night Photography, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FM2n on  Cinestill 800T Color Negative Film

The second location is on the other side of Orchard Park. Whereas Custard Lite's specialty is ice cream, Taffy's is a popular open-air location for summer lunches and for milkshakes. And while their food selection is what one would expect their milkshake selection is wild. I don't remember the total but it must be over 100. Are you adventurous? Try to get each at least once! I will admit, I usually stick to a few of my favorites, and often go with the good old boring choice of strawberry banana.

For the final photo we're heading back across Orchard Park and all the way to Hamburg. And we will end with the same treat we started with, ice cream. Nick Charlap's ice cream stand stays open longer into the night than the other two and people stream in all the way through the closing time. And since I don't want people in my photographs, it can become quite the exercise in patience. To get this photograph, I actually had to return back twice. But it was worth it!

Nick Charlap's Open at Night, Night Photography, Hamburg, NYNick Charlap's Open at NightNight Photography

Nick Charlap's Open at Night, Night Photography, Hamburg, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Nikon FM2n on  Cinestill 800T Color Negative Film

That's it for today. I hope you've enjoyed this change of pace and the night time photographs.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Night at a Grain Elevator, Riverworks, Buffalo, New York (NY)Night at a Grain ElevatorNight Photography Buffalo, New York - a steel bison sculpture, an old red double-decker bus, and a grain elevator - night photography from Buffalo, NYBuffalo, New YorkNight Photography London Double-Decker Bus around the Corner of an old Grain Elevator, Buffalo, NYBus 'round the CornerNight Photography

Peace Bridge Blues at Night, Niagara River, Buffalo, NYPeace Bridge Blues at NightNight Photography USS Little Rock at Daybreak, Buffalo Naval & Military Park, New York (NY).USS Little Rock at DaybreakNight Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 800T cinestill cityscape colors film hamburg ice cream local neon new york night nikon fm2n ny orchard park photography urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/ice-cream-at-night Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:46:48 GMT A Winter Walk https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/a-winter-walk Snow was late to come this winter season but it's here for the moment so let's enjoy it and celebrate it with some white scenes. These two photos have been waiting in my blog queue for a while. They go back to 2018 and my cold winter's day walk in Beaver Island State Park.

Commission House, Beaver Island State Park, Grand Island, New YorkCommission HouseBeaver Island State Park, Grand Island, New York

Commission House, Beaver Island State Park, Grand Island, New York

It was very cold, air freezing my nose, and snow beautifully cracking under my boots. There was also a lot of mist over the Niagara River creating a nice mysterious mood and simplifying my backdrops. It's sometimes tough to convince myself to go out in these conditions but I always enjoy it once out there.

Tree on the River Banks, Beaver Island State Park, Grand Island, New YorkTree on the River BanksBeaver Island State Park, Grand Island, New York.

Tree on the River Banks, Beaver Island State Park,  Grand Island, New York

Hope you all have a wonderful day whether you choose to brave the low and still dropping temperatues or watch the white world from the comfort of your home, maybe sitting by a fireplace and sipping hot beverage of your choice.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Did you enjoy this Western New York post and the enclosed photographs? Visit the Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes gallery for more local landscapes. If you are a fan of the snowy white season, I have a Winter collection dedicated to that season for you. Please, let me know if you have any questions about photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs. You can see the photo and product offering on the Products page.

Would you like to see my photographs printed, matted, and framed? Visit Picture Your Walls in Hamburg, NY (184 Buffalo St, Hamburg, NY 14075).

Active Volcano on Lake Erie, Winter in Western New York.Active Volcano on Lake ErieWinter Frosty Horseshoe Falls of NIagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and New York State (NY), United States (USA).Frosty Horseshoe FallsWinter

Season's Greetings from Buffalo Main Light - Lighthouse in Winter, Erie Basin MarinaSeason's Greetings from Buffalo Main LightWinter Kiss of Light on Buffalo Main Light, Erie Basin Marina - Waterfront, Buffalo, New York (NY).Kiss of Light on Buffalo Main LightWinter South End Marina Frozen & Wind-Swept by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Buffalo, New York (NY).Frozen & Wind-Swept by CargillWinter

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy beaver island cold frozen grand island landscape new york niagara river outdoors river snow state park white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/a-winter-walk Thu, 20 Jan 2022 12:53:10 GMT Cyanotypes VI: Toning https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/cyanotypes-vi-toning Cyanotypes are known for and easily identified by their blue color. But are they? Yes, straight printing with cyanotype chemicals will result in blue prints. That's what gave the name to the term blueprint. However, one does not have to stop there.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

This was my first venture into altering the final results of my cyanotypes. In concept, it is a very simple process, however, it adds quite a bit of time until one gets to the finish line. First step is to print a normal blue-looking cyanotype and let it fully dry and cure by being exposed to oxygen. It seems like the general recommendation is about 24 hours. At this point, you may have something like the below print.

Helfštýn Courtyard Cyanotype, The Original BlueHelfštýn Courtyard CyanotypeThe Original Blue

Helfštýn Courtyard Cyanotype - The Original Blue, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

After 24 hours, the print is ready to go through the next two or more toning phases. First, the print needs to be bleached and I followed the recommendation of using washing soda (not baking soda), approximately one tea spoon per liter. In my case, I estimated half a tea spoon and only mixed 500ml.

The length of bleaching depends on one's desired results. The highlights and then mid-tones start bleaching first and very quickly, in about 15 seconds. Then the apparent speed goes down and full bleaching my take 2 to 3 minutes depending on the print, the paper, the bleach concentration, the temperature, and probably the weather outside (joking). I do the bleaching step in a darkroom tray while constantly agitating the bleach by rocking the tray back and forth.

Removing the print after about 10 - 30 seconds results in a partially bleached print with the shadows keeping some of their blues. You can see a sample of that stage below. This remaining blue will combine with our toner in a successive step. Based on how long the bleach worked on the shadows their color may also change and they may appear black, gray, cyan, or even have a greenish tone.

Helfštýn Courtyard Cyanotype - Partially BleachedHelfštýn Courtyard CyanotypePartially Bleached

Helfštýn Courtyard Cyanotype - Partially Bleached, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

Continued bleaching will start removing even the mid-tones and shadow areas and the look will depend a lot on the paper. Smooth papers bleach differently than textured papers. In this case of the rough texture of the Shizen Design Watercolor Paper, the dark areas turn yellow and "never" really disappear, at least not within a few minutes. For full bleaching, I wait for all other colors do disappear and only faint yellows and whites remaining.

After bleaching, whether partial or full, the print needs to go back into a water wash to get the bleach out. I have seen wildly differing recommendations but based on my testing so far, 4 minutes of flowing water in a print washing tray does the trick. However, ask me in 100 years to confirm whether those 4 minutes provide archival washing quality.

Once washed, the print goes into a toner of your choice. In today's example, I used the partially bleached print from the above step and toned it in black tea, 4 tea bags per 500ml. Temperature does matter and going with room temperature is generally recommended. Higher temperatures will result in faster toning but will also cause general paper staining, front and back.

Helfštýn Courtyard Cyanotype - Toned in Black TeaHelfštýn Courtyard CyanotypeToned in Black Tea

Helfštýn Courtyard Cyanotype - Toned in Black Tea, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

You can see the remaining unbleached areas in the above print. You can increase their presence by bleaching less or decrease by bleaching more, all the way to removing them completely.

Alright, that's it for black tea. But how about other toners? How about green tea? Or white tea? Or something more adventurous like red wine? Let's take a look. First, I printed a whole bunch of cyanotypes from the same negative so that I could keep some in blue and experiment with the rest.

Helfštýn Archway - Cyanotype BlueHelfštýn Archway CyanotypeCyanotype in Blue

Helfštýn Archway Cyanotype - In Blue, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

I really liked the blue look. I am definitely nowhere close to getting tired of these blue beauties. As a result, it was quite hard to keep only couple and proceed through the next stages with the rest. During this session, I decided to stick with the partial bleaching process. If you'd like to see what one can get with fully bleached prints, you'll need to return to my blog in a week or two, I hope to have that post up by then.

Helfštýn Archway Cyanotype Toned in Black TeaHelfštýn Archway CyanotypeToned in Black Tea

Helfštýn Archway Cyanotype Toned in Black Tea, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

The theory has it that as far as teas go black tea tones the most and the closest to black tones. It results in rich blacks. It also stains the paper on both sides. At first, I did not like the staining much and was excited about trying other teas but at this point, I will admit I am more and more partial to going back to black tea. The charcoal look appeals to me more and more and I am over my initial problem with the slight general staining. It can also be somewhat controlled by keeping the toner at room temperature or at least between 20ºC to 30ºC. Hotter liquid will stain more. I also found that at this temperature and with this paper, 15 minutes provides a good balance between effective toning and limited staining. Leaving the print in black tea for significantly longer results in limited toning improvement but significant staining all over.

Next planned experiment was with cheap red wine at about $6 for 1 liter. I was not sure what to expect but wanted to try something other than tea. I also intentiopnally stayed away from coffee for now. I use coffee and Caffenol for another project and wanted to try my hand in other materials first.

Helfštýn Archway Cyanotype Toned in Red Wine & White TeaHelfštýn Archway CyanotypeToned in Red Wine & White Tea

Helfštýn Archway Cyanotype Toned in Red Wine and White Tea, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

After 15 minutes in red wine, the toning was very faint and I did not yet have the experience that would prompt me to either raise the temperature or let the print sit in the wine for longer to see what would happen. I still have not tried that and it is coming soon. On this day, I decided to pull the partially toned print out, wash it, and then tone in white tea. Why white? I was afraid black tea would overpower the faint wine toning results and I did not have cheap green tea on hand. I did not want to "waste" fancy loose tea for these experiments. However, I had some cheap white tea handy that I normally use for my kombucha. I used the same strength of 4 tea bags in 500ml of water and went for it. I read that white tea was not good for toning but I figured I could try and hoped that in combination with red wine it would be enough, And it worked really nicely and I am sure this was not the last time I tried this combo.

Future plans? I am working on a project that will require me to print traditional cyanotypes as well as cyanotypes toned in green tea. I need to try red wine again on its own and be more patient. I am also more and more curious about coffee. And there are quite a few herbs that can also be used. I really liked prints toned in marjoram I saw soemwhere on the web.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve - 6. Cyanotypes VI: Toning

If you like cyanotypes you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy! Do not hesitate to contact me whether you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of my prints.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

House of Memories Cyanotype, An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.House of MemoriesCyanotype Helfštýn Castle Palace Cyanotype, an original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Helfštýn Castle PalaceCyanotype Highland Hay Bales Cyanotype, An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Highland Hay BalesCyanotype

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog black tea blue blueprint cyanotype darkroom historic monochrome photography process red wine technique toning ultraviolet white tea https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/cyanotypes-vi-toning Mon, 17 Jan 2022 15:43:32 GMT Shenandoah: The Unfinished Hike https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/shenandoah-the-unfinished-hike I realize it's no longer fall but I have had this post sequenced since October. Then I always got excited about some new photographs and pushed it a week, and another, and another. In fact, the gorgeous Rose River Falls hike has remained unfinished since 2019! I hope you enjoy the burst of color in our mostly gray world.

Hopping Down the Steps, Rose River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National ParkHopping Down the StepsRose River Falls Trail

Hopping Down the Steps, Rose River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park

Looking at these two photos induced a bit of nostalgia and I went back to photo archives and realized how long it has been since our last trip to Shenandoah National Park. Wow, two back to back trips in 2013 and 2014 and not since then.

Waterfall Zigzag, Rose River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National ParkWaterfall ZigzagRose River Falls Trail

Waterfall Zigzag, Rose River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park

I hope this brought a dose of warmth to this cold day and maybe even a smile.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Previously from Shenandoah: Trouble with Color - The Details or the Wide and Grand? - The Skyline Drive View in Autumn - The Lonely Tree - Dark Hollow Falls - Cozy at Shenandoah - Skyline Drive of Shenandoah - Shenandoah Sunset - Different Look of Shenandoah at Big Meadow - Shenandoah is Waking Up - On Skyline Drive - Colorful Flashback - Luray Caverns - Luray Valley Museum - Fox Hollow Trail - The Treasures of Shenandoah - Distant Sunset Views - Hiking - Rose River Falls Trail - Still on the Rose River Falls Trail - More Waterfall Wonders along the Rose River Falls Trail - Continuing our hike along the Rose River Falls trail - Shenandoah: The Unfinished Hike

Did you enjoy this post and the enclosed photographs? Visit the Landscapes Faraway gallery for natural landscape beyond Western New York to see more. If you are a fan of nature's fall colors, I have an Autumn gallery dedicated to that season for you. Please, let me know if you have any questions about photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs. You can see the photo and product offering on the Products page.

Would you like to see my photographs printed, matted, and framed? Visit Picture Your Walls in Hamburg, NY (184 Buffalo St, Hamburg, NY 14075).

Lower Emery Falls in the Fall, AutumnLower Emery Falls in the FallAutumn Eternal Flame Falls Ravine and Creek in Chestnut Ridge Park in the Fall - Autumn, Orchard Park, New York (NY).Eternal Flame FallsAutumn South Emery Falls in the Fall, AutumnSouth Emery Falls in the FallAutumn

Water Veils in the Fall, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park, VIrginia (VA)Water Veils in the FallAutumn Fall At Watkins Glen, AutumnFall At Watkins GlenAutumn

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn cascade colors creek fall hiking landscape national park nature outdoors photography river rose river shenandoah trail virginia water waterfall https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/shenandoah-the-unfinished-hike Mon, 10 Jan 2022 13:38:42 GMT Twelve Months, Twenty Photos - 2021, Black and White https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/twelve-months-twenty-photos-2021-black-and-white As promised in the previous color edition of this post here's the 2021 in review in black and white. During the selection process it was very obvious what role the seasons play in me choosing black and white or color. While my color photographs did not kick in until April I could fill this whole grid with black and white photographs between January and March.

Twelve Months Twenty Photos 2021 - Black and White, Annual collage selection for a year in review.Twelve Months Twenty Photos 2021Black and White

As a result we're starting this grid on the home front with winter scenes from Orchard Park and East Aurora. Everything was beautifully covered in snow. The sky was almost permanently not so beautifully gray. Nature looked black and white to me and that drove my choice to stick with black and white film during those months. I'll see what 2022 brings but so far we are lacking the white cover, everything seems to be gray, and my bias towards black and white holds. But who knows. If we get some nice sunny days with blue sky it might be cool to go for color contrast. Stop by in a year and we'll see.

Then came the road trip to Arkansas with a repeat stop at Laumeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis, MO. It provided a nice driving break, an opportunity to stretch our legs, and had plenty to offer photographically too. Then a short drive along the wonderful Route 66 that we like to seek anytime we get close enough, and finally Arkansas. We visited the charming little town of Eureka Springs several times, hiked several areas of the Hobbs State Park, and went for a longer 1-day trip to explore the Buffalo National River area.

Next up was a summer trip to the Czech Republic with a mix of hiking and castle chasing. Some of the places we enjoyed that made it to the 2021 collage are Rymice, Radhošť, Milotice, Holešov, Helfštýn, Karlštejn, definitely a dirt road, and Praha (Prague). 

And finally, the selection is closed by a home front sample from the long-term large format Niagara River Project photographing locations along the river with a 4x5 camera on Foma film developed in Caffenol. It was a big year for Caffenol. After some experimentation I settled on developing Fomapan 100 and 400 in Caffenol Delta and was able to get consistent results very much to my liking. The project is far from over and I will stick with the chosen constraints into 2022.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2019Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2019A cut through 2019. All photos captured on film. Twelve Months Twenty Photos 2018Twelve Months Twenty Photos2018

Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2017Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2017A 2017 year-end collage of natural landscapes and cityscapes from around Buffalo, NY. Twelve months, twenty photosTwelve months, twenty photos

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2021 annual arkansas black and white buffalo collage czech republic in pictures landscape local monochrome mosaic ny photo photography portfolio review selection travel twelve months united states usa western new york year https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/twelve-months-twenty-photos-2021-black-and-white Thu, 06 Jan 2022 14:55:39 GMT Twelve Months, Twenty Photos - 2021, Color https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/twelve-months-twenty-photos-2021-color I did not make it before the year's end so let's start the New Year with a photographic recap of the one before. A wonderful spring road trip, a great summer trip to the Czech Republic, and many local expeditions, all full of photographic opportunities to preserve the memories.

Twelve Months Twenty Photos 2021 - ColorTwelve Months Twenty Photos 2021 - ColorTwelve Months Twenty Photos 2021 - Color

What's in the grid? It starts with the road trip to Arkansas. Along the way, we had an opportunity to drive Route 66 again and that's something we do not turn down. Then Table Rock Lake with it's many boat marinas and a sometimes even rental offices on the water. Further south, Beaver Lake and Hobbs State Park offered many hiking trails and natural and historic sites for the camera. The Van Winkle Historic Site at the edge of the Beaver Lake seemed like a paradise. The trail was short thus there was not much hiking to do but the natural beauty was intense there with the West Fork Little  Clifty Creek flowing into Beaver Lake. Next a trip to Buffalo National River, established in 1972 as America's first National River. Being just a 1-day trip this was more of a scouting expedition for a future trip than a thorough exploration. Still, we managed two hikes and saw that the river as well as the surrounding area are true natural wonders well worth their protected status. All along we had an opportunity to stop at and explore the wonderful small towns of Arkansas. Eureka Springs was definitely a gem.

In my photography I usually stay away from photographic gimmicks but once in a while they provide a nice change of pace. In 2020, I had an opportunity to photograph a roll of Adox Color Implosion film, which definitely yielded unique photos. I also tried cross-processing E-6 slide film in C-41. It was also the year of Lomochrome Metropolis. In 2021, I continued to play with Metropolis but have to admit I struggled finding suitable opportunities for that film. I also tried Lomochrome Purple for the first time. It's definitely an in-your-face type of an effect with no subtlety but I rather liked it. Not a film I'd use all the time but I liked that it provided a change of pace as well as gave old subjects new looks. I spent time with it in nature and next up are cityscapes.

Next up the beautiful little country of the Czech Republic. For the longest time the country had no official abbreviation. Now, for couple years, Czechia has been an approved one but I really don't like it and am sticking to the full name. We hiked in the Beskydy Mountains and their Radhošť Peak. We explored more medieval castles including Helfštýn, Karlštejn, and Konopiště. And we visited several historic cities including Kroměříž, Holešov, and Praha (Prague). While this was between Covid waves its impact was quite stark. The touristy places lacked tourists. They were not empty but significantly below the normal levels. And we had some areas just to ourselves. While that was great for us to explore it definitely placed small businesses relying on tourism under stress.

As every year, I also made sure to photographically explore and document the home front. And I took it even closer to home this time and while still venturing to Buffalo, NY quite a bit I photographed Orchard Park, NY even more. I also gave in to GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) in the second half of the year after a long break and could not resist the pricing of Minolta cameras on Facebook Marketplace. For $30 one could get a great camera with a lens. And that range held for both the old manual line up as well as the newer auto-focus cameras. The good news? The cameras and lenses needed testing and the home front was the best place to do that!

I used to do a combined collage of color and black and white photographs. For 2021, I decided to change things up and create one of each. You've seen the color one today and the black and white one is coming soon!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2019Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2019A cut through 2019. All photos captured on film. Twelve Months Twenty Photos 2018Twelve Months Twenty Photos2018

Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2017Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2017A 2017 year-end collage of natural landscapes and cityscapes from around Buffalo, NY. Twelve months, twenty photosTwelve months, twenty photos

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2021 arkansas buffalo collage czech republic in pictures landscape local mosaic ny photo photography portfolio review selection travel twelve months united states usa western new york year https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2022/1/twelve-months-twenty-photos-2021-color Mon, 03 Jan 2022 13:48:16 GMT Moody Orchard Park Backroads https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/12/moody-orchard-park-backroads After showing off some of the main areas of Orchard Park, NY, we're onto the back roads today with a few moody black and white photographs. A weather front has just moved over and it was dark to the east and almost bright to the west.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

To add to the moody light I was out with a roll of old Agfa APX 400 black and white film. It's common to rate older film stocks at lower speed to insure they get enough exposure. On this occasion though, I went in the opposite direction and pushed the film to EI 800. I developed the roll in Caffenol Delta and added time for a 1-stop push but the negative came our very thin. That ended up exaggerating the contrast and grain during scanning.

Moody United Materials, Orchard Park, NY.Moody United MaterialsOrchard Park, NY

Moody United Materials, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Zorki 4 35mm camera on Agfa APX 400 black and white negative film

What caused the thin negatives? Hard to tell. It could have been the older film as mentioned above, it could be that this emulsion does not respond well to Caffenol Delta or extra development time in it, or it could be my mistake when mixing the Caffenol developer and starting with coffee instead of ending with it. The whole mixture was very foamy!

Moody United Materials Office, Orchard Park, NYMoody United Materials OfficeOrchard Park, NY

Moody United Materials Office, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Zorki 4 35mm camera on Agfa APX 400 black and white negative film

After spending some time with my favorite plant in Orchard Park, NY, I pointed the camera to the skies. The tops of two utility poles caught my attention. It was not the first time that happened. There is something captivating in the criss cross of wires we all depend on so much.

Power in all Directions, Orchard Park, NYPower in all DirectionsOrchard Park, NY

Power in all Directions, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

Some cities and states have begun renewed electrification push in order to lower and maybe one day discontinue the use of fossil fuels for heating, cooking, and lighting. There are so many questions going through my head. How will the electricity be made? Coal-fired plants would certainly not serve this purpose, would they? But more pointedly to these poles, is the grid ready for the accelerated use of additional electricity? The power plants claim so but I have my doubts living the regular power outages every time the wind picks up.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Swannie House, First Ward, Buffalo, New York (NY) - Originally the Swanerski HouseSwannie HouseBuffalo, NY Freezer Queen, Outer Harbor, Buffalo, New York - DemolishedFreezer QueenBuffalo, NY Loading a Truck at Standard Grain Elevator, Buffalo, New York (NY)Loading a Truck at Standard Grain ElevatorBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm Agfa APX black and white buffalo cityscape film new york ny orchard park photography urban Zorki https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/12/moody-orchard-park-backroads Mon, 27 Dec 2021 20:30:55 GMT Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/12/cyanotypes-v-tweaking-the-curve I have fell down this cyanotype rabbit hole really deep and thus started numbering this series for an easier reference. This is the fifth installment and I already have a few more in the works. If you'd like to catch up on the previous episodes, I've provided links at the bottom of this post.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

So what was the next thing to learn? As you can see in the first photograph below, I have been getting very dark mid-tones resulting in a compressed tone curve with mostly dark tones and then usually blown highlights.

Milotice Chateaux Cyanotype - Original Tone CurveMilotice Chateaux CyanotypeOriginal Tone Curve

Milotice Chateaux Cyanotype - Original Tone Curve, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

To fight back, I had tried to select mostly bright photographs that seemed to work much better, as in the Helfštýn print below. However, I did not want to be at the mercy of the process and wanted to be able to print any of my black and white photographs.

Helfštýn Castle Palace Gate - Original Tone Curve with a Brighter PrintHelfštýn Castle Palace GateOriginal Tone Curve with a Brighter Print
Helfštýn Castle Palace Gate - Original Tone Curve with a Brighter Print, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

Since I am printing inkjet negatives for my Cyanotypes, I decided to address the problem by adjusting the tone curve of the original print. Aparently, what looked great on screen or in an inkjet print did not look its best as a Cyanotype. I fired up Gimp and created the below swatch of tones. I started at an RGB value of 0 for all colors and added squares of increasing brightness all the way through 250 for each color. At the end, I had room left for a few more squares so I also added 215, 225, 235, and 245 just in case the fine details mattered but that did not end up being the case. Then I printed my negative as usual and created a Cyanotype.

A Cyanotype Test Tone Swatch - Original Tone CurveA Cyanotype Test Tone SwatchOriginal Tone Curve

A Cyanotype Test Tone Swatch - Original Tone Curve
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

As you can see above, the results confirmed what I saw in my prints. There was pretty much no tonal difference between 0 and 90, then a nice range between 100 and 200, and then cut, max brightness reached. I did a bit of Internet searching and found that some take this to an exact science where the print can be scanned and run through software to generate as accurate of a curve as possible. I chose to wing it and leave more to the chance. I actually liked the deep tones of my prints and did not want to open the shadows to a point of the prints looking like a regular black and white print, just in blue.

Looking at the swatch I decided that my current value of 50 really should be at 100 and pushed the curve up accordingly. I also lowered the peak from 255 to 230. I don't claim these adjustments make it perfect neither do I know whether I am settled on these values with finality but it was certainly a step in the right direction, at least to my taste. Take a look below.

A Cyanotype Test Tone Swatch - Optimized Tone CurveA Cyanotype Test Tone SwatchOptimized Tone Curve

A Cyanotype Test Tone Swatch - Optimized Tone Curve
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

I liked I got a much nicer gradation even if there was still a bit of compression left in the darkest and brightest tones. So what was left? It had to be tested, right? I made the same tone curve adjustments to the original Milotice photograph and reprinted a new negative and a Cyanotype. You can see the result below.

Milotice Chateaux Cyanotype - Optimized Tone CurveMilotice Chateaux CyanotypeOptimized Tone Curve

Milotice Chateaux Cyanotype - Optimized Tone Curve, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Shizen Design textured surface cold pressed recycled watercolor paper

And to close things off for today's post? Let's put the two side by side.

Milotice Chateaux Cyanotype - Original Tone CurveMilotice Chateaux CyanotypeOriginal Tone Curve Milotice Chateaux Cyanotype - Optimized Tone CurveMilotice Chateaux CyanotypeOptimized Tone Curve

If you decide to try Cyanotypes I hope this quick overview will help you out. If you have any questions about this process, don't hesitate to ask, I'd be happy to help. And if you like one of mine and decide to buy it, that would be great too and I'd enjoy shipping it your way very mcuh.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Previous posts in the Cyanotypes series: 1. First Cyanotype - 2. More Cyanotypes - 3. Highlands Cyanotypes - 4. How do Cyanotypes Happen? - 5. Cyanotypes V: Tweaking the Curve

If you like cyanotypes you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy! Do not hesitate to contact me whether you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of my prints.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Steel sculpture of a bison in front of an old double-decker bus and a grain elevator for the background. An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from Buffalo, NY.Buffalo, NYCyanotype Edward M Cotter's solo at Buffalo's Canalside. An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from Buffalo, NY.Edward M Cotter's Solo ShowCyanotype An old house by a train station. An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from Eureka Springs, Arkansas.Old HouseCyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog blue blueprint cyanotype darkroom historic monochrome photography process technique tone curve tweak ultraviolet https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/12/cyanotypes-v-tweaking-the-curve Mon, 20 Dec 2021 11:54:19 GMT A Walk through Orchard Park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/11/a-walk-through-orchard-park I am sharing a little different post with you today. Instead of the usual introduction of a photo or two I am sharing a selection of photos from a whole roll of 35mm film. That's right, 36 pictures to start with edited down to a more manageable number that still shows some hallmark locations in the village of Orchard Park, NY.

Minolta XG-7 and ManualMinolta XG-7 and Manual Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

The reason for this walk and for going through a whole roll of film was a new camera test. After couple years of holding back and not adding to my film camera collection I have had a few momentary lapses of reason in 2021 and entered the world of Minolta cameras. It was hard not to as many can be had under $20 - $30 with a lens. The one that started it was a Minolta XG-7. Nothing too special about this particular model, it just happened to be available couple miles from where I live, came with a 45mm f/2 Rokkor.X lens, and even a bag!

I loaded the camera with a Kodak Max 400 expired over 10 years ago. I was not sure whether testing a "new" camera with an expired film was the best choice but I had good luck with this specific batch before so I figured why not. The camera's shutter speeds sounded ok and everything seemed to work but one never really knows until a test roll goes through. I did make one slight adjustment and set the camera's ISO dial to 200 instead of 400. And since I still have couple more rolls I'll go with 100 next time.

But enough of the technical mumbo-jumbo, let's take the walk, starting at Terry Young's Auto Plaza heading south. It's a little counter-intuitive as south is up the hill from this spot and and south is supposed to be down (on the map), right?

Terry Young's Auto Plaza, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on expired Kodak Max 400 film.Terry Young's Auto PlazaUnited States Postal Service Trucks awaiting repair at Terry Youngs in Orchard Park, NY.

Terry Young's Auto Plaza, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

Just across the street is a gas station that has recently changed hands and went from Noco to Speedway. However, Charlie the Butcher's Express stayed and even has a nice bright sign now.

Charlie the Butcher's at Speedway in Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on expired Kodak Max 400 film.Charlie the Butcher's at SpeedwayCharlie the Butcher's Express at the Speedway Gas Station (used to be Noco until recently) in Orchard Park, NY.

Charlie the Butcher's at Speedway, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

The village of Orchard Park struggles to keep small businesses open and to have enough to attract a walking crowd. There are some businesses but the wrong type to get general public in there. I feel there are not enough cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and other small shops to make it worth parking a car and strolling along. That is one big and not so positive difference compared to nearby East Aurora, and Hamburg. I have heard that rents are too high and there may be other reasons too. Unfortunately, this is just another example when a recently opened small business, Kaylena Marie's Bakery, closed down its doors in he village and moved furthter out beyond the walking reach.

Empty Kaylena Marie's in Orchard Park, NY.Empty Kaylena Marie'sIt was great to have a small artisan bakery right in the village of Orchard Park, NY but it moved out.

Empty Kaylena Marie's, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

Judith Krantz Salon & Boutique, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film.Judith Krantz Salon & BoutiqueJudith Krantz Salon & Boutique in Orchard Park, NY

Judith Krantz Salon & Boutique, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

Mangia Ristorante has taken over one of the four corners and has been steadily expanding over the last few years. Each summer they have a beuautiful flower garden in front, which definitely cheers things up.

Mangia Flowers, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film.Mangia FlowersThe always beautiful flower garden in front of Mangia Ristorante in Orchard Park, NY

Mangia Flowers, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

I love vintage items, including old gas pumps. We even travel to Route 66 to get the does of nostalgia that comes with a more old-fashioned travel. But I was unaware of this gem right here in Orchard Park until very recently. Doesn't this analog dial of a vintage Mobilegas pump look awasome even if it's now located at a Kwik Fill gas station? I am glad they kept it!

Vintage Mobilegas Pump, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film.Vintage Mobilegas PumpVintage Mobilegas gas pump at the Kwik Fill gas station in Orchard Park, NY

Vintage Mobilegas Pump, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

Now we are starting to talk real vintage. And having mentioned how small businesses struggle in Orchard Park, here's an example of one that has lasted for a while. The Anthony Brown Pharmacy opened all the way back in 1880! And with so many Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS locations around, I don't think pharmacies have it easy.

Anthony Brown Rx Pharmacy, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film.Anthony Brown Rx PharmacyA unique family owned pharmacy in Orchard Park, NY

Anthony Brown Rx Pharmacy, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

As I was scanning the photos from this roll of film, all looked well so far. But with the next photo I saw the first signs of troubles. See that faint vertical stripe all the way from top down crossing through the "THO" letters in Anthony? I've seen that before and it usually means the camera needs cleaning and lubrication to insure the shutter curtain moves smoothly and evenly across the whole frame. Here, the opening hesitated a bit and created a ore exposed stripe. Call me strange, but I actually like that imperfection in this photo.

Anthony Brown Rx Pharmacy, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film.Anthony Brown Rx PharmacyA unique family owned pharmacy in Orchard Park, NY

Anthony Brown Rx Pharmacy, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

The next photo is of private residence that I usually shy away from taking pictures of. I do not want to spook anyone and neither do I want to trigger a confrontation if challenged. But once in a while, I feel like it has to be done. And this unique house is one of those situations. There's none other in the village that I know of and I really like it. I call it the Castle House. Unfortunately, it's in a bit of disrepair at the moment and I hope it can make it.

Old Castle House, Orchard Park, NY.Old Castle HouseA small unique house in the village of Orchard Park, NY

Old Castle House, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

Yes, it's a public library in the next photo. In this digital age of do everything from your couch they are often overlooked and I have run into young people that do not even know public libraries exist. Yet, in my opinion, they remain very relevant. They provide "free" access to an almost unlimited library of books. And since the whole county is interconnected you can order material from any library in the system and pick it up in your local library. Isn't that convenient? And it's not just books. You can get music CDs and movies on DVDs and Blueray too!

And guess what! The libraries are also going with the times and if you have a library card you also have access to free e-books and even audio books right from your couch after all. With the price of audio books, who would not enjoy free? So head out, check out your local library, and their website too to see what's available to you.

Orchard Park Public Library, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative FilmOrchard Park Public LibraryMaybe old-fashioned but still a great source of books, music, and movies.

Orchard Park Public Library, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

Next we're stopping by one of my all time most favorite locations in Orchard Park, the historic train depot. It has recently undergone a renovation and looks better than ever, as you can see with the beautiful new platform. What could be better? Well, a steam locomotive rolling in and stopping next to it certainly would not hurt.

Orchard Park Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film.Orchard Park Train DepotThe Historic Orchard Park Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY

Orchard Park Train Depot
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

Just a few steps down the tracks is a bridge I have also photographed quite a bit. In the past, I enjoyed its old rusty look but I have to admit this new black paint is not too shabby either. And while you cannot see that here, it certainly looks much better from the street level below.

Railroad Bridge at the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film.Railroad Bridge at the Train DepotThe recently painted railroad bridge over South Buffalo Street in Orchard Park, NY.

Railroad Bridge at the Train Depot, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

If you visit my website regularly, you must be familiar with Green Lake, or Yates Park. However, I usually focus on the natural part of it trying to hide the signs of civilization. On this occasion I did the opposite and went for the park's sign throwing the lake itself into the background. Yes, this is what you will see right from South Buffalo Road.

Yates Park at Green Lake,Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film.Yates Park at Green LakeThe Yates Park and Green Lake wooden sign by the South Buffalo Street in Orchard Park, NY

Yates Park at Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

The future of the Custard Lite ice cream stand is uncertain after it being in business for decades. While the business itself may go on the building's years may be counted, we will see. I have always photographed it and even more so recently while it is still here. And yes, that shutter problem creeped right back in here. The curtain's travel was even more choppy here as it created couple hard edges. Yet again, I like what it did for this photo of a vintage ice cream stand. I actually excluded couple photos from this walk where the shutter problems were really severe. Needless to say, this test roll resulted in me liking the camera but needing to send it out for a CLA (Clean, Lube, and Adjust). I am hoping that it will be back in several weeks working like new.

Custard Lite Ice Cream Stand, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film.Custard Lite Ice Cream StandA favorite local ice cream stand in Orchard Park, NY

Custard Lite Ice Cream Stand, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

We're now nearing the end of this day's walk and are stepping into the jungles of Orchard Park. I am very grateful for some of the nature trails available here, whether it is this wetlands area or the Chestnut Ridge park no too far. And anytime I walk or run along this trail I always look forward to this section. There's something different about it than the rest of the trail and I admit, I refer to it as the jungle section.

Wetlands Jungle, Orchard Park, NY.Wetlands JungleThere's a wonderful trail through the local wetlands in Orchard Park, NY.

Wetlands Jungle, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

The wetlands also feature three ponds. They're actually part of the flood control system but make the wetlands look even better. And they provide nice progress markers especially for runners. We have creative names for them all: first pond, second pond, and third pond. Here, you're looking at wildflowers by the third pond.

Wetlands Pond Wildflowers, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film.Wetlands Pond WildflowersWildflowers Just off the wetlands trail, Orchard Park, NY.

Wetlands Pond Wildflowers, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a 35mm Minolta XG-7 on Expired Kodak Max 400 Color Negative Film

Alright, that's it for today's visit to Orchard Park, NY.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo cityscape colors expired film kodak kodax max minolta XG-7 new york ny orchard park photography test urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/11/a-walk-through-orchard-park Mon, 29 Nov 2021 13:57:54 GMT Colors of Letchworth https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/11/colors-of-letchworth The joke was on me. We usually arrive in Letchworth through the Castile entrance but this time, having picked up some to go lunch in the village of Orchard Park, we followed 20A and entered the park through the Mt. Morris entrance at the park's northern tip. The first stop was at Mt. Morris Dam an my first comment was that there was barely any water behind the dam.

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Well, it turned out I could not be more wrong. There was a lot of debris held away from the dam by some type of a boom, like what they use on Lake Erie to keep ice away from Niagara River, and my initial impression was the dam was pretty much empty with just a puddle by the dam itself. The first clue something was off was the water bursting with force from the outlets below the dam. The second clue was my wife giving me a strange look and questioning my assessment. Maybe she remembered our past visits better or maybe she saw through the debris quicker or both.

Either way, the park kept me acutely aware of my mistake through the rest of that day's visit. No matter where we went the river was swelling like I could not remember ever before. And my initial statement became the running joke of the day - "not enough water".

My photos from this visit are still on undeveloped film in the basement waiting their turn. Instead, these are the 2020 photos when there truly was very little water. And having looked through all of them I now find my mistake even more funny, actually quite ridiculous.

Big Bend in the Fall, Letchworth State Park, New York. Mamiya 645 1000s, Kodak Ektachrome E100, E-6.Big Bend in the FallLetchworth State Park

Big Bend in the Fall, Letchworth State Park, New York
Photographed with a Mamiya 645 1000s on Kodak Ektachrome E100 slide film and developed in E-6

The Big Bend area is breathtaking in any season and any time of day. Many moons ago, arriving here for a sunrise used to be not only a wonderful experience and a photo adventure but also an opportunity for solitude and a quiet contemplation. That has changed though and it's rare to have the location to yourself. There will usually be one or two other photographers. There's nothing wrong with that but it does change the experience.

This day it was not the sunrise though that drew us to Letchworth, we came to enjoy the colorful show. And having arrived through the Castile entrance this was also our welcoming view. Looking into the zigzagging valley down below I always like to catch a glimpse of the Genesee River to complete the view. Somehow, the scene feels incomplete without it.

Tea Table Cliffs in the Fall, Letchworth State Park, New York State. Mamiya 645 1000s, Kodak Ektachrome E100, E-6.Tea Table Cliffs in the FallLetchworth State Park

Tea Table Cliffs in the Fall, Letchworth State Park, New York State
Photographed with a Mamiya 645 1000s on Kodak Ektachrome E100 slide film and developed in E-6

Almost all Letchworth's viewpoints are beautiful and Tea Table is no exception. As a side note, it's also being renovated and all of the old crumbling stone and concrete tables are getting fixed up with the stonework repaired and new concrete slabs for tabletops. Once finished it will be a top notch picnic spot. So bring your lunch or snack and a thermos filled with hot tea and come enjoy the Tea Table area. The views you'll have are hard to rival.

Tea Table Gap in the Fall, Letchworth State Park. Mamiya 645 1000s, Kodak Ektachrome E100, E-6.Tea Table Gap in the FallLetchworth State Park

Tea Table Gap in the Fall, Letchworth State Park
Photographed with a Mamiya 645 1000s on Kodak Ektachrome E100 slide film and developed in E-6

You can enjoy the views of the near cliffs to the side, there are often turkey vultures or other birds to keep an eye on, and you can also look across and into the valley as the river winds through. As a photographer, bring along different focal lengths. This spot and the whole park has plenty for each of them.

Hog's Back in the Fall, Letchworth State Park. Mamiya 645 1000s, Kodak Ektachrome E100, E-6.Hog's Back in the FallLetchworth State Park

Hog's Back in the Fall, Letchworth State Park
Photographed with a Mamiya 645 1000s on Kodak Ektachrome E100 slide film and developed in E-6

We definitely frequent the south section of the park more and usually start at the Castile entrance and wind our way down. As such, it was a nice change of pace to travel north and explore the less familiar views. I have to admit, I could not even reliably remember the sequence of the viewpoints. I hope that's not a sign of deteriorating memory but rather a hint I should visit more often.

As you head north the river mostly straightens up and the number dramatic views disappear. Don't forget to stop at Hog's back though where the river makes a final zigzag. And it was at this stop where I realized how silly my opening comment about low water level was. Above, you are looking at the 2020 view with the river cutting just a very narrow path through the flood plain with the rest of it covered in vegetation. The 2021 view was much different. Genesee River was side to side, cliff to cliff, completely filling the whole valley floor. I can't wait to develop that film and put the photos side by side for a stark comparison.

Hog's Back Plain in the Fall, Letchworth State Park. Mamiya 645 1000s, Kodak Ektachrome E100, E-6.Hog's Back Plain in the Fall, Letchworth State ParkLetchworth State Park

Hog's Back Plain in the Fall, Letchworth State Park.
Photographed with a Mamiya 645 1000s on Kodak Ektachrome E100 slide film and developed in E-6

As a bit of contradiction to one of my statements above I took advantage of the dry situation here and found framing that eliminated all of the water from my view. The river is still there if you know where to look but  no water is directly visible. Wow, how different a view of the same spot can be!

I hope you enjoyed the brief excursion to one of the best State Parks in New York. If this preview encourages you to come, you will not regret. It's a carry in and carry out park so please, remember to leave only footprints and take only photographs

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn bold buffalo colors fall foliage landscape leaves letchworth nature new york outdoors state park water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/11/colors-of-letchworth Mon, 22 Nov 2021 12:53:48 GMT Enjoy the Colors https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/11/enjoy-the-colors This fall season threw its own unique curve ball to the foliage chasers. Things started as usual with a few cold nights but it quickly warmed back up and progress slowed down and almost stalled. Late summer and early fall were a bit dry too and it seemed like the leaves were drying up and falling before really reaching their colorful glory.

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Then it all mostly recovered though. Some rain, some more colder weather, and we got colors after all. Maybe not as bold as in some of the past years but beautiful to look at anyway. And I will admit, despite being a big fan of black and white photography, I do take a bit of a break from it in the fall and think color. It is hard not to as it is all around. It is also the last opportunity for a while. It's the opposite of "the silence before the storm". This is the storm before the silence. Once the last leaf falls we dive into the Season of Gray that can feel endless. At least here in Western New York it will be 6 months before we see the cheery greens and yellows of spring.

I may not enjoy getting up early but I do enjoy arriving at my chosen destination before sunrise and more importantly before other people. Having a beautiful slice of our world just to myself feels great and provides a great counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of our lives. And if it is still so dark that pulling out a camera is pointless it encourages quiet contemplation.

Glow of a cloudy dawn at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora near Buffalo, NY.Knox Farm DawnMorning Glow

Glow of a cloudy dawn at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora near Buffalo, NY

After a bit of walking, thinking, breathing, and just overall enjoyment of the surroundings the sun got things under way. And as it was a cloudy morning it played right into the mood of the morning. Clouds filter the light nicely and bathe the landscape in less contrasty diffused light that illuminates everything more evenly. The clouds themselves also provide for a nice moody backdrop too.

Colorful Knox Farm State Park Alley in the Fall, East Aurora, NY near Buffalo, NYKnox Farm Alley in the FallMoody Morning

Colorful Knox Farm State Park Alley in the Fall, East Aurora, NY near Buffalo, NY

I really love this tree alley and the road going through but since I've been there so many times I also enjoy looking for new takes. Sometimes I find them, sometimes I leave satisfied with a variation or two on old ones. On this occasion I walked a little bit further down the road, turned around, and stepped to the side. An all new view emerged!

Fall Colors at Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora, NY near Buffalo, NYFall Colors at Knox FarmMoody Morning

Fall Colors at Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora, NY near Buffalo, NY

So there you have it, that's what's still out there if you rush out quickly. Yes, we're now past peak and losing colors with each day but there is still plenty to enjoy. No worries, the couch will still be there next week!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn bold buffalo colors east aurora fall foliage landscape leaves moody morning nature outdoors western new york wild https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/11/enjoy-the-colors Tue, 09 Nov 2021 13:49:59 GMT How do Cyanotypes Happen? https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/11/how-do-cyanotypes-happen Over the last few weeks I have shared several posts about making cyanotypes, my new obsession. Some of you asked about how they're made. In today's post, I am attempting to answer that without words.

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Yes, instead of my usual photography I went for a video this time. No worries though, this is definitely the exception rather than the rule. And yes, there is a music track included so adjust your computer based on where you are watching.

Cyanotypes Process Demo

Cyanotype Process Demo

If the process and results caught your eye, don't hesitate to head over to my newish Cyanotypes photo gallery. It's small for now, just six photos as of this writing, but it will grow from here. I already have several blue projects in mind!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

PS: Music for the video by Mike Gutterman. Thank you!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more traditional wet prints? Visit my Darkroom photo gallery and enjoy! Do not hesitate to contact me whether you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of my prints.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. And yes, if you choose to buy one of my photographs, that would be swell. Thank you!

Highland Hay Bales Cyanotype, An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from the Czech Republic.Highland Hay Bales CyanotypeCzech Republic An old house by a train station. An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from Eureka Springs, Arkansas.Old House CyanotypeEureka Springs, Arkansas Buffalo Main Light Cyanotype, An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from Buffalo, New York.Buffalo Main Light CyanotypeBuffalo, New York

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alternative analog blue cyanotype darkroom experience monochrome photography process technique wet print https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/11/how-do-cyanotypes-happen Mon, 01 Nov 2021 11:00:00 GMT Back for more mystery https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/10/back-for-more-mystery Rock cities are so full of mystery. Quite often, they have a rich history in which they played an important role. Other times, especially those located in the Czech Republic, they provided the setting for some wonderful fairy-tales. And then there's one's imagination when wondering through these small labyrinths where it's not all that difficult to get lost.

The rock city at the Ostaš table mountain is no different. Actually, it may be. While the rock cities of Adršpach and Teplice Rocks are very famous and very touristy Ostaš has been saved that fate so far. Every time I post about a place like this I pause. Should I be writing the post? Or would it be better not to and let it be a secret gem for a little longer. So please, if it is this post that prompts you to visit, be respectful, take only pictures and leave only footprints. I hope places like this can survive and keep their mystique for many future generations,

Up to Rock City Ostaš, Czech RepublicUp to OstašCzech Republic

Up to Rock City Ostaš, Czech Republic

The initial climb to the hiking loops through the labyrinths of Ostaš is very unrevealing. There's really no indication of what's to come. It is just an ordinary path through the woods, right? And then the incline gets a little steeper and then things start popping up. And before you know it it's easy to experience a system overload. There are gorgeous sights everywhere!

Rock City Ostaš, Czech RepublicRock City OstašCzech Republic

Rock City Ostaš, Czech Republic

Squeezing through some very narrow passages, wondering what's around the next bend, being concerned about one's way out or way back, climbing up to get a better view, reaching the peak of the mountain and being in awe about what Mother Nature created here. Yes, those are just some of many emotions you may be prone to experiencing at Ostaš. It's a paradise for many types of people: the nature lovers, avid hikers, fearless climbers, thrill seekers, and yes, photographers. Finishing a roll of film or even filling up a memory card is not out of question here!

Cat Rocks, Rock City Ostaš, Czech RepublicCat Rocks, OstašCzech Republic

Cat Rocks, Rock City Ostaš, Czech Republic

I hope I can return soon :-)

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

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Continued a while later on More from Rock City Ostaš.

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Entering Fairy Tale, Rock Cities, Czech RepublicEntering Fairy TaleRock Cities Fairy Tale Trail, Rock Cities, Czech RepublicFairy Tale TrailRock Cities Squeezed Between Rocks, Rock Cities, Czech RepublicSqueezed Between RocksRock Cities

High Rock Walls and Narrow Gaps in Teplice Rocks (Teplické skály), Czech RepublicHigh WallsRock Cities Rock walls rising high around narrow passages in Teplice Rocks (Teplické skály), Czech RepublicRising HighRock Cities

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy climbing czech republic europe hiking landscape mystery nature ostas outdoors photography rock city rocks thrill travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/10/back-for-more-mystery Thu, 28 Oct 2021 11:00:00 GMT Highlands Cyanotypes https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/10/highlands-cyanotypes Can you tell I am hooked? By now, I have printed five batches of cyanotypes from different negatives and on different watercolor paper, stocked up on even more paper, and already have plans that will keep me busy for a while. And it feels like the fun I am having is barely starting!

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Alright, before we head over to the highlands of the Czech Republic, here's one local from Buffalo, New York. The main lighthouse is a gorgeous historic structure welcoming boats to the inner harbor of the city. I have photographed it many times under many different conditions and it was only fitting to make sure I had a version of one of those photos printed as a cyanotype.

Buffalo Main Light, An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype.Buffalo Main Light CyanotypeAn original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype

Buffalo Main Light, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Meeden textured surface cold pressed watercolor paper

Now that the home front print is out of the way, let's visit the highlands of the Czech Republic where I grew up and created many memories. Back in my childhood the giant round hay bales did not exist and straw was pressed into smaller square bales instead. That was for practical reasons as many small farmers handled the bales manually. However, photographing the landscape these days the large round hay bales are usually the only ones to be found.

Highland Hay Bales, An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotypeHighland Hay Bales CyanotypeAn original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype  
Highland Hay Bales, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Meeden textured surface cold pressed watercolor paper

Today's last cyanotype is one I have a strong personal connection to and as such it comes with a high dose of nostalgia. Various alternative processes seem to work really well with it.

It's a very old farm house where my great grandparents once lived. My grandparents later built a new house just across the narrow village road. It originally had one small bedroom, a kitchen, a decent size workshop, a cellar, a cote, and an attic. I don't remember anyone ever living there. During my childhood, the cote always had a pig or two, the cabinets in the kitchen were used to store all kinds of pickled stuff, and the kitchen was mostly used once or twice a year to process everything after a slaughter of the pigs.

Most of the family showed up for these events and they made for a tiring weekend of activity. Tiring but always fun. Days were busy taking care of business and evenings dedicated to my dad's accordion, singing, and Slivovice. Not much drinking for the kids but we always had our own fun alongside the distracted adults.

I spent long periods at my grandparents' every summer and helped with the farm work there. Feed the chickens, feed the pigs, collect the eggs, feed the rabbits, and much more. There were plenty of opportunities to be a kid though too - head out with my friends from the village and go fishing, pick plums, apples, or be up to no good in one of the many barns scattered throughout the village.

House of Memories, An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotypeHouse of Memories CyanotypeAn original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype

House of Memories, An Original Hand-Made 5" x 7" Cyanotype
Chemically printed on a hand-coated Meeden textured surface cold pressed watercolor paper

Now a tiny bit for the technical side of thigs. So far, I have focused on printing on heavy-weight water color paper and really like the results. I like the paper texture showing through and also like how it reduces the apparent detail of the prints. It supplements the hand-made look very nicely. The two papers I came to like so far are very different.

First, the Shizen Design Professional Grade Watercolor Paper (Cold Pressed 100% Recycled) is very bright white with a strong texture and some random "impurities", probably due to being a fully recycled paper. I love the combination of the cyan tones and the bright white. However, it further increases the already high contrast in the cyanotype prints.

Second, the Meeden Textured Surface Watercolor Paper (Cold Pressed) provides a more subtle and less contrasty look. All three photos in today's post were printed on this paper. It's warmer and less bright base gives prints a completely different look.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

If you like cyanotypes you can explore the Cyanotypes Photo Gallery dedicated to my growing collection of them. Would you like to browse through traditional darkroom wet prints? Visit my Darkroom Photo Gallery and enjoy! Do not hesitate to contact me whether you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of my prints.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Steel sculpture of a bison in front of an old double-decker bus and a grain elevator for the background. An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from Buffalo, NY.Buffalo, NYCyanotype An old house by a train station. An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from Eureka Springs, Arkansas.Old HouseCyanotype Edward M Cotter's solo at Buffalo's Canalside. An original hand-made 5" x 7" cyanotype print from Buffalo, NY.Edward M Cotter's Solo Show Cyanotype

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog blue blueprint cyanotype darkroom historic monochrome photography process technique ultraviolet wet print https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/10/highlands-cyanotypes Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:25:37 GMT More Thoughts on Film Digitization https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/10/more-thoughts-on-film-digitization ... Continued from Some Thoughts on Film Digitization

In the first part, I walked you through my usual film scanning set up, and the scanning options available to me. I concluded I was happy with my results from negatives but ran into an unintuitive challenge with scanning Kodak Ektachrome E100. That being a positive film I figured what could be so difficult taking the already existing colors and turning them into pixels. No magic was needed in the software. It turned out I was wrong.

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I encourage you to look the first part over first before reading the below. It had samples showing my results from the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i, Nikon D610 with Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, and finally the Epson V600. I showed both the full frames as well as 100% crops as I was comparing sharpness and color accuracy.

I was so baffled by the bad colors from the slide film using my Plustek and the SilverFast Software that I kept digging, searching the internet, and engaging some online film photography groups. And a recommendation soon surfaced. And it seemed so very simple.

SilverFast, currently in version 9, comes in four different versions: SE, SE Plus, and Ai Studio, and Archive Suite 9. Bundled with various scanners you may get the SE or SE Plus. You can go to their online store, select Scanner Software, fill in some basic info about your scanner and computer operating system and you will get pricing for all of them, ranging from $49 to $399. Next to each edition there is a question mark icon that pops up a comparison of the different editions. The one feature that was key to my challenge is called Auto IT8 Calibration.

Long story short? I threw money at my problem. I upgraded my SilverFast from my version 8 to the latest version 9 and also to the AI Studio 9 edition, which was the first to have the above mentioned Auto IT8 Calibration. In order to use that feature I also had to buy their Advanced Target (ISO 12641-2 compliant 2019) consisting of three 35mm Fuji transparency slides. The SW upgrade was instant but I had to wait for the slides to arrive in the mail.

Once I had all pieces, the calibration was a breeze. I clicked a button in SilverFast and the screen guided me through scanning the three calibration slides. Once completed, it saved a profile for my scanner and I was ready to scan the troublesome roll again. The suspense! Was the investment worth it?

--- Sample A ---

Sample A - Plustek OpticFilm 8200i, SilverFast SE Plus 8Sample A - Plustek OpticFilm 8200iSilverFast SE Plus 8

Sample A - Kodak Ektachrome E100 - Uncalibrated Scanner
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i, SilverFast SE Plus 8

Sample A: Plustek OpticFilm 8200i, SilverFast Ai Studio 9, Advanced Calibration TargetSample A: Plustek OpticFilm 8200iSilverFast Ai Studio 9, Advanced Calibration Target

Sample A - Kodak Ektachrome E100 - Calibrated Scanner
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i, SilverFast Ai Studio 9, Advanced Calibration Target

--- Sample B ---

Sample B - Plustek OpticFilm 8200i, SilverFast SE Plus 8Sample B - Plustek OpticFilm 8200iSilverFast SE Plus 8

Sample B - Kodak Ektachrome E100 - Uncalibrated Scanner
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i, SilverFast SE Plus 8

Sample B2 - Plustek OpticFilm 8200i. SilverFast Ai 9 Studio, Advanced Calibration TargetSample B2 - Plustek OpticFilm 8200iSilverFast Ai 9 Studio, Advanced Calibration Target

Sample B - Kodak Ektachrome E100 - Calibrated Scanner
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i, SilverFast Ai 9 Studio, Advanced Calibration Target

--- Sample C ---

Sample C - Plustek OpticFilm 8200i, SilverFast SE Plus 8Sample C - Plustek OpticFilm 8200iSilverFast SE Plus 8

Sample C - Kodak Ektachrome E100 - Uncalibrated Scanner
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast SE Plus 8

Sample C2 - Plustek OpticFilm 8200i, SilverFast Ai 9 Studio Advanced Calibration TargetSample C2 - Plustek OpticFilm 8200iSilverFast Ai 9 Studio Advanced Calibration Target

Sample C - Kodak Ektachrome E100 - Calibrated Scanner
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i, SilverFast Ai 9 Studio, Advanced Calibration Target

You can draw your own conclusions but I am happy with the outcome. To me, even with zero fussing with the different adjustments, the scans look much better. If you scan your own transparency film and are not happy with the results, I definitely recommend calibrating and creating a custom profile for your scanner. And a side effect of the exercise? On my 11 years old MacBook Pro, SilverFast 9 runs noticeably faster than SilverFast 8 and I like the dark theme I can now set.

#shootfilmbenice

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Note: While I earn a commission on the amazon.com links on this page I am not in any way associated with or earn any commission from SilverFast.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog calibration calibration target camera color accuracy colors digitize ektachrome e100 film positive scanner slide transparency https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/10/more-thoughts-on-film-digitization Wed, 13 Oct 2021 13:14:41 GMT Seen in Square at Canalside, Buffalo, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/10/seen-in-square-at-canalside-buffalo-ny ... Dedicated to Dad

This was a late spring exploration of Buffalo's waterfront as it came to life after the annual winter hibernation. And of course, it would not be a proper exploration without a camera in my hand. The choice that day was Pentacon Six, an East German medium format camera loaded with Fomapan 400 black and white negative film.

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I had wanted a Pentacon Six ever since I returned to film photography back in 2015 and it had been so for purely sentimental reasons. In my childhood, my Dad's primary camera was a black 35mm Pentax. Unfortunately, I have not been able to figure out which exact model as there are apparently no photographs of him with his camera. I think I remember it did not have a bayonet mount but rather was a screw mount but I am not 100% sure neither does that conclusively narrow the model down. Anyway, while that was his primary camera for most of is photographic work, I remember he would always borrow a medium format camera for family portraits. He wanted those to be of better quality. And yes, you guessed it, the camera he was able to borrow was a Pentacon Six.

Different Types of Ships, USS Little Rock CL-92 guided missile cruiser and Spirit of Buffalo sailboat at Canalside, Buffalo, NYDifferent Types of ShipsCanalside, Buffalo, New York

Different Types of Ships, USS Little Rock CL-92 guided missile cruiser and Spirit of Buffalo sailboat at Canalside, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a Pentacon Six on Fomapan 400 black and white negative film and developed in D-23

I finally made that purchase happen in late 2020 and am still working on becoming closer buddies with the camera. My first two rolls were in winter months and I learned that the camera does not like Buffalo winters much. Whatever design and lubrication is used for the shutter it does not like frigid temperatures resulting in the shutter moving unevenly across the film plane and creating vertical stripes of different exposure levels.

However, it seems to be just fine when it is warm outside or inside and is relatively small for a medium format camera. It is an SLR, however, I did not get the eye level viewfinder for it yet and use the waist level finder instead, as is more common with TLR cameras. As a result, it offers a rather unique photographic experience. As with TLRs, it creates square images on 120 film at 2¼ x 2¼ inches. In the parts of the world using the metric system, it would be called a 6 x 6 camera as the square is approximately 6 x 6 centimeters. However, unlike TLRs, the Pentacon's viewfinder is not as large as the captured image. Working with that smaller image can be more difficult including achieving sharp focus, however, it allows for an overall image evaluation at a single glance similar to a thumbnail on a computer.

Many dislike the camera for its quirks and low reliability and only time will show where I end up. For now, I know to avoid winter and have had fun with it otherwise. And as you can see in this post, it can definitely capture images. I hope you like them as much as I do.

Sailboat and a Cruiser, USS Little Rock CL-92 guided missile cruiser and Spirit of Buffalo sailboat at Canalside, Buffalo, NYSailboat and a CruiserCanalside, Buffalo, New York

Sailboat and a Cruiser, USS Little Rock CL-92 guided missile cruiser and Spirit of Buffalo sailboat at Canalside, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a Pentacon Six on Fomapan 400 black and white negative film and developed in D-23

As you can see, my spring outing took me to the inner harbor of Buffalo, NY. I enjoyed a walk from the Erie Basin Marina, through the Naval Park, to Canalside. It was a route I walked many times but there is always something that catches my eye. Sometimes, it is a different take on previously photographed subjects, other times, it is something completely new. Most of my photographs are rectangular and heading our with a camera capturing squares also introduces a new way of looking at and photographing the cityscapes around.

The first two photographs are of the two very different ships I had photographed before. This time they are in square and black and white and I really like the resulting mood. The third and final image is different and one I do not believe I photographed before. The open water and open space was what caught my eye. This was the waterfront! I decided to accentuate the openness by raising the camera upwards and filling most of the frame with the sky. I am a fan of minimalism but do not embrace it as often as I would like to. I did try to simplify this scene as much as I could though given the camera and a single focal length I had available.

On the Water, the mouth of the Buffalo River as it flows into Lake Erie in Buffalo, NYOn the WaterCanalside, Buffalo, New York

Sailboat and a Cruiser, USS Little Rock CL-92 guided missile cruiser and Spirit of Buffalo sailboat at Canalside, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a Pentacon Six on Fomapan 400 black and white negative film and developed in D-23

Is there a camera you have wanted for sentimental reasons? Have you bought it yet?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Swannie House, First Ward, Buffalo, New York (NY) - Originally the Swanerski HouseSwannie HouseBuffalo, NY Freezer Queen, Outer Harbor, Buffalo, New York - DemolishedFreezer QueenBuffalo, NY Loading a Truck at Standard Grain Elevator, Buffalo, New York (NY)Loading a Truck at Standard Grain ElevatorBuffalo, NY

Franciscan Hall, Hilbert College, Hamburg, New York (NY)Franciscan HallHamburg, NY Edward M Cotter and USS Little Rock at Naval & Military Park, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter at Naval Park IIBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white buffalo canalside cityscape d-23 film fomapan medium format naval park pentacon six urban water waterfront https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/10/seen-in-square-at-canalside-buffalo-ny Wed, 06 Oct 2021 11:00:00 GMT So Long, My Three Friends https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/9/so-long-my-three-friends I love landscape photography as it gets me out of the house and into the outdoors. I usually find myself away from other people with a slice of our wonderful world to myself. No politics, no arguments, just a sight to enjoy, to contemplate. A sight that I try to capture forever in a photograph.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

While natural landscapes are definitely the best for getting away from civilization I enjoy rural landscapes too. Landscapes with obvious presence of humanity yet lacking humans. These landscapes usually include a dirt road or a country road, a fence, a barn, or another manmade structure. In these landscapes, documentary photography creeps in as manmade objects tend to have a rather short lifespan compared to the natural world. Even though trees don't live forever either, grass can grow, a bush pops up here and there, it all changes. And when one takes a camera along on their favorite route often enough over several years the changes show.

Bold Three Barns, My First Photo of the Trio in 2014Bold Three BarnsMy First Photo of the Trio in 2014

Bold Three Barns, My First Photo of the Trio in 2014

Sometimes the changes are neutral, just the world changing around us, other times they're positive with things getting fixed or new ones built, but many times the changes can be negative, or at least perceived as such at the moment. Take this section of a local country road for example. It has long been my favorite for bicycle rides and later for riding my motorcycle. And as you'd suspect with me, I often pack a camera.

One of my favorite subjects was the trio of barns and sheds pictured above. Every time I would go by I would notice. With or without taking a photo I would always take a moment to see what the triplets were up to. And unfortunately, soon after that first photograph in 2014 I started noticing signs of trouble.

Three Barns in a Snow Storm, February 2019, Zeiss Ikon Contessa 35mm Camera, Rollei Superpan 200 Black & White FilmThree Barns in a Snow StormFebruary 2019

Three Barns in a Snow Storm, February 2019
Zeiss Ikon Contessa 35mm Camera, Rollei Superpan 200 Black & White Film

I was surprised about the five year gap between my photos. Maybe I will still find more photos showing the state of affairs in between. However, by 2019 the main barn was clearly showing signs of getting tired. Especially the main doorway no longer had its original right angles at the corners.

Three Barns Tired in the Fall, September 2019, Nikon N75 35mm Film Camera, Fuji Velvia Slide FilmThree Barns Tired in the FallSeptember 2019

Three Barns Tired in the Fall, September 2019
Nikon N75 35mm Film Camera, Fuji Velvia Slide Film

And even just two months later the situation deteriorated further with the whole barn giving in to time. And look, not just one but two bushes popped up, one completely obscuring the middle structure.

Three Barns' Last Fall, October 2019, Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Gold 200Three Barns' Last FallOctober 2019

Three Barns' Last Fall, October 2019
Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Gold 200

Last Winter for the Three Barns, February 2020, Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320Last Winter for the Three BarnsFebruary 2020

Last Winter for the Three Barns, February 2020
Mamiya 645, Foma Retropan 320

As it turned out, the 2019/20 winter proved to be the last. Not sure if it was just the passage of time or the harsh winter conditions followed by a wet spring but there was no way back at this point, the barn passed to the other side.

It's over for the Three Barns, April 2020, Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 160It's over for the Three BarnsApril 2020

It's over for the Three Barns, April 2020
Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 160

And indeed, this April 2020 photo was the last one I was able to capture before the barn could take no more. Then, for several months, a pile of rubble was left that I passed several times. I will admit though, I did not feel like raising the camera and firing the shutter. Maybe I should have but that's in the past now. It felt like I lost something familiar, something I got used to counting on. Maybe even something I took for granted too much.

Things disappearing is an all too familiar pattern now. I've been really passionate about photography since 2005, which is about 16 years now. The number of photographs I have taken during that time is pretty crazy and during the last few years I have noticed the number of "historic" never-to-be-seen-again photos in my photo library grow steadily.

How do you all feel about this aspect of documentary photography?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Hay Bales in Snow in Winter, Knox Farm, East Aurora, NYHay Bales in SnowRural Landscapes Country Roads on Motorcycle, Rural Western New York on Black and White FilmCountry Roads on MotorcycleRural Landscapes Barn and silos in white in winter storm in Buffalo and Western New YorkBarn and Silos in WhiteRural Landscapes

By a Barn, Rural Southtowns, Buffalo, New York (NY), Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 160 FilmBy a BarnRural Landscapes Farmhouse, Rural Southtowns, Buffalo, New York (NY), Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 160 FilmFarmhouseRural Landscapes

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog barns countryside decay demise. film landscape life ode orchard park over rural rurex so long https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/9/so-long-my-three-friends Wed, 22 Sep 2021 11:00:00 GMT Thunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/9/thunder-on-the-buffalo-waterfront-air-show-2021 Today is definitely a catch up post going back to June but at least of the same year 2021. I am not an event photographer and most often, time does not play a critical role in my photographs. However, yes, this was a public event of significant interest and by now it is deep in the history for most airplane fans.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Yes, here we are revisiting the Thunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, which used to be the Thunder of Niagara Air Show. However, due to Covid and a cancelation of the original show the event morphed into a great show over the Outer Harbor of Buffalo, NY, with lots to be seen from many other areas along Buffalo's waterfront and beyond. It was quite picturesque to see the airplanes low over Lake Erie as well as over downtown.

For the rest of today's post, let's let the photos do the talking..

RCAF McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet over Buffalo, NYRCAF McDonnell Douglas CF-18 HornetThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20.

RCAF McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet over Buffalo, NY

P-51 Mustang Mad Max over Buffalo, NYP-51 Mustang Mad MaxThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. P-51 Mustang Mad Max over Buffalo, NY

USAF Boeing V-22 Osprey over Buffalo, NYUSAF Boeing V-22 OspreyThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. USAF Boeing V-22 Osprey over Buffalo, NY

Two USAF Boeing V-22 Ospreys over Buffalo Main LightTwo USAF Boeing V-22 Ospreys over Buffalo Main LightThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. Two USAF Boeing V-22 Ospreys over Buffalo Main Light

USAF A-10C Thunderbolt II over Buffalo, NYUSAF A-10C Thunderbolt IIThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. USAF A-10C Thunderbolt II over Buffalo, NY

USAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster over Buffalo, NYUSAF Boeing C-17 GlobemasterThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. USAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster over Buffalo, NY

USAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster over Buffalo WaterfrontUSAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster over Buffalo WaterfrontThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. USAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster over Buffalo Waterfront

USAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster over Buffalo Main LightUSAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster over Buffalo Main LightThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. USAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster over Buffalo Main Light
P-51 Mustang Quick Silver over Buffalo, NYP-51 Mustang Quick SilverThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. P-51 Mustang Quick Silver over Buffalo, NY

USAF F-16CM Fighting Falcon Viper Demo over Buffalo, NYUSAF F-16CM Fighting Falcon Viper DemoThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. USAF F-16CM Fighting Falcon Viper Demo over Buffalo, NY

Blue Angels - F-18 Super Hornet over Buffalo, NYBlue Angels - F-18 Super HornetThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20.  US Navy Blue Angels - F-18 Super Hornet over Buffalo, NY

Blue Angels 4x - F-18 Super Hornet over Buffalo, NYFour Blue Angels F-18 Super HornetsThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. Four US Navy Blue Angels F-18 Super Hornets over Buffalo, NY

Blue Angels Diamond - F-18 Super Hornet over Buffalo, NYBlue Angels Diamond - F-18 Super HornetThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20.  US Navy Blue Angels Diamond - F-18 Super Hornet over Buffalo, NY

Blue Angels 6x - F-18 Super Hornet over Buffalo, NYSix Blue Angels F-18 Super HornetsThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20.  Six US Navy Blue Angels F-18 Super Hornets over Buffalo, NY

Blue Angels 2x - F-18 Super Hornet - Over Buffalo Main LightTwo Blue Angels F-18 Super Hornets over Buffalo Main LightThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. Two US Navy Blue Angels F-18 Super Hornets over Buffalo Main Light

Blue Angels 2x - F-18 Super Hornet - :ow over Buffalo WaterfrontTwo Blue Angels F-18 Super Hornets Low over Buffalo WaterfrontThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. Two US Navy Blue Angels F-18 Super Hornets Low over Buffalo Waterfront

Blue Angels 6x - F-18 Super Hornet - Over Buffalo Main LightSix Blue Angels F-18 Super Hornets over Buffalo Main LightThunder on the Buffalo Waterfront Air Show 2021, originally known as Thunder of Niagara Air Show, in Buffalo, NY on Saturday, June 19, and Sunday, June 20. Six US Navy Blue Angels F-18 Super Hornets over Buffalo Main Light

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2021 air show aircraft airforce airplane buffalo city life cityscape combat event june lifestyle military navy new york ny plane recreation thunder waterfront https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/9/thunder-on-the-buffalo-waterfront-air-show-2021 Thu, 09 Sep 2021 11:00:00 GMT Tropical Sunrise https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/9/tropical-sunrise I think you will all agree that it has been too long since we visited paradise on this blog. It seems that my last post from Hawaii was in April. Don't despair, we're getting that fixed right now.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

While Kauai definitely has an unlimited supply of grand vistas, whether along its beautiful coastline or inland, there is also lots to see when one pays attention to details. A lot of details, textures, and patterns can be found when one takes a pause and looks a bit more carefully. Often, these are right under your feet, other times right in front of us. Take the strangler fig as an example. There is so much to study, admire, and learn about later when one has a computer or a library handy. But leaving the biological facts aside, there is also beauty in its sheer existence.

Strangler Fig Close Up, Kauai, HawaiiStrangler FigKauai, Hawaii

Strangler Fig Close Up, Kauai, Hawaii

No worries though, I am not going to leave you hanging without sharing one of those breathtaking ocean vistas. As almost every day at a place like this, it pays to wake early before sunrise and find a spot to enjoy the start of a new day. On this day, I took a walk along the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail and explored Makawehi Lithified Cliffs. Then, I stopped and enjoyed the wave action for a bit, fixed my camera to a tripod, and click, preserved a memory forever.

Sunrise over Makawehi Lithified Cliffs, Kauai, HawaiiSunrise over Makawehi Lithified CliffsKauai, Hawaii

Sunrise over Makawehi Lithified Cliffs, Kauai, Hawaii

For those curious about the technicalities, while I am still a sucker for long exposures the effect has definitely been overused a bit. At each location, I try to decide what settings will express the feeling at the location the best. Sometimes, it's a very quick shutter speed and other times I still go for a very long one. And then there are situations like this one. Let's keep the shutter open just long enough to show the motion but not long enough to obliterate the details - 1/15 sec in this case.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché - So Peaceful - Some Morning Drama - Farmland in the Canyon - Further up Waimea Canyon - At the Edge of Kalalau Valley - Tropical Sunrise

Did you enjoy this post and the enclosed photographs? Visit the Landscapes Faraway gallery for natural landscape beyond Western New York to see more. If you are a fan of nature's fall colors, I have an Autumn gallery dedicated to that season for you. Please, let me know if you have any questions about photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs. You can see the photo and product offering on the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Seascapes - Lava & Water and a Leaving Storm, Kauai, HawaiiLava & WaterSeascapes Seascapes - Sunset Colors over Poipu Beach, Kauai, HawaiiSunset Colors over PoipuSeascapes Seascapes - Hawaiian Sunrise in Florida, Anastasia Limestone in Place of Lava, Coral Cove Park, Juniper Island, Florida (FL)Hawaiian Sunrise in FloridaSeascapes

Seascapes - A silhouette of a Fisherman at Sunrise by a Southern Florida (FL) Pier.Fisherman at SunriseSeascapes Seascapes - Sunrise under a PierSunrise under a PierSeascapes

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy coastline hawaii kauai landscape makawehi natural nature ocean outdoors pacific photography scenic https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/9/tropical-sunrise Thu, 02 Sep 2021 11:00:00 GMT More Cyanotypes https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/8/more-cyanotypes Continued from First Cyanotype

I have not planned it this way but as I admitted in the previous post, printing cyanotypes is addictive. So here you have it, a second post in a row dedicated to it.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

UV Lamp Set Up, Without CoverUV Lamp Set UpWithout Cover What have I learned or changed since the last time? First, you cannot trust weather. So while I relied on natural sunshine last time around and got plenty of it I had to adapt as it has been either hazy or rainy since. As a result, I have invested in a strong UV lamp that allows me to continue with cyanotypes on bad weather days and also when the days get shorter. There were many options for UV bulbs or lamps and it took a bit of research to narrow my selection down. Between the several UV spectral ranges, one needs a source in the UVA range, also referred to as black light, covering 320 nm to 395 nm. I settled on the ZHMA 100W IP66 Black Light. In the end, when used at about 1 foot distance, my exposure times match those with sunshine outside.

Before deciding on a bulb or lamp for your needs, please, consider not only the right spectral range and strength but also its potential health implications and build a solution you will be comfortable with. The set up photo is just for illustration purposes and I surround this area with cardboard when used to shield myself from the UV. Please, do your own research.

Another thing I learned since my first attempt was that an uncoated paper is a must if I don't want to have weird unpredictable problems with development and washing. As a result, buy a regular heavy paper, like watercolor paper, from crafts supplies rather than coated paper for inkjet printers. Even the heavy watercolor papers for inkjet printing are coated and that coat will mess with the chemical processes involved in printing cyanotypes.

Since I did accidentally buy inkjet watercolor paper I used it and so far, at least the one I bought, it worked alright if used fairly quickly after coating, say within 24 hours. After that, the initially light yellow coat would start turning darker green, and eventually dark brown. While is still reacted to UV and an image was created it did not look nice and there was no way to wash the highlights back to white. I was left with a strong yellowish stain. I also doubt the result will be archival at all despite thorough washing.

Buffalo. NY Cyanotype, Exposed and unwashed lookBuffalo. NY CyanotypeExposed and unwashed look

Buffalo. NY Cyanotype
Exposed and unwashed look

Let's go over my second printing session. I selected two photographs from Buffalo, NY. One from the Grain Elevator Alley as that always provides a classic Buffalo backdrop, and one from the waterfront as that is also one of Buffalo's signature looks. The first two photos shared here are the weird look the prints have after exposure to UV but before development and washing in water. The image is already formed and visible but still obstructed.

Edward M Cotter's Solo Show Cyanotype, Exposed and unwashed lookEdward M Cotter's Solo Show CyanotypeExposed and unwashed look

Edward M Cotter's Solo Show Cyanotype
Exposed and unwashed look

And then the magic comes. As soon as the prints are submerged in water changes start to happen and in just 2 - 3 minutes the prints look great. I leave them in the wash for about 5 minutes total but I have seen recommendations anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes. Since I use a darkroom print washer tray that constantly replaces the water in the tray and keeps it flowing I am staying on the short wash side.

Buffalo, NY Cyanotype, Exposed and washedBuffalo, NY CyanotypeExposed and washed

Buffalo, NY Cyanotype
Exposed and washed

Edward M Cotter's Solo Show Cyanotype, Exposed and washed / developed in waterEdward M Cotter's Solo Show CyanotypeExposed and washed / developed in water

Edward M Cotter's Solo Show Cyanotype
Exposed and washed / developed in water

Once the initial wash and development is done, I've tried two different directions so far. The prints can come out of the water and dry, or they can go through another bath with a splash of vinegar, or citric acid. The acidity helps with a more thorough wash  and clearing of the highlights but I have also noticed that some of the very subtle mid-tones can also wash away. I guess one has to be really careful about the about of vinegar and the wash time in this acidic bath need to be quick, 30 seconds or so at the most. I can imagine though that with additional experience this will be a more predictable step. Then back to the plain water bath for the final wash.

Buffalo, NY Cyanotype, Exposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and driedBuffalo, NY CyanotypeExposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and dried

Buffalo, NY Cyanotype
Exposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and dried

As you can see, when the prints dry they darken and take on a full scale of tones. Do you see some of the "blotches" in the dark areas? That is the actual texture of the paper showing through. Of course I could not have selected a normal water color paper even this time around. Instead, this was printed on a 100% recycled Shizen Design watercolor paper.

Edward M Cotter's Solo Show Cyanotype, Exposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and driedEdward M Cotter's Solo Show CyanotypeExposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and dried
Edward M Cotter's Solo Show Cyanotype
Exposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and dried

Yes, that can probably be another rabbit hole to experiment with all kinds of paper types. I will definitely stay with heavyweight cotton rag for now (300+gsm, 140lb) as I have not run into any problems even with washes extending over 15 minutes. I have had no tearing during washing or drying and the paper easily dried flat.

I also wanted to get another print of the Old House from the first printing session but on this paper instead of the inkjet coated one. Even thought this print actually worked very well even on the inkjet paper (probably because I used it quickly after coating and coated the paper lightly) I still wanted to see the difference.

Old House Cyanotype, Exposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and driedOld House CyanotypeExposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and dried

Old House Cyanotype
Exposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and dried

And putting them side by side the difference is quite noticeable. However, my scanner got in the way in this regard and even with zero post-processing the difference almost disappeared as the auto-settings increased contrast, clipped highlights, and adjusted the white balance. I was surprised how the two pictures ended up almost identical despite being in a single image. Anyway, to illustrate the difference I took a quick snap of the two side by side with my cell phone.

Old House Cyanotype, Watercolor paper comparison, inkjet vs regular paper, face.Old House CyanotypeWatercolor paper comparison, inkjet vs regular paper, face. Old House Cyanotype, Watercolor paper comparison, inkjet vs regular paper, reverse.Old House CyanotypeWatercolor paper comparison, inkjet vs regular paper, reverse.

Old House Cyanotype
Watercolor paper comparison, inkjet vs regular paper, face

I know I stated it above but I will repeat it here. Do not use coated (inkjet) papers for your cyanotypes. Use regular uncoated watercolor paper. A heavy-weight 100% cotton rag is what I would recommend at this early stage of my experience.

All of the prints above were from film originals. However, I've recently returned from a trip and did not have a chance to process all of my film. Yet, I was curious how some of the sights would look in blue. Thus, I printed a 5x7" negative from one of the photos I took with my phone. You can see the outcome below.

Charles Bridge Cyanotype, Exposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and driedCharles Bridge CyanotypeExposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and dried
Charles Bridge Cyanotype
Exposed, developed in water, cleared in diluted white vinegar, re-washed, and dried

And with that travel post, I will close today out. I realize this was a long post and if you made it all the way here, thanks for reading and until next time!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more traditional wet prints? Visit my Darkroom photo gallery and enjoy! Do not hesitate to contact me whether you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of my prints.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Historic Chautauqua Belle Steam Ship, hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printChautauqua BelleA Darkroom Print Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: The Livery, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New Mexico; hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printRoad Trip 2018: The LiveryA Darkroom Print Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Van Patten's Mountain Camp, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New Mexico; hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printRoad Trip 2018: Van Patten's Mountain CampA Darkroom Print

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog blue cyanotype darkroom experience monochrome photography technique ultraviolet wet print https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/8/more-cyanotypes Mon, 23 Aug 2021 15:01:11 GMT First Cyanotype https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/8/first-cyanotype Yes, today is going to be about another analog photo printing process. In the past, I shared traditional darkroom prints with you, as well as lith prints. Both of those techniques required a darkroom. The technique I am sharing today does not and thus may be more accessible to many of you.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

What am I talking about? I am talking about the Cyanotype Process invented in 1841 by Sir John Herschel. If you're interested in more history, either an Internet search or your local library will provide plenty of resources. The same holds true for details about the chemistry used for this process.

The Cyanotype process allows you to contact print a negative onto a sensitized material using UV light. You can simply rely on sunshine or buy a UV lamp. Since the process relies on UV light and not regular daylight the clear advantage of this printing method over other darkroom techniques is that it does not require darkness to be carried out.

Old House Cyanotype - Exposure in ProgressOld House CyanotypeExposure in Progress First, some material needs to be coated with the sensitizer. You can either mix your own concoction or rely on a ready-made KIT like the Liquid Cyanotype KIT by Photographers' Formularly I used. To keep things simple, I started with a heavy watercolor paper for my material but already look forward to trying fabric, wood, and other materials. I used a cheap paintbrush to coat 5x7 pieces of the paper. It turned out I used about 1ml of sensitizer per 5x7 sheet but that depends on your paper and on the desired results. I could see myself using a little less in the future.

The material then has to completely dry. If it remains wet it would start developing immediately upon exposure to sun instead of being fully exposed first. That drying period gives you a chance to get your negatives ready. If you are a large format photographer, your 4x5, 5x7, or even larger negatives might serve the purpose. If you shoot smaller film or digital, you can use an inkjet printer to print your negatives at the desired size. I used my HP Envy 5055 to print on Inkpress Media Transparency Film (8.5 x 11"). I printed 2 5x7 images on a single letter-sized sheet that I later cut in half.

How did I prepare my negatives? I used GIMP to slightly increase the contrast of my previously processed photo. I clipped both highlights and shadows very slightly (by about 5 points) and then added a gentle S-curve for an overall contrast increase. Did I have to do this? I am not sure, only more experience will tell. I remembered people talking about higher contrast negatives being better for Cyanotypes and that is what I did to get started. Based on my results, I will definitely be trying a straight file next time as there seems to be plenty of natural contrast. The other thing I did was I flipped the image horizontally. Since the exposure is done with the face of the film down, things will get reverted back and print the right way.

Enough talking, let's see what happened! For my first print, I used the last paper coated where I ran out of the sensitizer. Thus, this was the least coated paper of all. I wanted to see how the length of exposure mattered and I exposed the whole frame for 8 minutes in direct sunshine, then covered 1/3 and exposed for 2 more minutes, then covered 2/3s and added 2 more minutes. When the 12 minutes were over I took the picture frame, in which I sandwiched the negative and the sensitized paper, to the basement to be washed. When I removed the paper from the frame, it looked like the below.

Old House Cyanotype - ExposedOld House CyanotypeExposed

Old House Cyanotype
Exposed

As soon as I started pouring water over it in the sink the look started changing. I washed the print for about 5 minutes at which point no more changes seemed to be happening. At this point, I was pretty happy with my first result.

Old House Cyanotype - Washed in WaterOld House CyanotypeWashed in Water

Old House Cyanotype
Washed in Plain Water

However, this was not the only print I made that day and all of the ones afterwards had a heavier sensitizer coat. They all also had a yellowish tone in the highlights after washing. After some digging it seemed like alkaline water may not be able to fully wash the sensitizer off. Either vinegar or citric acid was recommended in various places. Since I had a bottle of white vinegar right next to the sink I added a splash into my tray and rewashed the photo.

Old House Cyanotype - Washed in VinegarOld House CyanotypeWashed in Vinegar

Old House Cyanotype
Re-Washed in Water with White Vinegar

The effect? Immediate and rather noticeable. The highlights cleared up very nicely and the tones changed towards more bluish from the previously greenish tones. I realize that what you are looking at is a scanned version of my results. I placed the actual print next to my monitor and tried to make the scan look as close as possible to the print by slightly tweaking the white balance and contrast. And that was it, I was ready to call this one a finished product.

If you remember from above this was an exposure test with an 8, 10, and 12-minute exposure. Can you see the vertical stripes on the print? Neither can I. I attribute that to the extremely light sensitizer coating on this sheet. How would things look with a heavier coat?

Old House Cyanotype - Heavier Sensitizer CoatOld House CyanotypeHeavier Sensitizer Coat

Old House Cyanotype
Heavier Sensitizer Coat

As you can see, a lot of details got completely lost in the first version as there was either very little or even no sensitizer at all in some areas. Which version do you prefer? I like that the first version looks almost like a pencil drawing, which I am a big fan of. However, I don't like that the wall in front of the house is completely missing. I am sure I will further experiment with very light coats but I will need to make sure I don't plain run out and leave parts of the paper blank.

A warning? Try at your own risk. I have to admit that this is addictive and I have already printed two more prints and have even more coated paper ready to go. I also want to try other materials. I really like the simplicity. Pre-coat some paper a day ahead and let dry (at this point, I don't know how long one can keep pre-coated paper). Print out a negative or several at the desired sizes. Next day, about 10 minutes in the sun and a 5-minute wash and you have yourself a cyanotype.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

PS: Loosely continued at More Cyanotypes.

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more traditional wet prints? Visit my Darkroom photo gallery and enjoy! Do not hesitate to contact me whether you would like to learn more or would like to purchase one of my prints.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Historic Chautauqua Belle Steam Ship, hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printChautauqua BelleA Darkroom Print Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: The Livery, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New Mexico; hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printRoad Trip 2018: The LiveryA Darkroom Print Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Van Patten's Mountain Camp, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New Mexico; hand-made traditional silver gelatin darkroom printRoad Trip 2018: Van Patten's Mountain CampA Darkroom Print

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog cyanotype darkroom experience monochrome old house photography technique wet print https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/8/first-cyanotype Wed, 11 Aug 2021 21:49:41 GMT Winter’s Pond Up Close and Personal https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/7/winter-s-pond-up-close-and-personal I have no problem revisiting my locations over and over again. Sure, it's nice to travel and see new places but that usually comes with a limited time to explore. Returning to familiar places, especially those close to where one lives, removes that limitation and allows for exploration beyond the cover.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

So why go back? Locations usually don't look the same even on many repeated visits. The seasons change, the time of day changes, the light changes, the weather changes, you get the idea. And those are the things one cannot control, just observe and react to. Then thee are the changes one can actively trigger.

Tower Symmetry, Industrial Artwork at Winter's Pond, Langford, New YorkTower SymmetryIndustrial Artwork

Tower Symmetry, Industrial Artwork at Winter's Pond, Langford, New York
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 on Fomapan 400 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL

The gear of choice is one of those variables. Different camera, different film format, different emulsion, different lens, or even a different developer can each contribute to different results. Sometimes the differences can be subtle, other times rather pronounced. For example, color is very different from black and white while color slide film or color negative film can be more nuanced. And the difference between Kodak Gold 200 and Kodak Colorplus 200 may be almost impossible to spot.

Tall Tower, Industrial Artwork at Winter's Pond, Langford, New YorkTall TowerIndustrial Artwork

Tall Tower, Industrial Artwork at Winter's Pond, Langford, New York
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 on Fomapan 400 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL

While I always try to find new subjects when returning to a location I also feel the urge to photograph some old faithfuls. The Gold Comet below is a great example. I have quite a few photographs of the vintage truck, even from similar angles. However, like I said above, they don't ever end up looking the same.

REO Gold Comet, Vintage Truck at Winter's Pond, Langford, New YorkREO Gold CometVintage Truck

REO Gold Comet, Vintage Truck at Winter's Pond, Langford, New York
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 on Fomapan 400 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL

And after the familiar shot, look, I can get closer. How much closer? Only the right composition was the limit. After all, this day I was there with my Nikon FE2 and the Nikon 55mm f/2.8 macro lens. So why not go for the grill and the REO logo?

REO Face to Face, Vintage Truck Grill at Winter's Pond, Langford, New YorkREO Face to FaceVintage Truck Grill

REO Face to Face, Vintage Truck Grill at Winter's Pond, Langford, New York
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 on Fomapan 400 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL

So there you have it. Not only a repeat visit to one of my most favorite locations but also a repeated blog post. I hope it did not bore you because I can guarantee that I will be taking you back soon.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

An old vintage and decaying Cadillac close-up on Kodak 5222 black and white filmCadillac Old-Time Village Square, Burlington, ON, Canada, Photographed on Lubitel 166B and Fomapan 400 FilmVillage SquareBurlington, Ontario A Spider Web in a Window of an Old Cadillac on Fomapan 400 Black and White Film with Nikon FE2A Web in a Cadillac

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white foma fomapan industrial langford rural transportation travel truck vintage winter's pond xtol https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/7/winter-s-pond-up-close-and-personal Mon, 12 Jul 2021 11:00:00 GMT Birdsong in Purple, Part I https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/6/birdsong-in-purple-part-i Last week's post was somewhat serious and technical but also lightweight talking about pinhole photography, which could be considered experimental. Today I'll continue the experimental thread sharing results froma place you have seen on my blog and in the Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes photo gallery many times.

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So where are we going and what are we doing? The place is the beautiful Birdsong Park in Orchard Park, NY. It's a small park with several ponds, two of which fill up with water lilies in summer, surrounded by a picturesque old forrest. By now, I have shared color and black and white photographs from there as well as covered all seasons. So today, let's do something different.

A Majestic Old Tree, Birdsong Park, photographed with Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple filmA Majestic Old TreeBirdsong Park

A Majestic Old Tree, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple film and developed in Arista C-41

For this evening walk I carried a 35mm Pentax Spotmatic camera loaded with Lomography's Lomochrome Purple color negative film. It was a bright sunny evening, the park featured lots of greenery, and things were meant to work. The film can be rated between ISO 100 and 400 and the results are supposed to vary a bit, with the colors shifting slightly.

Lily Pond Reeds, Birdsong Park, photographed with Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple filmLily Pond ReedsBirdsong Park

Lily Pond Reeds, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple film and developed in Arista C-41

Spoiler alert! Even though I split my roll and set my camera for ISO 100 for the first 12 photos, ISO 200 for the next 12, and ISO 400 for the last 12, I have not seen the prescribed variation. However, I have certainly received purple results with all of that greenery the park is filled with. I dislike most digital filters, I really dislike over-processed photos, and I am not a fan of special effect films. But here we are and I have to admit I enjoy the results and I've definitely come back from my favorite location with completely different photos.

Birdsong Phalanx Guard, Birdsong Park, photographed with a Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple filmBirdsong Phalanx GuardBirdsong Park

Birdsong Phalanx Guard, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple film and developed in Arista C-41

In this park, I like to keep my routine the same and walk the same loop in the same direction almost every time. It's a nice opening with the old forest and some hallmark tree formations, followed by two water lily ponds, and back in the woods about midway through. It's that area that has some gorgeous trees, tees of various shapes, leaning trees, interlocking trees, and yes, there is a creek going through making for even more photographic opportunities.

Wonderful Old Trees, Birdsong Park, photographed with a Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple filmWonderful Old TreesBirdsong Park

Wonderful Old Trees, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Pentax Spotmatic on Lomochrome Purple film and developed in Arista C-41

So there you have it. An unfamiliar look to a very familiar place. And that's just half of the walk so stay tuned, Part II is coming soon.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy c-41 colors film landscape lomochrome lomography nature orhard park outdoors park pentax purple special effect spotmatic summer vegetation water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/6/birdsong-in-purple-part-i Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:25:10 GMT Custom Made Pinhole for a 3d Printed Pinhole Camera https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/6/custom-made-pinhole-for-a-3d-printed-pinhole-camera Let's see how today's blog post turns out. It's intended to be a mixed feature on 3d printing a pinhole camera as well as the results from it. It's not a camera design by me but instead one that Todd Schlemmer freely shared on Thingiverse a while back.

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terraPIN ACME, 3D printed camera designed by Todd SchlemmerterraPIN ACME3D Printed Camera I was aware of Todd's pinhole terraPIN camera designs for a while and time finally came to print one for myself. Todd did not share just one but a few. I can't really tell you why I settled on the terraPIN ACME but I did. I liked that it did not require too many non-printed components and that the top plate snapped closed with no need for screws.

What you see in the first photo is my first print of the camera, printed on the Prusa I3 MK3S+ 3d printer. It's printed in two colors using a PLA filament. You can find more details about this build on Thingiverse.

One of the parts that could not be 3d printed was the pinhole itself. The design called for a pinhole of 0.22mm diameter. But how does one come even close to a precise diameter like this?

One option is buying a laser drilled pinhole. There are several places online that offer those but the prices are rather steep for my taste and the fact that the rest of this camera was rather cheap. Once source I can recommend is James Guerin of Reality So Subtle (RSS). Not only does he make exceptional pinhole cameras but he also makes his laser drilled pinholes available to all worldwide. And even with the shipping from France the price ends up being less than many US based companies and domestic shipping. You can shop his laser drilled pinholes on his website. I recommend the 5 for €20 option. Get the various sizes you may need all at once and you will save a bundle and will only wait for shipping once. I used these pinholes for my 8x10 paint can pinhole camera and their quality was exceptional. Not sure what size pinhole is ideal for your camera design? You can use the calculator by Mr. Pinhole.

Measuring Pinhole Size in Soda Can AluminumPinhole in Soda Can AluminumMeasuring For this camera I wanted to go in a different direction though. I decided to make my own pinhole and see what I would get. The material of choice was aluminum from Ginger Ale soda cans. I cut the can vertically and then cut the top and the bottom of the can off. From the resulting sheet of aluminum I cut a piece about 1.5 x 3 inches that I would make four pinholes into, review them, measure them, and pick the one closest to my needs and the target size.

The pinhole making process was very low tech and in the end much more precise than I initially thought. I started with some really thin needles but rather than puncturing the hole all the way through I only pressed just enough to make a tiny bump on the opposite side. Then I flipped the sheet over and used regular sanding paper to sand the bump off, thus making a hole. The first hole was the largest one of them all and not exactly regular but as I went I made the holes smaller and smaller and was surprised how each became about 0.01mm smaller than the previous.

How did I measure the pinhole size? I used Gaffer tape to tape around the edges to prevent scratching of my scanner glass, placed the aluminum rectangle with four pinholes on the glass, and scanned it as a negative transparency at 6400 dpi. With these settings I got black aluminum and white holes where the backlight was shining through.

The image went into GIMP then and I activated and displayed a very fine square 0.01mm grid: 1) Image > Configure Grid > 0.01mm horizontal and vertical, 2) View > Show Grid, 3) Magnify to 1100%.

After selecting the "best" pinhole of the four, I cut it from the rectangle, cut around the hole to form a hexagon with the pinhole in the center (the camera has a hexagonal bevel to drop the pinhole into hiding under the sliding shutter) and used a tiny drop of Super Glue to affix the aluminum to the camera body. The design of the camera is such that no glue is required but I figured it could not hurt, and even the designer recommended doing so.

With pinholes, the material thickness matters too. The thinner, the better. If you'd like the best possible pinhole, consider the 0.001" brass shim. While I used the soda can aluminum this time I will probably experiment and compare to the brass shim in the near future.

And what can all of this get you? Let's take a look at some sample photos. The terraPIN ACME takes 120 film and I would recommend something with good reciprocity failure characteristics. My first roll was the Rollei Retro 80s and I would definitely not recommend that. I could not find reciprocity data for the film and used some generic guidance that worked for me in the past, however, it turned out to be an almost utter failure with this film. When I hung it to dry, there were barely any images on the negative and the negative proved unprintable in the darkroom. Only thanks to scanning and digital technology was I able to rescue the images, a bit ironic.

Dandelion Heart, Pinhole Photography, terraPIN ACME, Rollei Retro 80sDandelion HeartPinhole Photography

Dandelion Heart
Photographed with a terraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Rollei Retro 80s film and developed in D-23

Pinhole Wagon Wheel, Pinhole Photography, terraPIN ACME, Rollei Retro 80sWagon WheelPinhole Photography

Wagon Wheel
Photographed with a terraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Rollei Retro 80s film and developed in D-23

The famed Fuji Acros is much better for pinhole photography and long exposures as it pretty much does not have any reciprocity failure up to 2 minutes. However, it does not dry flat and cups quite a bit, making scanning a bit of pain.

USS Croaker 246, Pinhole Photography, terraPIN ACME, Fuji Acros 100USS Croaker 246Pinhole Photography

USS Croaker 246
Photographed with a terraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Fuji Acros 100 film and developed in D-23

Lemonade Wagon, Pinhole Photography, terraPIN ACME, Fuji Acros 100Lemonade WagonPinhole Photography

Lemonade Wagon
Photographed with a terraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Fuji Acros 100 film and developed in D-23

Refueling Truck, Pinhole Photography, terraPIN ACME, Fuji Acros 100Refueling TruckPinhole Photography

Refueling Truck
Photographed with a terraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Fuji Acros 100 film and developed in D-23

terraPIN ACME 2, a 3D printed camera designed by Todd SchlemmerterraPIN ACME 2terraPIN ACME, a 3D printed camera I really liked the results I got from the two test rolls and I really wanted a photography related gift for a friend and decided to print one more and even spruce it up a bit. I printed the main body in two colors.

Most of the body remained in black as I needed the inside black but I printed the bottom and top 1mm in solver, loosely resembling the chrome on the cameras from the 60s and 70s. And for another color variety, I printed the knobs in copper rather than orange,

And of course, I had to test drive this version too before sending it out on its merry way to Canada. I tuned my film choice again and was actually the most happy with this one.

Due to the Fuji Acros cupping, I would recommend Kodak T-Max 100 the most. While you need to add 1/3 stop between 1 and 10 seconds and 1/2 stop between 10 and 100 seconds, that is no bother and the film dries perfectly flat. The extra exposure time may come handy too on a sunny day.

 

Pinhole Little Free Library, Pinhole Photogaphy, terraPIN ACME, Kodak T-Max 100Little Free LibraryPinhole Photogaphy

Little Free Library
Photographed with a terraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Kodak T-Max 100 film and developed in D-23

Basketball Hoop, Pinhole Photography, terraPIN ACME, Kodak T-Max 100Basketball HoopPinhole Photography

Basketball Hoop
Photographed with a terraPIN ACME pinhole camera on Kodak T-Max 100 film and developed in D-23

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Vintage Truck, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperVintage TruckPinhole Photography Engine, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperEnginePinhole Photography Cadillac Double, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperCadillac DoublePinhole Photography

Custard Lite Ice Cream Stand, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive Paper Stained in Coffee for a Vintage LookIce Cream StandPinhole Photography Train Tracks by the Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive Paper Stained in Coffee for a Vintage LookBy the Train DepotPinhole Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 3d printed acme black and white d-23 film lensless pinhole terrapin https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/6/custom-made-pinhole-for-a-3d-printed-pinhole-camera Mon, 14 Jun 2021 11:00:00 GMT Spring is Still in the Air https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/5/spring-is-still-in-the-air We're back at the Buffalo History Museum today for another crisp morning walk. Last time the focus was on the beautiful cherry trees, today it is on the sunshine illuminating everything in beautiful warm light.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Look at the building and how wonderful it looks in that morning light! Lincoln, the Emancipator, had quite a view over the lake that morning.

Spring Morning at the Museum, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo, New YorkSpring Morning at the MuseumBuffalo History Museum

Spring Morning at the Museum, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo, New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Gold 200 film and developed in Cinestill C-41

What lake you ask? Let's look at the scene from a different vantage point a bit further east and away from the building. Let's walk down through the Japanese Garden, circle around the lake and find a spot with a nice view of the museum.

Morning Reflection, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo, NYMorning ReflectionBuffalo History Museum

Morning Reflection, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Gold 200 film and developed in Cinestill C-41

Aren't reflections magical?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Stairs Up the Breakwall, Small Boat Harbor and Buffalo Harbor State Park, Buffalo, New York (NY); Photographed on FilmUp the BreakwallBuffalo, NY Water Gas Station, Small Boat Harbor and Buffalo Harbor State Park, Buffalo, New York (NY); Photographed on FilmWater Gas StationBuffalo, NY Little Rock & Spirit of Buffalo Ships at Canalside and Naval Park, Buffalo, NYLittle Rock & Spirit of BuffaloBuffalo, NY

South Grand Island Bridge behind TreesSouth Grand Island Bridge behind TreesBuffalo, NY English River Cargo Ship on Buffalo River by GLF Grain Elevator - Riverworks, Buffalo, New York (NY)English River on Buffalo RiverBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo c-41 cinestill cityscape colors film history museum kodak kodak gold landscape light lincoln nikon n75 outdoors reflection spring statue urban water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/5/spring-is-still-in-the-air Thu, 27 May 2021 12:36:52 GMT Spring is in the Air https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/5/spring-is-in-the-air We are only 6 weeks away from summer solstice and the longest day of the year but I still get frost alerts almost daily. That is not really unique to this year and one does not usually clear the frost safety until after Memorial Day here in Western New York. Other than the cold mornings, the days are warm now and nature has sprung to life with greenery and blooms everywhere.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

To acknowledge that, I have updated the slideshow on my homepage to be warmer and more welcoming especially for the locals who are probably done with winter at this point. And you can tell by everyone working on their yards or in their gardens. There's clear excitement for the lively season of spring.

Cherry Tree Blossoms, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo, NYCherry Tree Blossoms in BuffaloBuffalo History Museum

Cherry Tree Blossoms, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Gold 200 film and developed in Cinestill C-41

For today's post, I have selected couple photographs from the Buffalo History Museum where the annual cherry blossom festival always provides beautiful views and summarizes what I tried to type up above into a single scene. It's a happy place!

Cherry Tree Blossoms, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo, NYCherry Tree BlossomsBuffalo History Museum

Cherry Tree Blossoms, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Gold 200 film and developed in Cinestill C-41

I posted other photographs from this location in the past but these are more in line with my return to film over the past few years. These were captured on a consumer grade Kodak Gold 200 film with a Nikon N75 plastic fantastic camera that was released by Nikon in 2003 as their last consumer film camera model before the digital revolution killed off that product class.

Cherry Tree Blossoms on Kodak Gold 200 Color Negative FilmFilm StripKodak Gold While you are reading this blog post and looking at the two photographs on a screen of a digital device, know that it lived as analog for a little longer that usual these days. Light hit a rectangle of light sensitive 35mm color negative film and changed its chemical properties forever. Then, the developer continued that chemical reaction and brought the "captured" light back into life, and the fixer made sure the chemical reaction was stopped and the photo on the film became permanent. After that point, I scanned the photo in and converted it into over 400 million of ones and zeros :-)

Are you curious about the old-fashioned art of analog photography? I wrote an article for Emulsive a while back that should provide you with all you need to get started. And if it leaves you with questions, please, feel free to contact me via this website or on Instagram or Facebook.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Pink-toned Daisy Flower in Letchworth State Park, New YorkLetchworth DaisySpring is in the Air Catkins, Green Grass Theme, Spring in Western New YorkCatkins, Green ThemeSpring is in the Air Common Yellow Dandelion at Swallow Hollow, New YorkSwallow Hollow DandelionSpring is in the Air

Spring Brought Nature Alive at Akron Falls ParkAlive!Spring is in the Air Lush Green Ravine, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY (near Buffalo)Lush Green RavineSpring is in the Air

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo c-41 cherry tree cinestill colors film history museum kodak kodak gold landscape nikon n75 outdoors spring warm https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/5/spring-is-in-the-air Mon, 10 May 2021 20:54:38 GMT Picturesque Pískovna https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/4/picturesque-piskovna We're traveling again today, this time to the north of the Czech Republic. There are a few fairy-tale rock cities over there. And that is both figuratively as well as literally as some Czech fairy tales were actually filmed there. And if anything is surprising to me it is that it was not even more. 

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However, the rocks are not the main focus of this post. The rocks are only in a supporting role here. The main character of today's story is a beautiful small lake called Pískovna, formed by the flooding of an old sandstone quarry. It's this lake that will both welcome you to the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks National Park as well as say goodbye at the end as it sits at the trail head into the city.

Stormy over Pískovna, Adršpach-Teplice Rocks National Park, Czech RepublicStormy over PískovnaCzech Republic

Stormy over Pískovna, Adršpach-Teplice Rocks National Park, Czech Republic

As you can see, we caught the lake as a rain storm was passing over turning this picturesque body of water with turquoise water a bit more dramatic, quite fitting the rock cliffs on the opposite side.

In a Fairy Tale, Pískovna, Adršpach-Teplice Rocks National Park, Czech RepublicIn a Fairy TaleCzech Republic

In a Fairy Tale, Pískovna, Adršpach-Teplice Rocks National Park, Czech Republic

The walk around the lake is only about 20 minutes and it's definitely worth it, at least in my opinion. You will get a few wonderful views of the lake as you circle it and it's a great complement to the rock city you are either heading into or have just left.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

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Ballooning above Špinka, Červený Kostelec, Czech RepublicBallooning above ŠpinkaCzech Republic Squeezed Between Rocks, Czech RepublicSqueezed Between RocksCzech Republic Path through Fields of Gold, a Rolling Hill Dirt Road in Nemotice, Czech Republic, Europe.Path through Fields of GoldCzech Republic
 

Chvalkovice Wind Mill at Dusk, rolling hills of Southern Moravia, Czech Republic, Europe.Chvalkovice Wind Mill at DuskCzech Republic Winding road through rolling hills of Southern Moravia, Mouchnice, Czech Republic, Europe.Rolling Hills of Southern MoraviaCzech Republic

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy adrspach czech republic dramatic europe green lake landscape nature outdoors piskovna rock city storm summer travel water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/4/picturesque-piskovna Tue, 27 Apr 2021 11:00:00 GMT Sleeping Farm https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/4/sleeping-farm I know that most people look towards summer for warmer days after the cold winter we had but with winter making a (hopefully) brief appearance tomorrow I figured I would sneak in a few more winter themed photographs.

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I really enjoyed our 2020/21 winter. While hesitant to arrive in December it showed up in January and stayed with us for many weeks. What I liked the most was that despite the few warmer days our snow did not melt several times like in the past few years.

Snow is the key winter ingredient to me. It coveres the land, the dirt, the mess and everything looks clean and neat. Add some nice freezing air and the experience of hiking or just walking outside becomes more intense. And cool it down further and the sound of snow creaking under one's boots makes it just about perfect.

Farmhouse in Winter, Knox Farm, East AuroraFarmhouse in WinterKnox Farm

Farmhouse in Winter, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York
Photographed with a Zorki 4 on Kodak Double-X 5222 black and white film and developed in D-23

Winter also dresses up the landscape for a completely different look. Colors disappear, ground gets covered in a white blanket and why even bother with color film? This winter, I placed all of my color film either in th freezer or on a basement shelf and went 100% black and white. That has a wonderful benefit. Other than sharing the scanned photographs here and on social media I can take my black and white negatives to the darkroom and make traditional wet prints without a single step passing through a computer or a smart phone! And to me, that is a wonderful feeling during these times filled with technology and everything around us going digital.

Fence in Snow, Knox Farm, East AuroraFence in SnowKnox Farm

Fence in Snow, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York
Photographed with a Zorki 4 on Kodak Double-X 5222 black and white film and developed in D-23

Knox Farm is one of those places that look great all year round. Every single season brings its special look and winter is no exception. Look at the photo above. That fallen fence just would not look the same with green grass under, would it? Or the hay bales below. The snow just beautifully sets them off!

Hay Bales in Snow, Knox Farm, East Aurora, NYHay Bales in SnowKnox Farm

Hay Bales in Snow, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York
Photographed with a Zorki 4 on Kodak Double-X 5222 black and white film and developed in D-23

There may be another benefit to winter, at least for me. All of the beautiful places have fewer people as they choose to stay warm in their homes. And that is just fine with me. I have always enjoyed natural places without crowds and they are harder and harder to come by.

Battle Lost, Knox Farm, East Aurora, NYBattle LostKnox Farm

Battle Lost, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York
Photographed with a Zorki 4 on Kodak Double-X 5222 black and white film and developed in D-23

I hope you have enjoyed today's stroll through a simplified winter landscape and will come back to my blog for another visit soon. It will gradually turn to spring and summer themes but who knows, there may be one or two more cold posts.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

White Trail of Wonders in Winter, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)White Trail of WondersBirdsong Park Through the Winter Landscape, Creek in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Through the Winter LandscapeBirdsong Park Snowy Birdsong Gate in Winter with a Reflection in the Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Birdsong Gate in WinterBirdsong Park

Snow Covered Winter Entrance to the Wetlands Woods, Orchard Park, New YorkWinter EntranceWoods in WInter Snow Covered Spooky Winter Wetlands, Orchard Park, New YorkSpooky Winter WetlandsSwamp in Winter

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 5222 black and white cold countryside d-23 double-x east aurora farm film freezing knox farm kodak landscape new york outdoors rural snow winter zorki 4 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/4/sleeping-farm Tue, 20 Apr 2021 12:59:01 GMT At the Edge of Kalalau Valley https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/4/at-the-edge-of-kalalau-valley As 2020 put an end to all travel, or at least travel to faraway places, I also stopped several of my blog series, specifically from the Czech Republic and also from Hawaii. It was not intentional, it just happened. And looking back at it now I am not sure why. Either way, I am restarting those series again and here's to 2021 being a better travel year than 2020 despite the continued challenges.

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In the last post from this series (in 2019; Further up Waimea Canyon), I offered views into the beautiful Waimea Canyon, or the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Today we are going to look down a deep coastal valley, the best known valley of the gorgeous Na Pali coast of Kauai. Its name is Kalalau Valley and the view you can see here is the only one you can get somewhat easily. Why?

The Na Pali coast at the northwestern part of Kauai is only accessible by kayaks (only in summer) or on foot. On foot, the Kalalau Valley Trail is a very difficult hike (feel free to search Kalalau Trail). By sea, it is a 3-hour kayak paddle to get there plus getting back or traversing the rest of the coast between Ha'ena Beach and Polihale Beach.

The next best thing is two fold. You can drive to the Kalalau Lookout on Kokee Road and enjoy the view from there, or drive as far as the road will take you followed by a short hike to the Pu'u O Kila Lookout. The latter option is more rewarding. Based on how much it rained recently expect to get dirty with the special Hawaiian red dirt that may leave you with a souvenir forever. Both lookouts are a subject to weather conditions. Sometimes, you can get wonderful clear view and other times you may not see anything at all as the valley below you gets covered by clouds. If that happens don't give up easily. Sometimes, even minutes can make a world of a difference, other times, more patience will be needed. But chances are you will get a glimpse of the valley below even if the break in the clouds is short lived. Have the camera ready.

Rainbow over Kalalau Valley, Kauai, HawaiiRainbow over Kalalau ValleyKauai, Hawaii

Rainbow over the Kalalau Valley, Kauai, Hawaii

That was the case on this particular hike. It was drizzling, all covered with clouds, and the ground wet. But the view did open up briefly and we were rewarded with a rainbow too. Just before this moment, the rainbow was actually stronger but I ended up selecting this photo because of the hints of sunshine hitting the valley floor.

And don't forget to look closer. Some of the most beautiful things may not be thousands of feet down a valley but literally right at your feet.

Paradise Ferns, At the Edge of Kakalau Valley, Kauai, HawaiiParadise FernsAt the Edge of Kakalau Valley

Ferns at the Edge of Kalalau Valley, Kauai, Hawaii

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

References: Kayak the Na Pali Coast - Epic NaPali Coast Hike

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché - So Peaceful - Some Morning Drama - Farmland in the Canyon - Further up Waimea Canyon - At the Edge of Kalalau Valley

Did you enjoy this post and the enclosed photographs? Visit the Landscapes Faraway gallery for natural landscape beyond Western New York to see more. If you are a fan of nature's fall colors, I have an Autumn gallery dedicated to that season for you. Please, let me know if you have any questions about photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs. You can see the photo and product offering on the Products page.

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Pololu Valley Beach from high up, North Shore Big Island, Hawaii (HI).Pololu Valley BeachBig Island Sunset on rocks by Ke'e Beach, Cliffs of Na Pali Coast, North Shore Kauai, Hawaii (HI).Ke'e Beach SunsetKauai, Hawaii Pololu Valley from Above, North Shore Big Island, Hawaii (HI).Pololu ValleyBig Island

Misty sunrise and a totem pole at Secret Beach, north Shore Kauai, Hawaii (HI).Secret Beach, Kauai, Hawaii.Kauai, Hawaii Stormy sunrise at Secret Beach, Kauai, Hawaii (HI). Sand, lava rock, Pacific Ocean Waves, and dramatic sky.Secret Beach, Kauai, HawaiiKauai, Hawaii

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy hawaii Kalalau kauai landscape natural nature outdoors photography rainbow scenic valley view https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/4/at-the-edge-of-kalalau-valley Tue, 13 Apr 2021 11:00:00 GMT Kingdom of Ice, Part 2 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/3/kingdom-of-ice-part-2 Continued from Kingdom of Ice

I was planning on a slightly bigger gap between Part 1 and Part 2 but since it is supposed to warm up this week and I don't know what fate awaits this winter here it goes today so that it does not end up being a year apart. It's strange but when people start looking forward to spring they don't enjoy looking at winter photos much anymore.

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In Part 1 I focused on Hoak's Lakeshore Restaurant. In Part 2, let's take a look around. The immediately adjacent areas did not get spared the storm's fury either and got coated with ice resulting in some cool shapes and a true winter wonderland.

Hamburg Kingdom of Ice. Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.Hamburg Kingdom of IceKingdom of Ice

Hamburg Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY
Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.

Using color filters in black and white photography is quite common. Well, at least when using black and white film it is. With digital, capturing photos in color, and converting to black and white later, the effect can be dialed in after the fact. But with black and white film the color information is not captured and thus filtering must be done at capture time. To avoid a plain light gray or white sky, different filters can be used to achieve a different level of darkening. With a yellow filter, the effect is subtle, with orange, a bit more pronounced, and with red, the sky can go really dark, even black.

Hamburg Clock Tower, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY. Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.Hamburg Clock TowerKingdom of Ice

Hamburg Clock Tower, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY
Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL

What a strong blowing wind and water mist can do in really low temperatures is quite amazing. Surfaces get coated with a layer of ice and icicles grow in weird angles, sometimes almost horizontally. Look below. Can you guess what served as the foundation for the ice claw?

The Ice Claw, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY. Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.The Ice ClawKingdom of Ice

The Ice Claw, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY.
Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL

For the final photo, we're heading just a short distance south along Route 5 to Hamburg Beach. Unlike most, for me it's a place where I end up more often in winter than in summer. And on this day I really liked the juxtaposition of seasons with the longboards sign against the frozen beach in the background.

Longboards, Kingdom of Ice, Hambug Beach, New York. Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.LongboardsKingdom of Ice

Longboards, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY.
Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL

So there you have it. Winter at it's creative finest. If you're in the northern hemisphere, enjoy the arrival of spring and the days getting longer. While I like winter I definitely appreciate the longer days both for just getting more fresh air as well as more opportunities for camera time. And with daylight savings time just ahead of us the evenings will definitely be better!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Ice Wrapped, Hoak's Lakeshore Restaurant, Hamburg, NYIce WrappedWinter Wonderland Icicle Formation, Lake Erie Shore in Winter, Sturgeon PointIcicle FormationWinter Wonderland Cart and Wheelbarrow in Ice, Hoak's Lakeshore Restaurant, Hamburg, New YorkCart and Wheelbarrow in IceWinter Wonderland

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white cityscape cold delta 100 film freezing hamburg ice ilford lakeshore nikon fe winter wonderland xtol https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/3/kingdom-of-ice-part-2 Tue, 09 Mar 2021 13:07:38 GMT Orchard Park in Winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/3/orchard-park-in-winter Pentacon Six at Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY.Pentacon SixGreen Lake, Orchard Park, NY Today I'm taking you along on a walk down the back roads of Orchard Park, New York. I drive on them frequently but this day it was time to leave the car behind and walk on foot with a camera in hand.

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I had multiple motivations behind this walk. First and foremost, I really wanted some of these pictures while we were under winter's rule. I took an almost identical walk a week before and ended up with no images. I will never know exactly why but between the camera not liking the cold, a possibly older film, and maybe messing something up with my Caffenol mixture the roll was so faint that I did not even bother with it and into the garbage it went.

Mixing fresh D-23 film developer from ingredients: Sodium Sulfite and Metol.Mixing D-23Photo Chemistry I took the same camera along again, my newly acquired Pentacon Six. I wanted to know that it worked. Only later did I have a chat with a repairman for these cameras who shared that Pentacon Six was really susceptible to not running the shutter properly in low temperatures. This time, I loaded it with film I am very familiar with though, a roll of Fomapan 400. And I eliminated one big variable, the Caffenol. While I have had some wonderful results from it this year I also ended up with two blank rolls already and did not want to repeat that.

To make sure things would not be too predictable though and to go against my own best judgement of only changing one variable, which would have been the camera in this case, I decided to try out a new developer, one that could be easily mixed at home, that would last a while, and that would be fresh each time. Sounds intriguing? Indeed. The developer is D-23 and the magic of it lasting and being "fresh" each time is in its replenisher DK-25R. So far, all ingredients are easy to buy and easy to mix. And while the pre-mixed developers are not expensive at least one major brand has suffered quality problems after shifting their manufacturing oversees.

Railroad Crossing, 3 Tracks, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a Pentacon Six on Fomapan 400, developed in D-23.Railroad Crossing, 3 TracksOrchard Park, NY

Railroad Crossing, 3 Tracks, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Pentacon Six on Fomapan 400 black and white film and developed in D-23

The first photo was really the primary trigger for these photo ops. I had driven past this railroad crossing sign many times and either did not have a camera with me or was in too much rush getting somewhere. On this day, I parked the car nearby and headed around the area on foot with just the Pentacon Six in hand. And I was not disappointed. The intersection looked great again, the snow cover was just about perfect, and I was really happy with how the film came out of my first attempt at home-brewed D-23.

Beautiful Barn in Winter, Orchard Park, NY. Photographed with a Pentacon Six on Fomapan 400, developed in D-23.Beautiful Barn in WinterOrchard Park, NY

Beautiful Barn in Winter
Photographed with a Pentacon Six on Fomapan 400 black and white film and developed in D-23

The barn was a wonderful bonus. While I was aware of it I did not have it on my mental list to return to. It's also set in a bit of a dip making it harder to see while driving on the road above. The winter set up worked wonderfully again simplifying everything placing focus squarely where it needed to be.

And to close today's post? I will deviate from the theme a bit here as the last photo was from a separate walk. Even the roll of 12 pictures proved too long for the village walk and I still had 2 frames left. My favorite wetlands provided an opportunity for another 3-mile walk and some photography.

A Bridge over a Frozen Creek, Orchard Park, NY.A Bridge over a Frozen CreekOrchard Park, NY

A Bridge over a Frozen Creek
Photographed with a Pentacon Six on Fomapan 400 black and white film and developed in D-23

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

References: D-23 on Pictorial Planet

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Snow Covered Spooky Winter Wetlands, Orchard Park, New YorkSpooky Winter WetlandsWinter Snow Covered Winter Entrance to the Wetlands Woods, Orchard Park, New YorkWinter EntranceWinter Through the Winter Landscape, Creek in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Through the Winter LandscapeWinter

Snowy Birdsong Gate in Winter with a Reflection in the Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Birdsong Gate in WinterWinter Winter Creek in Birdsong Park Covered in Ice and Snow, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Winter Creek at BirdsongWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy back road black and white cityscape cold d-23 film fomapan 400 medium format new york ny orchard park pentacon six snow square village winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/3/orchard-park-in-winter Mon, 01 Mar 2021 13:23:32 GMT Kingdom of Ice https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/2/kingdom-of-ice By the time I developed and scanned this roll of Ilford Delta 100 in 2020 winter has gone and I did not feel it was right to post more winter pictures. Let me share these cold photographs with you while it's cold and white out there before I miss my chance again.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

After a few year's break we are having a really nice winter. Snow has been around for several weeks, temperatures stayed well below freezing and dipped to single digits (Fahrenheit) nightly, and new snow fell almost every day to give the world around us a beautiful clean white look. That provided me with plenty of opportunities to go after new photographs but also to organize and post some white scenes from years past.

Hoak's Lakeshore Restaurant, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY. Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.Hoak's Lakeshore RestaurantKingdom of Ice

 

Hoak's Lakeshore Restaurant, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY
Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.

From this opening photo one would never know how the rest of the restaurant looked on this day. Being located right on the shore of Lake Erie at its southeastern tip it gets pummeled by weather quite often. Sometimes it is just the wind, other times high waves and water spray, and when that happens and temperatures drop below 32°F the building gets coated with ice.

Three Barrels in Ice, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY. Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.Three Barrels in IceKingdom of Ice

Three Barrels in Ice, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY
Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL

Let's step around the corner and all of a sudden the sunny and almost warm look is replaced with a frigid Kingdom of Ice. Anything that got in the way of the wind and the water spray it carried ended up with a frozen coat of ice, including these three barrels.

Cart and Wheelbarrow in Ice, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY. Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.Cart and Wheelbarrow in IceKingdom of Ice

Cart and Wheelbarrow in Ice, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY.
Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL

And just one more corner and we are looking at the lakefront patio of the restaurant completely locked in ice. It's on this side that the restaurant gets the full dose of Lake Erie's fury when weather turns vicious.

Lakefront Patio All in Ice, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY. Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.Lakefront Patio All in IceKingdom of Ice

Lakefront Patio All in Ice, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY.
Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL

To close today's set, let's step a bit further down Route 5 for a nice overall view of the decorations. As you can see, the shoreline wall and the utility poles were not spared either.

Ice Wrapped, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY. Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.Ice WrappedKingdom of Ice

Ice Wrapped, Kingdom of Ice, Hamburg, NY
Photographed with a Nikon FE on Ilfod Delta 100 black and white film and developed in Kodak XTOL.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Continued in Kingdom of Ice, Part 2

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Eighteen Mile Creek Bend in Winter, Hamburg, NY on FilmEighteen Mile Creek Bend in WinterWinter in Black & White Under the Fresh Ice on Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYUnder the IceWinter Puffed Up Smoke CreekPuffed Up Smoke CreekWinter in Black & White

Frozen Winter Artwork, Erie Basin Marina & Lighthouse, Buffalo, NYFrozen ArtworkWinter Sunny not Warm, frozen winter wonderland at Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NYSunny but not WarmWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white cityscape cold delta 100 film freezing hamburg ice lakeshore nikon fe winter wonderland xtol https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/2/kingdom-of-ice Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:34:43 GMT Winter Squares https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/2/winter-squares So apparently, my excitement for twin lens cameras (TLRs) was not just a summer fling. They carried me through fall and now well into the winter and they're still my favorite cameras to reach for. They are simple, have fixed lenses, yet result in gorgeous images on 120 film that provide plenty of quality to enjoy in any size prints.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

It's also another Caffenol diary for me as I continue that ride. I have to admit, it's with mixed results. And I don't mean mixed as so-so. When things work out I get excellent images to my liking and would not even need a different developer. However, I also had some results that were very bad. One 35mm roll was so thin I did not think I'd get any results from it. In the end, after scanning, some severe curves adjustments saved half of it. I attributed the failure to mixing Caffenol in the wrong sequence of ingredients resulting in intense foaming during inversions thus developing the film in foam for at least half the time.

Snow Covered Winter Entrance to the Wetlands Woods, Orchard Park, New YorkWinter EntranceOrchard Park, New York

Snow Covered Winter Entrance to the Wetlands Woods, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 1940s Rolleiflex Automat twin-lens reflex camera on Fomapan 400 Black and White Negative Film
Developed in Caffenol Delta Recipe

Then one roll of 120 ended up in trash since it was even thinner and seemed to have a host of other issues, like overlapping frames, possibly suffering from camera shutter issues, and maybe more. I was testing a "new" camera, a Pentacon Six, which to a naked eye appears to be working perfectly fine. But could I really see a hesitating shutter at 1/60 of a second? I also suspected that maybe somehow the film slipped during loading it on the real and ended up multiple times in the same groove preventing proper development. But I am not yet sure about either. And finally, I've had that roll of JCH Street Pan 400 sitting in the basement for couple years. That should not really be a concern but it is a film I shoot infrequently. Bottom line? Some failures with unproven theories about why. It could be there's something wrong with my Caffenol process. But what? The other 50% of my rolls end up just about perfect. A conundrum indeed.

Snow Covered Spooky Winter Wetlands, Orchard Park, New YorkSpooky Winter WetlandsOrchard Park, New York

Snow Covered Spooky Winter Wetlands, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 1940s Rolleiflex Automat twin-lens reflex camera on Fomapan 400 Black and White Negative Film
Developed in Caffenol Delta Recipe

Anyway, let's switch over to the positive side. Today's roll of Fomapan 400 was a nice rewarding success. It followed a similar success with Fomapan 200, a film with a different emulsion. With the 200 version I expected good things. Since Caffenol Delta was tuned to develop Ilford Delta T-Grained film I was assuming it would work similar magic with the Fomapan 200 hybrid emulsion. Since that was a definite success I wanted to see how a traditional emulsion of the 400 would react. And I like what I got again!

Snow Covered Winter Camp Shelter, Orchard Park, New YorkWinter CampOrchard Park, New York

Snow Covered Winter Camp Shelter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 1940s Rolleiflex Automat twin-lens reflex camera on Fomapan 400 Black and White Negative Film
Developed in Caffenol Delta Recipe

As you can see, the theme was very timely. We have had a nice winter so far in January and going into February and on couple occasions got some wet snow sticking to the trees creating a beautiful natural winter wonderland. It's times like that I love photography even more. It's often that extra push that gets me out of the door into the cold. And once I am out, it's all good. The laziness dissipates and winter beauty is all around!

Snow Covered Nose in Winter, Wetlands Woods and Trees, Orchard Park, New YorkThe NoseOrchard Park, New York

Snow Covered Nose in Winter, Wetlands Woods and Trees, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a 1940s Rolleiflex Automat twin-lens reflex camera on Fomapan 400 Black and White Negative Film
Developed in Caffenol Delta Recipe

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

References: You can find a whole publication dedicated to Caffenol recipes here: The Caffenol Cookbook.

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Snowy Birdsong Gate in Winter with a Reflection in the Creek, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Birdsong Gate in WinterWinter Branches and Trees Dressed in White Snowy Coat for Winter, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Branches Dressed for WinterWinter Through the Winter Landscape, Creek in Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York (NY)Through the Winter LandscapeWinter

Barn and silos in white in winter storm in Buffalo and Western New YorkBarn and Silos in WhiteWinter Snowstorm over three roofs, winter storm in Buffalo and Western New YorkSnowstorm over Three RoofsWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white caffenol cold fomapan 400 forest landscape nature orchard park outdoors rolleiflex snow square tlr winter woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/2/winter-squares Mon, 08 Feb 2021 12:00:00 GMT Some Thoughts on Film Digitization https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/2/some-thoughts-on-film-digitization Today, I have something definitely different for you. Today's post is about the process of film digitization, i.e. the process that takes the analog images captured on film and converts them into digital images that can be seen on our electronic gadgets, shared over the internet, or digitally printed. If you're here for photos and the behind the scenes stories, I am sorry but you will have to skip today's post and come back next week. In a way, this is more of a journal entry for me to have a reminder of the process I have already gone through so that I can improve it.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

This whole story has been developing for several months now. For the most part, I am comfortable with my digitization process having been doing it for over three years now. But I ran into problems with one of my rolls from the fall. It was a roll of Kodak Ektachrome E100, which I underexposed a little bit. And I am yet to get acceptable images out of it despite the frames looking quite well on a light table.

So first, the baseline. How do I digitize film? For 35mm black and white and 35mm color negative film, I use the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE scanner along with the supplied SilverFast software and I am very happy with the results I get. However, positive slide film has been a challenge with that scanner and software for me, even if counterintuitive. For medium format (120) film, I use the Epson V600 flatbed scanner with the supplied Epson software. And again, I am quite happy with my results. And finally, when I entered the area of large format photography, I had to find yet another solution. I looked into buying the Epson V850 scanner but was not all that excited about the $1,100+ price tag. On top of that, they've been out of stock for several months now and I am wondering whether they are ever coming back.

As you can see now I have three different digitization methods available to me, each with a specific purpose. However, it just so happens, that all of them can be used to digitize 35mm film. So I decided to give them all a shot with the troublesome roll. My goal? Which method would give me the most pleasing results. I wanted to get decent natural colors and acceptable sharpness. No, I was not looking for perfection, just really good if at all possible.

Below, I take you through three photographs, Sample A, Sample B, and Sample C, and show you the results I got from a dedicated 35mm scanner, a digital camera, and a flatbed scanner. For each digitization method I show the full size photo as well as a 100% crop to sow you the detail captured in full resolution.

--- Sample A ---

Sample A - Dedicated 35mm Scanner, Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast SoftwareSample A - Dedicated 35mm ScannerPlustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample A - Dedicated 35mm Scanner
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample A - Dedicated 35mm Scanner - 100% Crop, Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast SoftwareSample A - Dedicated 35mm Scanner - 100% CropPlustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample A - Dedicated 35mm Scanner - 100% Crop
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample A - Digital Camera, Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger StandSample A - Digital CameraNikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand

Sample A - Digital Camera
Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand

Sample A - Digital Camera - 100% Crop, Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger StandSample A - Digital Camera - 100% CropNikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand
Sample A - Digital Camera - 100% Crop
Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand

Sample A - Flatbed Scanner, Epson V600, Epson SoftwareSample A - Flatbed ScannerEpson V600, Epson Software

Sample A - Flatbed Scanner
Epson V600, Epson Software

Sample A - Flatbed Scanner - 100% Crop Epson V600, Epson SoftwareSample A - Flatbed Scanner - 100% CropEpson V600, Epson Software

Sample A - Flatbed Scanner - 100% Crop
Epson V600, Epson Software

--- Sample B ---

Sample B - Dedicated 35mm Scanner, Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast SoftwareSample B - Dedicated 35mm ScannerPlustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample B - Dedicated 35mm Scanner
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample B - Dedicated 35mm Scanner - 100% Crop, Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast SoftwareSample B - Dedicated 35mm Scanner - 100% CropPlustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample B - Dedicated 35mm Scanner - 100% Crop
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample B - Digital Camera, Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger StandSample B - Digital CameraNikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand

Sample B - Digital Camera
Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand

Sample B - Digital Camera - 100% Crop, Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger StandSample B - Digital Camera - 100% CropNikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand
Sample B - Digital Camera - 100% Crop
Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand

Sample B - Flatbed Scanner, Epson V600, Epson SoftwareSample B - Flatbed ScannerEpson V600, Epson Software

Sample B - Flatbed Scanner
Epson V600, Epson Software

Sample B - Flatbed Scanner - 100% Crop, Epson V600, Epson SoftwareSample B - Flatbed Scanner - 100% CropEpson V600, Epson Software

Sample B - Flatbed Scanner - 100% Crop
Epson V600, Epson Software

--- Sample C ---

Sample C - Dedicated 35mm Scanner, Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast SoftwareSample C - Dedicated 35mm ScannerPlustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample C - Dedicated 35mm Scanner
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample C - Dedicated 35mm Scanner - 100% Crop, Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast SoftwareSample C - Dedicated 35mm Scanner - 100% CropPlustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample C - Dedicated 35mm Scanner - 100% Crop
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, SilverFast Software

Sample C - Digital Camera, Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger StandSample C - Digital CameraNikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand

Sample C - Digital Camera
Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand

Sample C - Digital Camera - 100% Crop, Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger StandSample C - Digital Camera - 100% CropNikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand
Sample C - Digital Camera - 100% Crop
Nikon D610, Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens, Enlarger Stand

Sample C - Flatbed Scanner, Epson V600, Epson SoftwareSample C - Flatbed ScannerEpson V600, Epson Software

Sample C - Flatbed Scanner
Epson V600, Epson Software

Sample C - Flatbed Scanner - 100% Crop, Epson V600, Epson SoftwareSample C - Flatbed Scanner - 100% CropEpson V600, Epson Software

Sample C - Flatbed Scanner - 100% Crop
Epson V600, Epson Software

So what did this rather time consuming exercise give me? Rather disappointing results. From a sharpness point of view, the Plustek scanner definitely won. I got disappointingly blurry images from my digital camera. Here, the film was held in place using the decently sturdy Plustek film holder. The flatbed was blurry too, probably mostly due to the absolutely flimsy film holders that didn't prevent cupping and thus the film plane was far from flat.

From a color accuracy point of view, the digital camera won, followed closely by the flatbed. The Plustek was by far the worst. It made the photos look more like something one would get from a color negative film, not even close to what I saw on a light table. I'd guess this is most likely due to Silverfast but why it does so well with negatives and so poorly with positives I don't know.

The bottom line is that I still don't have acceptable digital photos from this roll. And I am quite discouraged having invested so much time into it already. But I will give it another try as I am convinced I can get more out of the digital camera. Possible improvements? Several: I used a 3-second exposure delay with mirror lock-up but triggered the shutter manually pressing the camera shutter button. Even after 3 seconds, there could have been some camera shake remaining. I must use a remote release next time. Despite the Plustek film holder being sturdy and clearly yielding decent results in the scanner I can get an even better holder that should hold the film flatter. And I should be able to do the digitization in tethered mode while observing the results on a much larger screen for immediate focusing feedback.

There will be a follow up at some point ... (There finally is. If you want to get the best colors out of your scanner, continue reading More Thoughts on Film Digitization).

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

PS: And no, this was not my first time trying digital camera scanning. I have been trying to improve my process for quite a while while definitely not relying on it as my primary scanning method (see the top of the post for my current process). During that time, I improved my backlighting, mounted the camera on a sturdy stand, switched from using extension tubes to a dedicated macro lens, eliminated subtle reflections by enclosing my rig in a black tube, and probably more. I know several people who get excellent results to their full satisfaction but I am not one of them (yet). Until that day, I need my scanners.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog camera challenge color accuracy digital digitize film frustration positive problems scanner sharpness slide https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/2/some-thoughts-on-film-digitization Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:11:58 GMT Winter Stopped By, Part 2 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/1/winter-stopped-by-part-2 ... continued from Winter Stopped By

While I did not intend on this being a two-part post here we are back to the wonderful Birdsong Park in Orchard Park, New York. Not only did I have more photos to share but I completely forgot about including some technical information last time. I usually skip the technical details and focus on the images and the experience but sometimes, I get excited enough about the process to share, and that is what I would like to do here.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

So what got me so excited to really want to go into the details? It's the chemistry! I develop almost all of my film in commercial developers and for black and white negatives, I've settled on Kodak XTOL or it's alternatives, like the LegacyPro EcoPro developer. I like the balanced contrast that gets me, the sharpness, and just the right amount of grain to my taste. And I really enjoy developing film myself. I am pretty sure I would not be a dedicated film photographer if I did not do my own development. To me, that is the essence of the experience, even if time consuming.

Through the Winter Landscape, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkThrough the Winter LandscapeBirdsong Park

Through the Winter Landscape, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Yashica LM twin-lens reflex on Fomapan 200 Black and White Negative Film
Developed in Caffenol Delta Recipe

However, here and there my curiosity gets the better of me and I need to try something else. This time, I intended from the very beginning to run this roll of Fomapan 200 through Caffenol. Fomapan 100 and 400 have been my go to black and white films for a long while but for a bad reason I stayed away from 200. A bad reason you ask? I read a few articles on various message boards and online groups and they all raved about how good the classic grain of the 100 and 400 is while they decried Fomapan 200. After years, I finally bought a roll of 200 and decided to give it a whirl.

The Creek Guard Tree in Winter, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkThe Creek GuardBirdsong Park

The Creek Guard Tree in Winter, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Yashica LM twin-lens reflex on Fomapan 200 Black and White Negative Film
Developed in Caffenol Delta Recipe

I also wanted to give Caffenol another shot. I had used it a few times in the past but was somewhat neutral about my results. I actually liked my results with darkroom prints in Caffenol more than my film developing. However, I had seen several outstanding photos developed in a different recipe, specifically Caffenol Delta. It is my understanding the recipe was fine-tuned specifically for Ilford Delta films, which have T-Grain emulsions. Since Fomapan 200 is a hybrid, I figured why not give the same recipe a try. It is a very simple recipe:

  • 1000ml Water
  • 45g Instant coffee
  • 24g Washing soda
  • 20g Vitamin C

Even though this recipe does not call for Potassium Bromide (KBr) I added 1mg. I had it available and I also wanted to develop a higher speed film with it. I used the first 500ml for Fomapan 200 and the other 500ml for Agfa APX 400 exposed at EI 800. To complete the technical details here, I developed this roll of Fomapan 200 at 68°F for 12 minutes. I am so happy with the results that I will definitely try even the classic Fomapan 100 and 400 in the same recipe. What gets me so excited about Caffenol? I love that it is easy to make at home with mostly easily accessible ingredients, and I love the almost zero toxicity. Yes, I ended up adding KBr, but only 1mg along with 1,089mg of other environment friendly ingredients, which is less that 0.1%.

White Trail of Wonders, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkWhite Trail of WondersBirdsong Park

White Trail of Wonders, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Yashica LM twin-lens reflex on Fomapan 200 Black and White Negative Film
Developed in Caffenol Delta Recipe

So there you have it, the look of winter combined with silver, coffee, vitamin C, and washing soda. What's not to like? I'll admit, I am hooked!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

References: You can find a whole publication dedicated to Caffenol recipes here: The Caffenol Cookbook.

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Icy Pier in Winter, Sturgeon Point Marina.Icy PierWinter Wonderland Icicle Formation, Lake Erie Shore in Winter, Sturgeon PointIcicle FormationWinter Wonderland Broken tree in winter storm in Buffalo and Western New YorkBrokenWinter Wonderland

Eighteen Mile Creek Bend in Winter, Hamburg, NY on FilmEighteen Mile Creek Bend in WinterWinter Wonderland Reaching for Life, a Tree Branch Peeking through Ice and Snow at Emery Park.ReachingWinter Wonderland

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy birdsong black and white caffenol cold fomapan 200 landscape nature orchard park outdoors park snow square tlr winter yashica lm https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/1/winter-stopped-by-part-2 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:51:24 GMT Winter Stopped By https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/1/winter-stopped-by On Christmas Eve 2020, the weather decided to cooperate and sent a nice dose of puffy snow our way. Waking up the next morning was quite magical with almost a foot of snow on the ground and trees coated in white. It was time for a family walk and definitely an opportunity to take a camera along. The location choice? Birdsong Park right in Orchard Park, New York.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

We were the first ones to arrive for a walk there. The road leading to the parking lot loop was plowed but the parking spaces were not. With a four wheel drive vehicle and a shovel in the trunk the foot of snow was not going to stop us even if the snow plow created an even higher barrier to enter. Off to the side we pushed in, parked, and set for our walk.

We had to make our own path through the field before entering the woods, which made walking more challenging but also more rewarding and definitely created a wonderful winter mood. Nothing quite matches the feeling of walking through fresh snow, feet sinking ankle deep or more with fresh cold air to breathe.

As always, this park does not kid around and has some beautiful sites to offer as soon as one turns into the woods on the first boardwalk. The path leads over a wet area and a creek and looks beautiful on both sides. I usually find the view to the left more appealing but this morning I believe the right-hand side actually had an edge with the trees and branches covered in pristine white snow.

Snowy Winter Creek at Birdsong, Orchard Park, New YorkWinter Creek at BirdsongOrchard Park, New York

Snowy Winter Creek at Birdsong, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Yashica LM twin-lens reflex on Fomapan 200 Black and White Negative Film
Developed in Caffenol Delta Recipe

It's beautiful occasions like these that the camera of choice drives my photography quite a bit. With the Yashica twin lens reflex camera being loaded with 120 film I only had 12 frames for the morning. And since this was a family walk I wanted to keep things simple and did not even bring a spare roll. Thus, 12 it was to be split between portraits and landscape photos. With a 35mm roll of 36 I would have probably gone crazy and used up the whole roll too. As a result, the shorter roll held me back and made me pick and choose. That is not a complaint, that was a good thing. This being one of my favorite local destinations I already have many photos in all seasons and being choosy is the right approach, I believe.

Branches Dressed for Winter, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkBranches Dressed for WinterOrchard Park, New York

Branches Dressed for Winter, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Yashica LM twin-lens reflex on Fomapan 200 Black and White Negative Film
Developed in Caffenol Delta Recipe

Despite the need for restraint, this spot got me. After two frames to the right I just had to take a picture of the scene on the left too. The tree bent over the creek forming a gate has been my favorite for a long time and it looked very nice this morning, Even its reflection in the creek looked better with all of the snow around.

Birdsong Park Gate in Winter, Orchard Park, New YorkBirdsong Gate in WinterOrchard Park, New York

Birdsong Park Gate in Winter, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed with a Yashica LM twin-lens reflex on Fomapan 200 Black and White Negative Film
Developed in Caffenol Delta Recipe

Later that day more snow arrived and we were knee deep making for even more charming walks. Unfortunately, true to the last few years, the winter wonderland did not last long and a warm front arrived and rained on the parade. I already look forward for the next winter visit. Still, even if brief, I love winter landscapes. Snow covers everything up and creates nice clean and simple landscapes. Come on winter, come back and bring it on!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Watchman's Big Toe, Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY in WinterWatchman's Big ToeWinter Winter Lakeshore, Rocks, Sand, Ice, and Snow at Sturgeon Point on Lake ErieWinter LakeshoreWinter The Green Lake Watchmen, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY in WinterThe Green Lake WatchmenWinter

Puffed Up Smoke Creek, Green Lake at Yates Park, Orchard Park, New YorkPuffed Up Smoke CreekWinter Frosty Horseshoe Falls of NIagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and New York State (NY), United States (USA).Frosty Horseshoe FallsWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy birdsong caffenol cold fomapan 200 landscape nature orchard park outdoors park snow tlr winter yashica lm https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2021/1/winter-stopped-by Mon, 04 Jan 2021 13:15:57 GMT Fall Squares https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/12/fall-squares Here we are in mid-December but the little bit of snow we had is gone by now and we're squarely back to the season of gray. I think that's a great opportunity to look at some colorful scenes from the fall season that has recently retired, don't you?

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

This time I hit the road with a classic camera from the 1940, the Rolleiflex Automat. I usually load black and white film in my twin lens reflex cameras but this was in the fall and colors were everywhere. Thus, Kodak Portra 160 went in. Over the last few fall seasons I have come to really appreciate the colors one gets from various film stocks, whether the subtle tones of Portra or even the vivid colors of Ektar. They all provide a pleasant alternative to the oversaturated world we're bombarded with these days.

Hay Bales by Mill Road, Fall in Western New York, Photographed with Rolleiflex Automat on Kodak Portra 160 color negative filmHay Bales by Mill RoadFall in Western New York

Hay Bales by Mill Road, Fall in Western New York
Photographed with a Rolleiflex Automat on Kodak Portra 160 Color Negative Film

I took a slight detour on my way to the Emery Park to take a peek at the overlook at the top of Mill Road. It's just a minute out of the way and the view is always very nice. I was so glad I did that! It was just about the perfect combination. Great bright fall day with fall colors in the trees lining the large meadow and hay bales! I am a sucker for hay bales so this truly was a treat!

After that, turn around, a bit back down the hill, a left turn and off towards Emery Park. The park itself is very nice and provies beautiful scenic views in all seasons but even getting there is a treat. I often take further detours and explore the back roads zigzagging through the landscape in the general direction of my destination. There were even a few cases when I never made it to the park at all.

Stairs at Emery Park, Fall in Western New York, Photographed with Rolleiflex Automat on Kodak Portra 160 color negative filmStairs at Emery ParkFall in Western New York

Stairs at Emery Park, Fall in Western New York
Photographed with a Rolleiflex Automat on Kodak Portra 160 Color Negative Film

I usually don't like blotchy scenes when sunshine finds its way though treetops. Not ony is it more difficult to photograph with the high contrast between the dark and light spots but it is usually also difficult to watch and make sense of the scene. However, I really liked the set up in front of me here. The stone walls, the steps, and a patchwork of light and shadows leading up to the tree line.

Colorful Alley at Emery Park, Fall in Western New York, Photographed with Rolleiflex Automat on Kodak Portra 160 color negative filmColorful Alley at Emery ParkFall in Western New York

Colorful Alley at Emery Park, Fall in Western New York
Photographed with a Rolleiflex Automat on Kodak Portra 160 Color Negative Film

To close, a small road winding through the park lined with colorful trees of the season. Always great to take a drive or a ride on roads like this, or even better, park the vehicle of choice somewhere and take a slow walk, take a breath, and let all problems melt away!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Fall Colors of Emery Park, Western New YorkFall Colors of Emery ParkWestern New York Shelter in Fall - Autumn by MIddle Falls, Letchworth State Park, New York (NY).Letchworth ShelterWestern New York Yellow Alley at Emery Park, New York (NY) near East Aurora and Buffalo in the Fall - Autumn.Yellow Alley at Emery ParkWestern New York

The Music of Fall at Birdsong, Path between Colorful Trees, Autumn in Orchard Park, New York (NY).The Music of Fall at BirdsongWestern New York Country Road through Fall, Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora, New York (NY)Country Road through FallWestern New York

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colors emery park fall film foliage kodak landscape mill road ny outdoors portra rolleiflex scenic square western new york https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/12/fall-squares Tue, 22 Dec 2020 12:45:36 GMT Holding on to Summer https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/12/holding-on-to-summer I know, it is December and there are snowflakes in the air this morning but since we're not all in white let's keep it warm today and go back to summer. Let's take a stroll along Buffalo's Outer Harbor and look around.

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Every time I am on the Outer Harbor I appreciate what has happened there in the last five to ten years. The comparison to the late 1990s or even early 2000s is striking. The land got cleaned up, opened to public, and lightly developed. As a result, people have a wonderful area on Lake Erie to enjoy. It's a great addition to the downtown Erie Basin Marina and it provides miles of trails for walking, running, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Up the Breakwall, Buffalo Harbor State Park; Photographed on FilmUp the BreakwallBuffalo Harbor State Park

Up the Breakwall, Buffalo Harbor State Park
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Fuji Velvia 50 Color Slide Film

However, every time I sit down to post my photographs from there I also like to search the internet and learn about what is happening there and what future plans may hold. And that is usually when my heart sinks. While I view the creation on this public space as one of the best thngs that has happened in Buffalo, NY over the last 20 years it seems like there are active efforts to make that success short-lived. There are efforts to capitalize on this premium waterfront property and turn it into privately owned condos or other ventures generating cash. What a shame if that happens. What took decades to get to might forever be lost.

Water Gas Station, Small Boat Harbor in Buffalo, NY; Photographed on FilmWater Gas StationSmall Boat Harbor in Buffalo, NY

Water Gas Station, Small Boat Harbor in Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Fuji Velvia 50 Color Slide Film

So in the meantime, let's enjoy what we have while we have it. This whole stretch of waterfront from the Cargill Pool grain elevator all the way up to Buffalo Main Light is truly remarkable right now, whether you traverse it on foot or two wheels. And in summer there is a ferry that can take you across Buffalo River to Canalside, another recent success story. And from there, Erie Basin Marina awaits as well as Lasalle Park and more trails north.

South End Marina and Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Buffalo, NY; Photographed on FilmSouth End MarinaBuffalo, NY

South End Marina and Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Fuji Velvia 50 Color Slide Film

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

References: Our Outer Harbor (public comments sought now!)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Grain Elevator at Dusk, South End Marina Cargill Pool Elevator / Saskatchewan Cooperative Elevator, Gallagher Pier, Outer Harbor, Buffalo, NY.Grain Elevator at DuskBuffalo, NY Buffalo Union Ship Canal Bridge in BlueBuffalo Union Ship Canal Bridge in BlueBuffalo, NY

Film photography: Edward M Cotter & USS Little Rock, Canalside, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter & USS Little RockBuffalo, NY Little Rock & Spirit of Buffalo Ships at Canalside and Naval Park, Buffalo, NYLittle Rock & Spirit of BuffaloBuffalo, NY Golden Niagara River & Purple Peace Bridge at dusk, Buffalo, NYGold & Purple Peace BridgeBuffalo, NY

The Naval & Military Park and Liberty Hound at Night, Waterfront, Buffalo, NYThe Naval & Military Park at NightBuffalo, NY Sunrise over Gallagher Pier Roofs, Outer Harbor, Waterfront, Buffalo, New York (NY).Sunrise over Gallagher Pier RoofsBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo city scape film fuji velvia new york nikon n75 ny outdoors outer harbor public land small boat harbor summer urban waterfront https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/12/holding-on-to-summer Mon, 14 Dec 2020 12:00:00 GMT Twin Lens Challenge Zine 2020 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/12/twin-lens-challenge-zine-2020 Twin Lens Challenge Zine (TLR), an International Collaboration of Film PhotographersTwin Lens Challenge Zine2020 This was such a fun project with a group of 23 international film photographers! And I am so glad I managed to wrap things up in time for everyone getting their copy before this crazy year of 2020 is over. And yes, we printed a few extra ones so if you are interested, click on one of the images below and get a copy of your own.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

It all started back on June 1, 2020 when we formed the group to do the project. All photos had to be made using a Twin Lens Reflex Camera. Each photographer committed to shooting three rolls of 120 black and white film and selecting one photo from each roll plus one wild card to submit to the group. Then we voted on each four selecting the final two for each photographer. Twenty-three photographers, two photographs each, that gives you forty-six total previously unpublished photographs to enjoy in the zine.

The zine is only available in this printed form to provide a tangible physical output from the project in this increasingly digital world where ones and zeros are quickly born and die a few seconds later. Whether you get a copy to enjoy yourself or give as a gift to someone, the hope is that they will pause, sit down with a beverage, and flip through the pages white reading the individual commentary each photographer provided.

Twin Lens Challenge Zine (TLR), an International Collaboration of Film PhotographersTwin Lens Challenge Zine2020

Yes, as you flip the pages, you will have an opportunity to learn about Twin Lens Reflex cameras, about this project, a little bit about each photographer and also about each featured photograph.

Twin Lens Challenge Zine (TLR), an International Collaboration of Film PhotographersTwin Lens Challenge Zine2020

Grab a copy, take a moment to pause the hustle and bustle, and enjoy!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018Zine Issue 1Road Trip 2018 Zine Issue 2: Chasing WaterfallsZine Issue 2Chasing Waterfalls The 135mm Challenge Zine 2019, The Negative Positives Film Photography PodcastThe 135mm ChallengeZine 2019 Zine Issue 3: South Carolina Road Trip 2019Zine Issue 3South Carolina Road Trip 2019

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white challenge classic collaboration community film international lens photo book tlr twin zine https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/12/twin-lens-challenge-zine-2020 Wed, 09 Dec 2020 22:09:34 GMT Out for a Ride https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/11/out-for-a-ride A beautiful sunny evening and temperatures in the 70s made for wonderful conditions to combine two hobbies. I grabbed my Nikon FE2 with a previously started roll of Ilford FP4 black and white film, a bottle of water, placed both in the bag on the motorcycle and headed out to explore the countryside.

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Whether in a car or on a motorcycle I like small back roads, the smaller and less frequented the better. When I am out to enjoy the scenery the thing I want last is someone in a hurry on my tail. In fact, if I can find a road where I won't run into other cars at all that is ideal. Unfortunately, that is more and more difficult here around Buffalo, NY. It seems there are more and more cars everywhere with each year.

Country Roads on Motorcycle, Western New York; Nikon FE2, Ilford FP4Country Roads on MotorcycleWestern New York

Country Roads on a Motorcycle, Western New York
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 on Ilford FP4 Black and White Film

I had a vague idea where to start. I have always liked the Centerline Road as it finds its way over the rolling hills to the east. And a starting point is really all one needs. After that, it's just a matter of looking around and making random turns based on what looks interesting. In fact, the closer one gets to getting lost the better. No longer having a destination in mind provides a complete freedom to simply enjoy the moment.

Black Cow on a Pasture, Western New York; Nikon FE2, Ilford FP4 Black and White FilmBlack CowWestern New York

Black Cow on a Pasture, Western New York
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 on Ilford FP4 Black and White Film

The only limiting factor becomes time as the fading light of the evening makes picture taking impossible at some point. And returning home on the small country roads in the dark can be challenging too as they may not be that well maintained and potholes can lurk.

Happy Cows Resting on a Pasture, Western New York; Nikon FE2, Ilford FP4 Black and White FilmHappy CowsWestern New York

Happy Cows Resting on a Pasture, Western New York
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 on Ilford FP4 Black and White Film

My equipment for these rides is very simplistic. No camera bag full of gadgets, no tripod. Usually just one camera pre-loaded with film based on the weather and one filter already mounted on the lens. It's all tuned up for a quick action so that I can pull over, take the picture, and move on. The motorcycle has some advantages over cars as it fits easier on the side without blocking the road.

Geese on Pond Watch, Western New York; Nikon FE2, Ilford FP4 Black and White FilmGeese on Pond WatchWestern New York

Geese on Pond Watch, Western New York
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 on Ilford FP4 Black and White Film

By now, temperatures have dropped below freezing and we have switched from daylight savings time back to standard. Thus, it's dark after 5 p.m. And even worse, the roads have seen their first doses of salt. More rides like this may have to wait until spring or some longer heat waves coming through the region. Until the next one!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

A House Past Prime, Black & WhiteA House Past PrimeBlack & White Washed and Wet Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom Engine, Black & WhiteSportster 1200 CustomBlack & White Stormy Weather over Lake Erie, Hamburg Beach, Buffalo, NY; Black & WhiteStormy Weather over the LakeBlack & White

Nostalgic Black and White Hydraulic Hearth Restaurant, Larkin Square, Buffalo, New York (NY)Nostalgic Hydraulic HearthBlack & White Hamburg Palace Classic, Black & WhiteHamburg Palace ClassicBlack & White

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white countryside fe2 film FP4 harley ilford kodak landscape motorcycle new york nikon ny photography ride western new york https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/11/out-for-a-ride Thu, 19 Nov 2020 14:14:23 GMT Rybník Špinka in Fog https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/11/rybnik-spinka-in-fog With the complete lack of travel in 2020 I have not been motivated to post my past travel pictures either. As such, couple series have had a rather long break. As I sat down on Sunday evening and browsed through couple options for Monday I have decided to break the travel drought and am taking you on a trip to the Czech Republic.

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Fog is usually a fall phenomena so I was rather surprised to wake up into a think fog at the beginning of summer. My surprise turned into an alarm quickly though as I scurried to find some clothes, my camera bag, and shoes and I was out of the door in minutes. I love fog and I know how fleeting it can be. At least at this location I had no driving to do. The lake was just couple minutes on foot.

Špinka in Fog (Rybnik Spinka), Czech RepublicŠpinka in FogCzech Republic

Špinka in Fog, Czech Republic

I quickly explored the near shore and peed through high grass and bushes to explore a nice viewpoint. The fog remained very thick and I had to find some foreground to include that would actually remain visible. In the end, I found a few vantage points I liked and am sharing one of those with you today.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Ballooning above Špinka, Červený Kostelec, Czech RepublicBallooning above ŠpinkaCzech Republic Squeezed Between Rocks, Czech RepublicSqueezed Between RocksCzech Republic Path through Fields of Gold, a Rolling Hill Dirt Road in Nemotice, Czech Republic, Europe.Path through Fields of GoldCzech Republic
 

Chvalkovice Wind Mill at Dusk, rolling hills of Southern Moravia, Czech Republic, Europe.Chvalkovice Wind Mill at DuskCzech Republic Winding road through rolling hills of Southern Moravia, Mouchnice, Czech Republic, Europe.Rolling Hills of Southern MoraviaCzech Republic

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy czech republic fog green lake landscape nature spinka summer travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/11/rybnik-spinka-in-fog Mon, 16 Nov 2020 11:25:58 GMT Bright and Happy Fall World https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/11/bright-and-happy-fall-world Last post was a celebration of the wonderful bright and sunny summer we had here in Western New York. And today, I am continuting in the same spirit while moving one season forward. The 2020 fall was absolutely gorgeous with plenty of sunshine for everybody to enjoy it and forget about all of the troubles this year brought.

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This was not a year of long-distance travel, this was a year to explore one's back yard. And there was so much when one cared to look. We revisited many familiar places and enjoyed sights we had seen many times before, we found new trails in those familiar places, and we found completely new destinations that we'd never visited before despite living so close to them for so long. And yes, my cameras joined us on these trips.

Today's post is very close to home. It is literally just up the hill. Chestnut Ridge park has beautiful colors to offer each year and this fall was no exception. I love looking for frames of pure nature excluding any signs of humanity but I also enjoy including paths and roads in my photographs. Maybe it is because they make the photographs more ordinary and closer to what we see every day. Maybe it is because the paths take us somewhere forward. Or maybe it is because of something altogether different.

Colors Turning at Chestnut Ridge, Fall Foliage, Orchard Park, NYColors Turning at Chestnut RidgeFall Foliage

Colors Turning at Chestnut Ridge, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Rolleiflex Automat on Kodak Portra 160 Color Negative Film

On this bright fall day I had my 1940s twin lens reflex Rolleiflex camera with me loaded with 12 available exposures of Kodak Portra 160. Over the last few years I have really enjoyed the subtle colors of this film. To me it provides a nice counterbalance to today's digital world full of bold saturated colors that go way above and beyond what things look like naturally. As such, the subtlety allows me ro rest my eyes and take a stroll through the outdoors scenes without being immediately overwhelmed.

Red and Orange Chestnut Ridge Park, Fall Foliage, Orchard Park, NYRed and Orange Chestnut Ridge ParkFall Foliage

Red and Orange Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed with a Rolleiflex Automat on Kodak Portra 160 Color Negative Film

How about you? Which photographic version of the colorful season do you prefer?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Fall Colors around Murder Creek, Akron, Western New York (NY)Fall Colors around Murder CreekColorful Outdoors Down The Rocks it Goes - Smoke Creek Falls, Green Lake - Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYDown The Rocks it Goes - Smoke Creek FallsColorful Outdoors Fall Cascades, Waterfalls and Cascades along Rose River Falls Trail in Shenandoah National ParkFall CascadesColorful Outdoors

Lower Emery Falls in the FallLower Emery Falls in the FallColorful Outdoors Fall At Watkins GlenFall At Watkins GlenColorful Outdoors

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy bright chestnut ridge colorful colors fall film foliage happy kodak landscape new york ny outdoors park portra 160 rolleiflex scenic trees https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/11/bright-and-happy-fall-world Mon, 09 Nov 2020 12:49:48 GMT Bright and Happy Summer World https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/11/bright-and-happy-summer-world Summer and flowers go hand in hand and while we're at the end of our colorful fall season let's take a trip back and enjoy some happy summer views. And what other flower says sun better than a sunflower? Let's fill the page with them!

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

First thanks are in order to Sunflowers of Sanborn. Sure, if you're a professional photographer and get paid for shooting on their fields, you need to get a permit. However, if you're a hobbyist or fine art photographer that is not on a paid engagement you don't have to. And from what I have seen they are very generous towards photography. People take pictures of each other all over, selfies are flying through Instagram and other platforms, and yes, you will see a pro here and there on a mission.

Despite the fam being very popular and the parking lot being often filled there is enough space for the crowds to spread out even during these COVID times. If you come earlier in the day, there will be fewer people and vice versa.

So thank you, I have truly enjoyed photographing my family and sunflowers there, and our dining room table had a new centerpiece after the visit. This was a very refreshing experience to me as photographers are often frowned upon or hassled.

Orange and Yellow Sunflower, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New YorkOrange and Yellow SunflowerSunflowers of Sanborn

Orange and Yellow Sunflower, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New York
Photographed with a Mamiya 645 on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film

For this visit I decided to leave my trusty 35mm cameras behind and only used a single camera, the Mamiya 645 1000s with manual focus lenses. And I used a variety trying to cover both wide views as well as tighter close ups. The film of choice? I brought both color negative as well as positive transparency film. Today, I am sharing my photographs captured on Kodak Ektar 100, a film that should go well with bold colors. I will leave the judgement regarding how well it worked up to you. Aside for this roll I also left with a roll of Kodak Ektachrome E100.

A Single Orange Sunflower, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New YorkA Single Orange SunflowerSunflowers of Sanborn

A Single Orange Sunflower, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New York
Photographed with a Mamiya 645 on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film

For most of the photographs I wanted to use a very shallow depth of field, a very different approach from my usual landscape photography relying on a small aperture and hyperfocal distance. I really wanted to isolate individual flower heads and take advantage of the shallower depth of field inherent to medium format compared to 35mm.

Yellow Sunfower, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New YorkYellow SunfowerSunflowers of Sanborn

Yellow Sunflower, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New York
Photographed with a Mamiya 645 on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film

That, however, posed a focusing challenge with the fully manual system and my far from perfect sight. I took my time, focused carefully, and was happy that in the end the majority of the frames were properly focused. And yes, there were a few that did not make it.

Sunflower Profile, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New YorkSunflower ProfileSunflowers of Sanborn

Sunflower Profile, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New York
Photographed with a Mamiya 645 on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film

I failed to mention another great feature of this sunflower farm, which may have already become obvious from the included photographs. They grow a variety of sunflowers, which definitely help with the ultimate variety of photographs.

An Old Farm Truck, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New YorkAn Old Farm TruckSunflowers of Sanborn

An Old Farm Truck, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New York
Photographed with a Mamiya 645 on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film

Yes, there are other exciting props scattered through the farm. An old truck, a tractor or two, and even some old frames to frame your headshots with that are provided to people free of charge.

Have you heard that sunflowers follow the sun and turn their heads based on where the sun is? Well, not really. It's a bit of a myth and only partially true. Young sunflowers indeed turn their heads, however, at some point they stop and forever face east. As a result you may want to plan the time of day based on whether you want the sunflowers front or backlit or lit by the scorching noon sun. And your choices may be limited by the opening time of the farm you visit. Sunflowers of Sanborn did not open until 11 am in 2020 sunrise or the morning golden hour was not an easy option.

Tall Sunflower, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New YorkTall SunflowerSunflowers of Sanborn

Tall Sunflower, Sunflowers of Sanborn, New York
Photographed with a Mamiya 645 on Kodak Ektar 100 Color Negative Film

This was a very fun family visit and each of us had fun. And we left with some beautiful sunflowers as souvenirs and a way to say thank you. I will definitely be looking at more sunflower farms next year and hopefully return to Sanborn too.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

References: The Mystery Of Why Sunflowers Turn To Follow The Sun

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area near Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400 FilmOak OrchardColorful Nature Mossy Niagara River Banks at Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls, New York (NY)Mossy Niagara River BanksColorful Nature Leaning Trees of Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkLeaning Trees of BirdsongColorful Nature

Spring Day at Emery ParkSpring Day at Emery ParkColorful Nature Lower Akron Falls, New York (NY) in summer frequently reduced to a trickle that can be magical.The Akron FallsColorful Nature

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy bright colorful colors ektar film flowers happy kodak new york ny outdoors sanborn scenic summer sunflowers https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/11/bright-and-happy-summer-world Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:00:00 GMT The Creeks of Birdsong https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/10/the-creeks-of-birdsong Birdsong Park in Orchard Park, NY has grown on me over time becoming one of my favorite places to visit and photograph in all seasons. Today, I'm sharing a set of black and white photographs from there from early summer. Their common theme is creeks. They are also connected by all being photographed on one of my favorite films, the Kodak Double-X, aka Kodak 5222.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

That film captures tonality that is very appealing to me and I especially love how it handles highlights, despite the film being developed primarily for recording movies in dim conditions. Its increased sensitivity to blue and reduced sensitivity to red may not be the best for capturing blue skies through an orange or red filters but it shines in conditions like these. I was in the woods and the outside light was seeping in through all of that new foliage.

This opening photograph is what I usually encounter first when I turn into the woods the very first opportunity there is. The boardwalk almost immediately goes over this small creek and to the left there is this broken tree forming a gate over the water. I have seen this scene many times and it always strikes me as beautiful and never quite the same.

Birdsong Creek Gate with a Pentax K1000 on Kodak Double-X 5222, Orchard Park, NYBirdsong Creek GateOrchard Park, NY

Birdsong Creek Gate
Birdsong with a Pentax K1000 on Double-X 5222

Coming out of the woods the path winds its way by two wonderful ponds that each offer plentiful photographic opportunities. However, for this series of creeks we need to keep on walking, re-enter the woods, and come out on the other side. Just before the path exits the woods we are back over the creek on  boardwalk and what a creek it is. It moves through the woods in picturesque short zigzags and is covered with a canopy of trees growing in all kinds of directions anywhere from vertical to almost horizontal. And that's what caught my eye on this day.

Birdsong Creek in the Woods with a Pentax K1000 on Kodak Double-X 5222, Orchard Park, NYBirdsong Creek in the WoodsOrchard Park, NY

Birdsong Creek in the Woods
Birdsong with a Pentax K1000 on Double-X 5222

As if to confirm its charming looks, this creek proves the point further down the trail. Coming to the very end of the hike there is a creek visible just off to the right. And it just happens to be a middle section of the same creek just about midway between the first and second photos above. And again enclosed among trees growing in seemingly impossible directions.

Birdsong Creek with a Pentax K1000 on Kodak Double-X 5222, Orchard Park, NYBirdsong CreekOrchard Park, NY

Birdsong Creek
Birdsong with a Pentax K1000 on Double-X 5222

So there you have it, a quick walk through a wonderful town park and three photographs of the same creek. So yes, I admit, calling this post The Creeks of Birdsong is a bit misleading. But is that really important?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Lower Niagara River Rapids - The Wave Crash, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Negative FilmLower Niagara Rapids - The CrashMonochrome Lower Niagara River Gorge & Rapids - The Cliffs, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Negative FilmLower Niagara Rapids - The CliffsMonochrome Lower Niagara River Rapids - The Wave Swell, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Negative FilmLower Niagara Rapids - The SwellMonochrome

Film Phtography: Upper Papermill Falls in Black & White, Letchworth State Park, New YorkUpper Papermill Falls in Black & WhiteMonochrome Eighteen Mile Creek Bend in Winter, Hamburg, NY on FilmEighteen Mile Creek Bend in WinterMonochrome

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 5222 birdsong black and white double-x film k1000 kodak landscape light nature ny orchard park outdoors park pentax https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/10/the-creeks-of-birdsong Thu, 22 Oct 2020 11:00:00 GMT Fall Favorite (A bit too much) https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/10/fall-favorite-a-bit-too-much Fall is different each year. Colors seem to progress at different speeds and to different levels and the leaves hang on for different times. But each year nature puts on quite a show, a show I love, but also a show that makes me wary of what's to come. And therefore I head out as much as possible to soak it all in, to have memories to get me through the six months of gray.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I goofed and overwrote my original post from Letchworth with a new article. I have done a minimal restore to show the original two photographs along with some minimal text around it. The rest of the original post is gone with the wind though.

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Thanks to having visited the park many times over the years I now feel more freedom to stay away from the main highlights and hot spots and seek natural beauty a bit more off-the-beaten-path, even if it's right next door. The park has so much to offer that a photograph is waiting on every step.

Mighty Old Tree, Fall in Letchworth State Park, New YorkMighty Old TreeFall in Letchworth

Mighty Old Tree, Fall in Letchworth State Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon F4 on Kodak Portra 800 Color Negative Film

I really love when parks integrate safety features into the landscape in an attractive way, like this stone wall in Letchworth State Park. Huge metal railings or concrete walls are eye-sores that often ruin the scenic nature of the natural places. Unfortunately, those brute features are becoming more and more common due to people's stupidity and often selfie seeking. Often you will see people behind barriers looking for the best vantage point or to snap the most adventurous selfie. And it's all goof until something happens. And then the authorities are either compelled or forced to act and an ugly barrier is born. What saddens me a lot is that it is often photographers who disregard the rules. And then those after them are faced with unattractive signs obstructing the view or a low stone wall turning into a massive steel railing.

Stone Wall, Fall in Letchworth State Park, New YorkStone WallFall in Letchworth

Stone Wall, Fall in Letchworth State Park, New York
Photographed with a Nikon F4 on Kodak Portra 800 Color Negative Film

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Old Shed Surrounded by the Colors of the Fall Season, Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400Old ShedFall Colors Old Water Tower in the Fall with Colorful Foliage All Around, Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400Old Water TowerFall Colors Sunny Fall Day at Big Bend in Letchworth State Park, New YorkSunny Fall Day in LetchworthFall Colors

Thomas L. Kelly Covered Bridge in Colors, Allegany State Park, Salamanca, New York (NY)Covered Bridge Covered with ColorsFall Colors Fall Colors around Oak Hill Covered Bridge in New York State.Fall Colors around Oak Hill Covered BridgeFall Colors

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy bright colorful colors fall film kodak landscape letchworth new york ny outdoors portra scenic state park stone wall https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/10/fall-favorite-a-bit-too-much Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:00:00 GMT Darkroom: Lithographic Printing (Lith Printing) https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/10/darkroom-lithographic-printing-lith This darkroom session was very exciting and I am very happy to share my first ever Lith Print with you. While still a completely black and white process it results in a print with colors! Yes, colors in a black and white photograph, and that can be just the beginning. So let's dive right in.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks (get an overview here).

What is a lith print? Lith is an abbreviation for lithographic. And what I am sharing with you today has to do with applying the lith method to a darkroom paper during the printing process. Normal development goes through two stages: a short induction period (around 15 seconds depending on paper, developer, temperature, etc.) and an autoacceleration period. The development completes in about 90-120 seconds (again depending on variables).

For lith printing, a very dilute special developer is used resulting in a very long induction period that is in minutes, not seconds. Based on variables like temperature it can be from about 5 minutes to over half an hour. In my case, I had t wait over 10 minutes at 20°C for anything to appear. I guess when one gets used to it it will be more natural but the first time caused a dose ox anxiety. Did I mix the developer the right way? Since I've had it for over a year, did it oxidize? But then things start showing up and anxiety turns into excitement.

At 20°C things continue to go slow despite what's called infectious development. It causes the development to pick up speed exponentially. Blacks start showing up quicker and quicker and eventually mid-tones start joining in. Unlike the regular development process there is no fixed time with the lith method. One has to wait until the blacks look great and then pull the print out of the developer and go straight to the stop bath. That point is called a snatch point. Only experience and a lot of experimentation helps fine tune this point. It does not help that the fiber based paper also suffers from a dry down effect where a wet photograph appears brighter than a dry one. As a result, the print needs to be snatched a bit ahead of the blacks going deep black.

This technique does not work with all photo papers. Many modern multigrade papers with added developers are not usable and the selection of lithable papers is dwindling. I need to enjoy this technique while we have some papers and who knows, maybe posts like this with get more people excited about it raising demand for such papers and keeping them around long-term.

Let's leave theory behind and see what I actually went through to get my first lithographic print. I had a photo in mind for more than a year so my selection process was quick. I just had to reach into my 2019 binder, locate the right film strip, and load it into the enlarger. The photo was captured with a Nikon FE with a 28mm pre-AI lens on Ilford FP4 black and white film and I believe I had an orange filter mounted on the lens since the sky was beautifully blue with fluffy clouds floating by.

The first step was to get a regular print. I measured my dark and light points with a meter and set an f-stop to give me an exposure between 10 and 20 seconds. However, I had this process figured out based on printing on Ilford multigrade papers, not the Foma Fomatone 132 paper  I was using here. I also did not want to open the lens up beyond f/8. After two test strips, I landed on 35 seconds at f/8. It appears the Foma paper needs more light but it is hard to draw conclusions based on a single print. I also did not properly account for the dry down and ended up with a darker print. For a regular black and white print, I will have to go back to the darkroom and improve upon that.

Chautauqua Belle, Traditional Black and White Darkroom Print on Foma Fomatone 132 PaperChautauqua BelleTraditional Black and White Darkroom Print

Chautauqua Belle
Traditional Black and White Darkroom Print on Foma Fomatone 132 Paper

I have cheated with this scan of the 5x7 print and increased the overall brightness to what I would like it to be. The print unfortunately did not feature any whites, just light grays.

Alright, let's get to the exciting part. For a lith print, the recommended starting point for exposure was 3 stops over. I opened the lens up from f/8 to f/4, which accounted for 2 stops, and doubled the exposure time from 35 seconds to 70 seconds to add the third stop. I developed the print in a 5x7 tray filled with 200 ml of diluted developer (Arista Liquid Lith Developer, 4ml Part A + 4ml Part B + 192ml water for a 1:24 dilution). As mentioned above, I was a bit nervous when nothing was happening for minutes. I actually thought I saw something several times but it was not there. It was just wishful thinking. I should add that all of this is done under a dim red safe light as the paper is only blue sensitive. So while one can see it's not really bright, everything appears darker than it really is, and there is no color perception.

But somewhere between 10 and 15 minutes I could start seeing the top right of the ship's canopy and the lamp posts showing up. I was slightly rocking the tray back and forth the whole time to insure the paper always had fresh chemicals to respond to. Eventually I decided to snatch the print at 27 minutes, quickly submerged it in the stop bath, and then to the fixer. At this point, I could not really see any obvious difference between the earlier regular print and this lithographic print. Sure, contrast and tonality appeared different but not in any dramatic fashion. All looked black and white too.

After about a minute in the fixer I turned the light on for a quick inspection on the result. Wow! All of a sudden all of my uncertainty melted away. Maybe the print was not perfect but it looked absolutely gorgeous to me. For my first attempt, I was very happy. It worked and there was definitely color in the print. And the increased contrast of this process also held the highlights brighter and as such the lith print did not lack whites. What you see below is what I was looking at.

Chautauqua Belle, Lithographic Darkroom Print on Foma Fomatone 132 PaperChautauqua BelleLithographic Darkroom Print on Foma Fomatone 132 Paper
Chautauqua Belle
Lithographic Darkroom Print on Foma Fomatone 132 Paper

Encouraged, I repeated the process one more time to get more out of the developer. Things went a bit slower and in the end I pulled the print sooner to see how a brighter rendering would look. And then I tried a third print. And nothing. Absolutely nothing came up even 30 minutes into development. It was only then that I considered the capacity of the dilute developer.

I use Kodak Dektol for my normal developer and dilute it 1:2 or 1:3. That provides a lot of developer in the tray. My lith developer was diluted 1:24 and I only had 8ml of the actual developer in the tray. I guess I have determined that at minimum, I need 4ml per 5x7 print. Unfortunately, it's not so easy as the tray size, temperature, and other factors influence the speed of exhaustion.

That variability got confirmed for me since I went back one more time to get a few more copies of this print. This time, I mixed 1 liter (20+20+960) into an 11 x 14 tray and pre-heated it to 30°C to speed things along. The first individual print went much faster, the second one not so much. Then I developed two at once and unfortunately, I was back at almost half an hour. This was the point to determine why. I should have taken a temperature reading to see if I was back down to 20°C or if the developer exhausted after just 4 prints. Since I used five times more developer I was hoping for 10 prints. Maybe the temperature dropped on me, maybe the larger tray caused faster oxidation. The higher initial temperature definitely sped up exhaustion. I don't know, that's for next time to figure out. I may also need a heating pad under my tray to keep the temperature higher, especially with the winter season coming.

Thanks for reading along and sharing in my excitement! I hope you liked the behind the scenes story. If not, I hope you like the result. And if not, I thank you for being here anyway.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more darkroom prints, head over to the Darkroom gallery. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously from the darkroom:

Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New MexicoOrgan Mountains Desert PeaksRoad Trip 2018 Tree Phalanx Postcard, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NYTree PhalanxBirdsong Park Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: The Livery, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New MexicoThe LiveryRoad Trip 2018

Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Van Patten's Mountain Camp, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New MexicoVan Patten's Mountain CampRoad Trip 2018 Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Magnolia Gas, Route 66, Tucumcari, New MexicoMagnolia GasRoad Trip 2018

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog b&w belle black and white boat chautauqua darkroom historic jamestown lith lithographic new york ny print ship technique traditional https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/10/darkroom-lithographic-printing-lith Wed, 14 Oct 2020 11:45:48 GMT The Force https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/10/the-force And we are back at the Niagara River Gorge to appreciate and enjoy the raw power of water again. I have had several posts from the location before so I am sure you already know how much I love the place. And while I already have a decent collection of photographs from there I always try to mix things up a bit.

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The Niagara River flows from Lake Erie in Buffalo, NY, to Lake Ontario in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. Its 35-mile path creates the international border between the United States and Canada and is crossed by several major bridges (Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, Queenston-Lewiston Bridge). Once the water leaves Lake Erie the river immediately narrows to a width of 1,500 feet and depth of 17 feet as it reaches a rock ledge, which naturally controls its outflow. Along its whole way the river drops about 326 feet.

The Niagara Gorge extends from the Niagara Falls for 7 miles downstream to the foot of the escarpment at Queenston. In the wildest section that we are visiting together today, the Whirlpool Rapids, the river drops about 50 feet in a little more then a mile and terminates in the Whirlpool. About 100,000 cubic feet per second (2,800 cubic meters, 2.8 million liters) of water go over the crest of Niagara Falls every second during peak daytime tourist hours and all of that water enters the Niagara Gorge and the narrow Whirlpool rapids.

And that's only about half of the water as the other half is diverted for power generation before the Falls. It's hard to imagine how twice as much water would look.

The Wave, Lower Niagara River Rapids, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White FilmThe WaveLower Niagara River Rapids

The Wave, Lower Niagara River Rapids
Photographed with a Nikon F4 on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Film

And now back to our photographic visit. What can be changed for a new take? I can plan to focus on different aspects of the gorge, I can bring different equipment, and I can hope that luck will throw a bonus or two my way. On my previous visit earlier in the year I used a Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) camera to capture the spirit of the area on the square format. For this visit I wanted to try something different again.

I traded my classic manual focus cameras for a more modern piece of equipment, the Nikon F4, and equipped it with a Nikkor 80 - 200 f/2.8 zoom lens with the intention to capture close ups of the wild water action going on here. I wanted to isolate the powerful buildup of water into large swells and waves and catch them falling over on themselves in huge water explosions.

The Crash, Lower Niagara River Rapids, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black & White FilmThe CrashLower Niagara River Rapids

The Crash, Lower Niagara River Rapids
Photographed with a Nikon F4 on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Film

And the film of choice for the day? I wanted the water to look as clear as possible and decided to go for a black and white film. And since it was a bright sunny summer day I reached for the Kodak Double-X 5222 motion picture stock. It's interesting. It was made for filming in dim conditions but I love how it renders bright tones. And while it's increased blue and lowered red sensitivity may not always work the best for grand landscapes with big blue skies it is the perfect choice for capturing close ups whether natural or manmade.

The Swell, Lower Niagara River Rapids, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White FilmThe SwellLower Niagara River Rapids

The Swell, Lower Niagara River Rapids
Photographed with a Nikon F4 on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Film

On location I headed to a few of my favorite spots and spent quite a bit of time at each watching the water, learning its tricks of the day, and then watching the action through the viewfinder attempting to capture the decisive moment. But what is a decisive moment in situation like this? Is it when a huge wave tips over resulting in a huge splash? Is it just before it tips over? Or is it when the initial swell starts forming? I tired to get a few examples of each of the situations and you can see a short selection out of those here today. And my favorites? Probably not the obvious ones. As of right now, I am leaning towards subtlety and the swell formations, as in the photograph directly above.

The Shore. Lower Niagara River Rapids, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White FilmThe ShoreLower Niagara River Rapids

The Shore, Lower Niagara River Rapids
Photographed with a Nikon F4 on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Film

Towards the end of the roll I decided to put it all in context. Yes, it was a bit backwards and I went for the establishing shots at the end. I thought that was perfectly fine as I had already had many sets from my past visits. The river offers gorgeous rocky banks on both sides providing both great platforms to roam and explore and to point a camera at. And past these river banks are impressive tall cliffs rising high above.

The Cliffs, Lower Niagara River Rapids, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White FilmThe CliffsLower Niagara River Rapids

The Cliffs, Lower Niagara River Rapids
Photographed with a Nikon F4 on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Film

And then there are the trees happily growing in what seems to be a very inhospitable place. It's all rocks everywhere! And winters at the gorge are tough too. In color, it can be quite a bold palette but I really like how the Double-X film's tones rendered this landscape in shades of black and white. The light is shimmering and sparkling, isn't it?

The Watchman at Whirlpool, Lower Niagara River Rapids, Nikon F4, Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White FilmThe Watchman at WhirlpoolLower Niagara River Rapids

The Watchman at Whirlpool, Lower Niagara River Rapids
Photographed with a Nikon F4 on Kodak Double-X 5222 Black and White Film

I could not leave without snapping the Watchman Tree leaning and watching over the Whirlpool that gave the state park its name. It's here where the river widens and makes a 90-degree turn right spinning up the Whirlpool in the process.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Icicle Formation, Lake Erie Shore in Winter, Sturgeon PointIcicle FormationBlack & White Winter Lakeshore, Rocks, Sand, Ice, and Snow at Sturgeon Point on Lake ErieWinter LakeshoreBlack & White Film Phtography: Upper Papermill Falls in Black & White, Letchworth State Park, New YorkUpper Papermill Falls in Black & WhiteBlack & White Wetlands Pond, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY (near Buffalo)Wetlands PondBlack & White Phalanx of Trees Standing Guard by Trail, Birdsong, Orchard Park, New York (NY).PhalanxBlack & White

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 5222 analog black and white Double-X film gorge kodak nature new york niagara ny outdoors river state park water whirlpool https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/10/the-force Mon, 05 Oct 2020 12:07:49 GMT A Wonderful Drive https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/9/a-wonderful-drive I have been holding off as long as I could not to be accused of accelerating the arrival of winter but there is no hiding it now. Colors are popping all around us and the pace has accelerated dramatically over the last few days. And now that a cool down and rain are coming, I hope it is going to leave some leaves up for all of us to enjoy before the dreaded season of grey is upon us.

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These pictures are from about this time last year as we were heading east from Buffalo to Syracuse, New York. As anywhere and any time the best idea always is to get off the expressway. And we certainly did, even if only for a section. We had a planned stop that we enjoyed very much. Afterwards, instead of heading back to I-90 we continued east on the smaller roads.

Old Water Tower in Western New York in the Fall with Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 400 filmOld Water TowerWestern New York

Sunset on the Rocks, Lake Erie Lakeshore
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 400 Color Negative Film

All along the way we were surrounded by wonderful colors and not constantly stopping was very difficult. However, the trip had a goal that required actually making it to the destination on schedule. At one point we crossed through a small intersection and as I was checking the traffic from the left I saw it. I saw the gorgeous old water tower and was not going to miss it. We turned around, made a right turn, pulled over to the side of the road and out I headed with my camera.

Old Shed in Western New York in the Fall with Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 400 filmOld ShedWestern New York

Dipping In, Lake Erie Lakeshore
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 400 Color Negative Film

And it turned out the location was even more generous. I wanted to check the tower out from the other direction too to make sure I would not miss an even better shot. While I did not find a better angle on the water tower I found this super antiques shop hiding in the colorful foliage of the season.

So get off the expressway, turn off the GPS for a few minutes, and just go wherever you feel like. It's a strangely liberating feeling that I love to employ as often as possible whether on the road or at home. You'd be surprised what you can find around the place you live if you allow yourself to take a few random turns.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Colorful Shadow Cascade in Letchworth State Park, New YorkColorful Shadow CascadeFall Colors Sunny Fall Day at Big Bend in Letchworth State Park, New YorkSunny Fall Day in LetchworthFall Colors Fall Colors around Murder Creek, Akron, Western New York (NY)Fall Colors around Murder CreekFall Colors Country Road through Fall, Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora, New York (NY)Country Road through FallFall Colors Colorful Morning Inspiration, Middle and Upper Falls, Letchworth State ParkColorful Morning InspirationFall Colors

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colorful colors fall foliage landscape new york road trip scenic travel treasures https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/9/a-wonderful-drive Mon, 28 Sep 2020 11:00:00 GMT Remembering the Beginnings https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/9/remembering-the-beginnings Today, we are traveling back to March 2016 and my only fourth roll of 35mm film since finding it again in 2015. These were the very early days of what would become a huge passion for me eventually dislodging digital photography altogether.

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My first film camera that helped me ignite the analog passion was a Nikon FE, on this occasion loaded with the American classic Kodak Tri-X 400. While the camera remains my main photographic tool the film did not win me over (yet). I love the film grain but Tri-X in 35mm can be a bit over the top for me. However, there are situations when that works really well. And I believe this was one of them.

Swannie House, Buffalo, NY with Nikon FE on Kodak Tri-X 400 Black and White FilmSwannie HouseBuffalo, NY on Film

Swannie House, Buffalo, NY
Photographed with a Nikon FE on Kodak Tri-X 400 Black and White Film

In this set up I really liked the two crosswalks. All the paths lead to the bar :-)

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Freezer Queen, Outer Harbor, Buffalo, New York - DemolishedFreezer QueenBuffalo, NY Loading a Truck at Standard Grain Elevator, Buffalo, New York (NY)Loading a Truck at Standard Grain ElevatorBuffalo, NY Edward M Cotter and USS Little Rock at Naval & Military Park, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter at Naval Park IIBuffalo, NY

Shea's Performing Arts Center Theatre Southbound, Main Street, Black and White, Buffalo, NYShea's SouthboundBuffalo, NY Sideview of Kleinhans Music HallSideview of Kleinhans Music HallBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog black and white buffalo cityscape film first ward kodak michigan street new york nikon fe ny tri-x urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/9/remembering-the-beginnings Mon, 21 Sep 2020 11:00:00 GMT Over the Horizon https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/9/over-the-horizon A sunny summer day was coming to its end, clouds were floating in the sky, and there were no plans for the evening. Why not quickly hop in the car and catch a sunset over the lake? I did not see and photograph nearly enough of them lately anyway. Cliché you say? So be it. There may be a reason for it.

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I also had a secondary reason to go out and exercise my photographic muscles. I came into a possession of a wonderful Mamiya RB67 lately and wanted to see how well it worked after sleeping in a box for about 10 years. And there was a reason three. My first slide film development in the new Cinestill Dynamic Chrome D9 developer did not go all that well and I wanted to try it out with something fresher than a film shot a year ago. I know, I was asking for trouble. A new camera, a new developer, and heading out with slide film. But that was exactly what I decided on for the evening.

Sunset on the Rocks, Lake Erie Lakeshore, Mamiya RB67, Fuji Velvia RVP 100 slide filmSunset on the RocksLake Erie Lakeshore

Sunset on the Rocks, Lake Erie Lakeshore
Photographed with a Mamiya RB67 on Fuji Velvia RVP 100 slide film

A while back I have posted about the Stages of a Sunrise. And today's post is following a similar scenario just with a sunset. The alternate title could have been Stages of a Sunset but I have decided on Over the Horizon as that is where all of the important action took place. But did it really? Yes, the sun set over the horizon as if dipping into the lake but when I was selecting one of the thre photos here to go into my Buffalo and Western New York Landscape Photo Gallery I went mostly by the foreground rocks. More specifically I selected based on the light falling on the rocks. Thus this one was the subjective winner for me with all of the rocks having a nice rim light being backlit by the last rays of the quickly setting sun.

Dipping In, Lake Erie Lakeshore, Mamiya RB67 on Fuji Velvia RVP 100 slide filmDipping InLake Erie Lakeshore

Dipping In, Lake Erie Lakeshore
Photographed with a Mamiya RB67 on Fuji Velvia RVP 100 slide film

The second photo is just a moment after the first one. It always amazes me how the sun or the moon this close to the horizon speed through the sky. I like the position of the sun even better in that photo as it's already half way behind the horizon. However, the foregound rocks changed dramatically. They still retained a hint of the rim light but that one rock in bottom left completely lost its prominence and I really liked that in the first photo. But yes, it is a personal preference, the darker mood has its merit, however the rock won it for me, at least for now.

Sunset Glow, Lake Erie Lakeshore Mamiya RB67, Fuji Velvia RVP 100 slide filmSunset GlowLake Erie Lakeshore

Sunset Glow, Lake Erie Lakeshore
Photographed with a Mamiya RB67 on Fuji Velvia RVP 100 slide film

It was not just the sun that worked on the shadow play over the rocks. The gentle waves of the evening were making their contribution too based on how much water spilled over the rocks at the time of the exposure. I was actually trying to get the waves extend as much over the rocks as possible but the sun dictated my timing for the most part. In the end I prefer the photographs taken right after the water receded from the rocks allowing them to shine more.

So what happened with the slide film and the new developer? It all worked out in the end very nicely. I believe I metered better this evening and I made sure the developer temperature was set perfectly. There is still room for improvement but I like what I got. Fuji Velvia is a warm and vivid film. Combine that with the warm tone of the Cinestill Dynamic Chrome D9 developer and you have very warm and vivid result. The above photographs are scanned and presented as close to the slide film as I was able to make them. I only adjusted the black and white points and the overall curve a tiny bit but I did not touch the colors. I was tempted to cool these down a bit but left them alone in the end. That's part of the reason why I am sharing these weeks after scanning them. I wanted to look at them for a while and only decide then.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy beautiful colors erie film fuji lake landscape light mamiya nature outdoors rb67 summer sunset velvia warm water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/9/over-the-horizon Mon, 14 Sep 2020 11:42:46 GMT Industrial Pinhole https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/9/industrial-pinhole There are a few locations that are photographic treasure troves. Today, I'll share some photographs from one such location. Sometimes I return there with a specific new idea in mind, other times to try our a new camera or a new technique, and sometimes just to break out of photographic funk when no other ideas spring to mind.

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On this occasion, I wanted to exercise my Lensless 4x5 pinhole camera more after a bit of a break. It's my one analog camera I really like to use without the intermediate medium of film. Instead, I load the film holders with direct positive paper. I like the simplicity. It's almost like instant photography. Sure, it's not that instant and does not happen on location but after returning home, it just takes a few minutes to run the batch of photos through the developer, water, and fixer to see what I got.

Buldozer, Lensless 4x5 pinhole camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive PaperBulldozerLensless 4x5 pinhole camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

Bulldozer
Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

Since it's a fiber based paper, drying and flattening takes a bit of time too but it's easy and comes after I see what I got and whether or not it's worth any additional effort. Only rarely is it not.

The other challenge with the Ilford Harman direct positive paper is that it is very contrasty. There are several techniques to tame the contrast and end up with better balanced highlights and shadows, like pre-flashing (or post-flashing). I tried it but was not happy with the flat results I got then. Sure, maybe I took it too far but I still did not like it.

Engine, Lensless 4x5 wooden pinhole camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive PaperEngineLensless 4x5 wooden pinhole camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

Engine
Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

So instead, I do one of two things. I either wait for a cloudy low contrast day. Then the paper contrast comes handy for bautiful punchy photographs despite the surrounding grayness. Or, I embrace the dontrast and look for subjects that I believe will benefit from the contrast and some nice deep black shadows. Either way, this further helps with the simplicity rather than the extra steps.

Cadillac Double, Lensless 4x5 wooden pinhole camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive PaperCadillac DoubleLensless 4x5 wooden pinhole camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

Cadillac Double
Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

A pinhole camera without a lens, without a need to focus, and without a viewfinder to accurately frame one's shot further contributes to the simplicity even at the time of shooting. And that just might be why I love heading out with a pinhole camera once in a while. It's all a combination of past experience and guesswork resulting in surprises at the end. And when they're good, it's magic!

Vintage Truck, Lensless 4x5 wooden pinhole camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive PaperVintage TruckLensless 4x5 wooden pinhole camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

Vintage Truck
Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Custard Lite Ice Cream Stand, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive Paper Stained in Coffee for a Vintage LookIce Cream StandLensless 4x5 wooden pinhole camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper Roots of an Old Tree, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperRoots of an Old TreeLensless 4x5 wooden pinhole camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper Train Tracks by the Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive Paper Stained in Coffee for a Vintage LookBy the Train DepotLensless 4x5 wooden pinhole camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper One Truck, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperOne TruckPinhole Photography    Tram, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperTramPinhole Photography

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2020 4x5 art b&w black and white direct positive industrial large format lensless machinery monochrome paper pinhole vintage https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/9/industrial-pinhole Tue, 08 Sep 2020 11:00:00 GMT Biking Route https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/8/biking-route I have a favorite cycling route that takes me from my house through small rural roads and back home in about 8 miles. There are so many treasures on that short loop! Old houses and barns some with silos and some without, fields yielding different crops each year, some machinery, interesting trees, wildflowers, and so much more.

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Those eight miles can take 40 minutes, or 60, or more. It depends on my mood, the weather, the camera I have with me and who knows what else. I ride that loop often and like documenting the usual suspects as well as looking for new opportunities.

By a Barn, Buffalo's Rural SouthtownsBy a BarnBuffalo's Rural Southtowns

By a Barn, Buffalo's Rural Southtowns
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 160 film

This barn grew on me over time. At first I was finding other photographic subjects I found more interesting but as the years went by I found the acquired taste of this one. The terminal utility pole, the machinery, and the barn, all surrounded by vegetation that varies wildly year to year and season to season.

The triplets in the next photo are the opposite. They have fascinated me for years as if knowing what time would bring. I have many photos with all of them proudly standing kind of upright. Here, the tallest one has paid the toll of age. And by now, it's no more.

Giving in to Time, Buffalo's Rural SouthtownsGiving in to TimeBuffalo's Rural Southtowns

Giving in to Time
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 160 film

And then, not much further, this ordinary farmhouse has been a favorite subject of mine too. I don't always photograph it but when the season and weather are right I cannot resist as in this photograph when the sunshine put it in a spotlight.

Farmhouse, Buffalo's Rural SouthtownsFarmhouseBuffalo's Rural Southtowns

Farmhouse
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 160 film

And that's it for today's bicycle loop. And I think it's time to ride ti again and see what this late summer brought.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy age barn biking buffalo cycling decay farm farmhouse local new york old passage rural southtowns time https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/8/biking-route Mon, 24 Aug 2020 11:00:00 GMT The Little Things https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/8/the-little-things No matter where you go there is something to be enjoyed, to be appreciated, to be photographed. Sometimes, it's a grand view that opens up in front of us, other times, it's a tiny detail. And in today's post, I am sharing photos of the little things that are often overlooked at our feet.

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The first photo was waiting for me at the end of a hike in Letchworth State Park. While the park is most known for its wonderful waterfalls on the Genesee River there are many hiking trails that get you off-the-beaten-path. And this was one of them. It's actually so charming that this was not our first time circling the lovely bogs. Trails 2A and 3 form a very nice loop that shows you the park in a way you've probably not seen before. So next time you find yourself in the park, look at the trail map and head for the unknown.

Letchworth Daisy Close-Up, Little Things Under Our FeetLetchworth DaisyUnder Our Feet

Letchworth Daisy
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Gold 200 film

The next three photos are from a different place and hike. This time, we were exploring the Swallow Hollow Nature Trail located by the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.You have seen a dandelion before. Or have you?

Swallow Hollow Dandelion Close-Up, The Little Things Under Our FeetSwallow Hollow DandelionUnder Our Feet

Swallow Hollow Dandelion
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 400 film

And it's not just the tiny flowers and other plants that we often overlook. There are a lot of tiny living creatures that we either ignore, or that annoy us. But look closer!

Swallow Hollow Wasp Close Up, The Little Things Under Our FeetSwallow Hollow WaspUnder Our Feet

Swallow Hollow Wasp
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 400 film

And then there are tiny creatures that continue to amaze me at a whole other level. The whole concept of metamorphosis is just mind boggling. Living part of their life in one form, and finishing up in another.

Swallow Hollow Caterpillar Close-Up, The Little Things Under Our Feet; Possibly a Virginia Ctenucha MothSwallow Hollow CaterpillarUnder Our Feet

Swallow Hollow Wasp
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 400 film

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy flowers hiking insects little nature outdoors refuge summer tiny wildlife management area https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/8/the-little-things Mon, 17 Aug 2020 13:16:45 GMT Visiting a Fairy Tale https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/8/visiting-a-fairy-tale Sometimes, the magic is right in our back yard. That's actually what prompted me to start my #etbtsy hash tag a few years ago. It stands for Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You. If you want to find my work on Instagram, Facebook, or even just Googling on the Internet, tey #etbtsy.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

It was not different this late evening. Going for a walk in the woods across the street later than usual as dusk was settling in had us witness this unbelievable show taken straight out from a fairy tale. I took a mental note about the time, and headed back a night later with my camera and was happy to see it again.

Magical Forest Fireflies, A wonderful mid-summer firefly show in a small Western New York forest making one feel like being in a fairy-tale.Magical Forest FirefliesA Wonderful Mid-Summer Firefly Show

It was such a wonderful experience that this became our favorite activity for a few nights in the row. At first, the show was as powerfl as the first night we saw it. Then, there were fewer and fewer. It seems like we were rewarded for not giving up on walking that first evening and cauht th fireflies at their peak. 

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy fairy tale firefly forest magical nature new york night ny outdoors show woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/8/visiting-a-fairy-tale Wed, 05 Aug 2020 11:49:53 GMT Finally a Good Use for Coffee https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/7/finally-a-good-use-for-coffee I really enjoy pinhole photography on direct positive paper with my 4x5 camera. I believe it's the thrill of capturing a unique one of a kind original like a painting. There is no intermediate negative that needs to be printed onto the final product. What is captured in the camera is the final product. No dodging or burning or other further adjustments.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

All that is left after the capture is developing the latent image into a visible print. The paper needs to be unloaded from the "film" holders and run through a developer, stop bath, and fixer. Since the Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper is orthochromatic, sensitive only to blue light, one can do the whole process under a red safelight in the darkroom, which makes it an easier experience compared to developing large format film.

Roots of an Old Tree, Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive PaperRoots of an Old TreeOriginal 4x5 Pinhole Photograph

Roots of an Old Tree
Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

While the camera produces an original photograph my statement above that no further adjustments are possible was not completely accurate. There are methods for controlling the contrast, for example pre-flashing. And pre-flashing can be done before or after taking the photograph. And there are ways to change the final look of the print. Like with traditional darkroom photographs these prints can be toned, or stained.

For this set of photographs I decided to try coffee staining for the first time. It offers a similar look to sepia toning but in a more environmentally friendly fashion, cheaper, and also simpler way. All you really need is a strong hot coffee to soak the fiber paper in for a bit. And the results? I must say I really liked what I got and will definitely use this technique more.

Custard Lite Ice Cream Stand, Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive PaperIce Cream StandOriginal 4x5 Pinhole Photograph

Ice Cream Stand
Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

For subjects of this experiment I chose my two local favorite stops, each within 5 minutes of where I live. Above, a popular summer ice cream stand and below, a historic train depot. In my opinion, the stain adds depth to the photos and also gives them a more vintage look. Given the selected subjects I like how that worked.

By the Orchard Park Train Depot, Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive PaperBy the Train DepotOriginal 4x5 Pinhole Photograph

By the Train Depot
Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

One Truck, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperOne TruckPinhole Photography Two Trucks, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperTwo TrucksPinhole Photography Tram, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperTramPinhole Photography

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2020 4x5 art b&w black and white cityscape coffee stained large format lensless monochrome new york orchard park paper pinhole urban vintage https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/7/finally-a-good-use-for-coffee Thu, 30 Jul 2020 12:43:09 GMT The Beautiful Lower Niagara River, Part II https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/7/the-beautiful-lower-niagara-river-part-ii Continued from Part I.

On this wonderful hot and humid summer day, even at eight in the morning, let's finish our exploration of a cooler place. This is the second and final part of the fall expedition to the Lower Niagara Rapids, a place I love every time I visit. 

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Here we are a bit further up the river by the second set of white water rapids. It is like a boiling pot with water bubbling all around. And it's a full audio-visual experience too. And something about it is very relaxing. Especially with a camera in hand I can sit in one place for long periods of time watching the action and trying to catch it at its peak.

Wild! Lower Niagara River White Water Rapids in the FallWild, Wild, Wild!The spectacular white water rapids of the Lower Niagara River with the last hints of fall in the background. Standing on the shore, watching the water repeatedly rise and crash, and hearing the roar makes one really appreciate the awesome power of water.

In the next photo we are at the very end of the trail. The true end where the trail disappears in the river. The end one can't officially go to any more, and it's just a few years when that changed. It's changes like this that really make me like the good old days when liability was not such an issue or maybe when people had more common sense and were not stupid causing trail closures and tall metal fences everywhere. Yes, it is a sore topic for me as it robs us all of having unobstructed access and view of many natural wonders.

The photograph was captured shortly after the water level was lowered by diverting more through the power plant for the winter season. That exposed many of the previously submerged rocks with their still lush green moss. Oh, yes, and the Whirlpool Railroad Bridge for a nice architectural background.

Whirlpool Rapids Railroad Bridge over the Niagara RiverWhirlpool Rapids Railroad BridgeNiagara River definitely provided an opportunity to build some wonderful bridges for both automobile and train traffic. Here's the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge as seen from the gorge below after the water flow has been reduced by diverting more water to the power plant for the winter season.

And to close? I will share a little bit of the action with you in a moving picture. It has sound so you may want to mute if you are somewhere where that might be an issue.

The Power of Lower NiagaraStanding on the shore, watching the water repeatedly rise and crash, and hearing the roar makes one really appreciate the awesome power of water. Those are the spectacular white water rapids of the Lower Niagara River.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colors fall force landscape nature niagara outdoors power rapids river water white water wild https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/7/the-beautiful-lower-niagara-river-part-ii Mon, 27 Jul 2020 12:41:26 GMT Summer Painting https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/7/summer-painting The summer is hot, the sun is bright, the outdoors are great. Here's just a quick post today from a recent nature hike exploring the faraway northern land. Yes, it's funny and a subject of local jokes how crossing between the northtowns and southtowns can feel like a cross-country trip.

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We hiked two separate trails that day and I enjoyed quite a variety of photographic material. Especially the first trail provided wonderful forest scenes, close up opportunities, and a great combo of a forest trail, boardwalk, and surrounding swamp land. But then, the open pond at the trail head of our second hike looked like, well, the photo below. An almost abstract painterly natural scene that I managed to stare at for quite a while before being ready to move on.

Oak Orchard, A beautiful painterly summer scene, Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 400Oak OrchardA beautiful painterly summer scene

A beautiful painterly summer scene at Oak Orchard
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 400 film

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Letchworth Forest, Leaning Trees in Backlight Sparkle, Letchworth State Park, New YorkLetchworth ForestGreat Outdoors Mushrooms in the Woods, Letchworth State Park, New YorkMushrooms in the WoodsGreat Outdoors Leaning Trees of Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkLeaning Trees of BirdsongGreat Outdoors Fall Colors of the Hanging Bog, Caneadea, New YorkFall Colors of the Hanging BogGreat Outdoors Moss Lake Colors of the Fall / Autumn, Western New YorkMoss Lake ColorsGreat Outdoors

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy bright hiking landscape nature outdoors painterly painting summer sunny wildlife management area wma https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/7/summer-painting Mon, 20 Jul 2020 20:44:44 GMT The Partnership of the Passing Pentax, Roll Number 2 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/7/the-partnership-of-the-passing-pentax-roll-number-2 The Partnership of the Passing Pentax, Roll Number 1

This shows my selections from the second roll of film for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax project photographed in June 2020. The project was organized by Eric of 4xfourtography and included 13 photographers who would each shoot a few rolls of Kodak Double-X (5222) black and white film in the Pentax K1000 before shipping it to the next person.

White Sheep, Sturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000White SheepSturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

White Sheep
Sturgeon Point on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

After shooting my first roll on the day the case with the camera showed up I took advantage of the beautiful weather and headed out with the second roll the very next day. I have swapped the swamp environment for the beautiful Lake Erie shore.

Sparkles, Sturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000SparklesSturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Sparkles
Sturgeon Point on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

In the past I had observed that yellow and orange filters did not provide enough of an effect with the Double-X film. I dug into the data sheets provided by Kodak and noticed that the film had an increased sensitivity to blue and reduced sensitivity to red, which seemed to explain the observation. Thus, on this sunny evening, I kept the red filter on the lens pretty much throughout. Still, the effect was very subtle.

Rocky Lakeshore, Sturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Rocky LakeshoreSturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Rocky Lakeshore
Sturgeon Point on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

This film simply shines in different conditions than other films. I am no emulsion expert and many films look the same to me, especially after slight post-processing to my taste. However, I am starting to see the pros and cons of some of them after having shot over ten rolls of them in varying conditions and with and without filters.

Wall on the Shore, Sturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Wall on the ShoreSturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Wall on the Shore
Sturgeon Point on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

I love how the Double-X handles highlights. Often, they seem to glow and the gradation in highlights is beautiful. I especially love that aspect with surfaces and textures. Metallic surfaces work great, bright painted surfaces too, and even skin tones are rendered beautifully.

Balanced Rock Towers, Sturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Balanced Rock TowersSturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Balanced Rock Towers
Sturgeon Point on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

While I visited this area of the shore several times this year alone, I had a similar experience with the project camera as the day before at Birdsong. I spotted some new subjects of interest, some different angles, and some things were simply different this day. For example the glare reflected of the water a few images up is a regular sight at that time of the day but I never thought to make it the focus of a photograph. So this day I did. I took an incident reading, added the 2-stop filter factor, and captured the photo letting the highlights do as they pleased. And I was rewarded with magic! On the other hand, the balanced rocks above and below were newly built and I enjoyed looking for interesting angles.

Balanced Rock Towers Close Up, Sturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Balanced Rock Towers Close UpSturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Balanced Rock Towers Close Up
Sturgeon Point on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

With natural landscapes I definitely shoot more horizontal photos than vertical and I have been consciously trying for more variety for a few years now. Who knows, maybe there's a magazine cover hiding somewhere, right? This in fact is one area where the Stories of social networks may be helping. Since Stories are vertical, that is what one wants to shoot. And seeing the vertical composition on the cell phone often prompts a follow up with the camera.

Rocky Beach, Sturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Rocky BeachSturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Rocky Beach
Sturgeon Point on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

I find the smart phones a nice visualization tool anyway. Since I am not too big into the social sharing I usually work the location with my camera and here and there take a snap of the behind the scenes. And that reminds me of shooting a vertical for a story. And quite often, I like what I see and go back to the camera either for a different angle, or to turn it vertical.

Cave, Sturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000CaveSturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Cave
Sturgeon Point on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

The strange round rocks on this beach have always caught my attention. But I have always preferred including water in my photos here. After all, it is the lake shore, right? This evening, I felt more free to stray from that constraint and include dry land only, with focus on the rocks and details.

UFO Rock Landed, Sturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000UFO Rock LandedSturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

UFO Rock Landed
Sturgeon Point on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

And with this thought of an extraterrestrial mystery I will end today's post as well as the Partnership of the Passing Pentax series. The camera has long gone to its next stop for its next adventure, this time in Pennsylvania.

UFO Rock on Beach, Sturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000UFO Rock on BeachSturgeon Point on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

UFO Rock on Beach
Sturgeon Point on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Eric, thank you again, this was a lot of fun!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

The Partnership of the Passing Pentax, Roll Number 1

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 5222 black and white community double-x film k1000 kodak landscape nature outdoors pentax project https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/7/the-partnership-of-the-passing-pentax-roll-number-2 Tue, 14 Jul 2020 20:14:40 GMT Jamestown and Chautauqua Lake, Part II https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/7/jamestown-and-chautauqua-lake-part-ii Today I am closing off the two-part Lake Chautauqua series with a set of black and white photographs. The star is clearly the beautiful Chautauqua Bell steamboat that we were lucky to see in front of the Harbor Hotel.

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While we had plans to stop by both the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel as well as the home location of Chautauqua Belle we got lucky and saw the steam ship in action loading passengers at the hotel.

Passengers Boarding Chautauqua Belle at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Celoron, New YorkChautauqua BelleChautauqua Harbor Hotel

Passengers Boarding Chautauqua Belle at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Celoron, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Ilford FP4

Some moments just make photographers instantly happy and this sure was one of those moments for me. As soon as I saw the boat I knew what my photo of the day would be. It looked gorgeous and I had a classic camera loaded with black and white film ready to go. The sky was blue with white puffy clouds. What could possibly be better? My focus just turned to making the most of the situation.

I usually prefer photos devoid of people and that is still what I have selected for the travel gallery of my website. However, I could not resist this documentary photo of the crowd, which reminded me of days gone by.

Chautauqua Belle Docked at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Celoron, New YorkChautauqua BelleChautauqua Harbor Hotel

Chautauqua Belle Docked at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Celoron, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Ilford FP4

Only later did I realize my luck. At the time of the visit I had no idea about the different routes the steam boat takes neither did I review its schedule. I am so grateful luck was on my side on this beautiful summer day on the lake.

The rest of the photographic day was simply an add-on. I had no expectations that anything could possibly top this experience for me. We moved away from the lake and explored the River Walk in Jamestown. This beautiful location next to a railroad caught my eye.

Back Patio, River Walk, Jamestown, New YorkBack PatioRiver Walk

Back Patio, River Walk, Jamestown, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Ilford FP4

The whole day featured a truly wonderful photogenic sky. I could not have asked for better. As a result, pretty much anything and everything looked wonderful with such a backdrop.

Utility Pole under a Wonderful Summer Sky, Jamestown, New YorkUtility PoleJamestown, New York

Utility Pole under a Wonderful Summer Sky, Jamestown, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Ilford FP4

Last week, we returned to Chautauqua Lake but unfortunately, the boat was still beached at its home location due to the pandemic rules. It even had to skip its July 4 schedule. Based on the latest on their web site, it should be back in the water the next weekend. To a successful summer season!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

References: Chautaugua Belle

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Celoron Lighthouse in Black & White near Jamestown, NY. Nikon FE and Ilford FP4 film.Celoron LighthouseBlack & White Celoron Lighthouse in Color near Jamestown, NY. Chautauqua Belle in the background. Nikon N75 and Fujichrome Velvia.Celoron LighthouseIn Color

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy belle black and white celoron chautauqua historical jamestown lake landscape new york outdoors photography steamboat summer travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/7/jamestown-and-chautauqua-lake-part-ii Tue, 07 Jul 2020 11:00:00 GMT The Partnership of the Passing Pentax, Roll Number 1 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/the-partnership-of-the-passing-pentax-roll-number-1 This shows my selections from the first roll of film for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax project photographed in June 2020. The project was organized by Eric of 4xfourtography and included 13 photographers who would each shoot a few rolls of Kodak Double-X (5222) black and white film in the Pentax K1000 before shipping it to the next person.

Twinkle in the Trees, Birdsong on Double-X 5222, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Twinkle in the TreesBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Twinkle in the Trees
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

This was, and still is, a very long term project. Even if kept on schedule, it would have taken just over a year with 13 photographers included. However, things got a bit more complicated in 2020 and the project picked up a few months of a delay.

Creek Gate, Birdsong on Double-X 5222, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Creek GateBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Creek Gate
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

When the camera showed up on my doorstep earlier in June I was a bit unsure about my next steps. I quickly checked the originally published rules for the project just to be sure what I was supposed to do. I pinged the person I received the camera from to acknowledge receipt and I let the organizer know.

Old Branches, Birdsong on Double-X 5222, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Old BranchesBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Old Branches
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Then I had to get through the rest of my work day and I felt the excitement mounting. When my work was over I was definitely ready! I loaded a roll of Double-X in the camera, put it in my normal camera bag holding filters, cleaning supplies, batteries, etc. and headed out.

Hideaway and Swing, Birdsong on Double-X 5222, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Hideaway and SwingBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Hideaway and Swing
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Where? To one of my favorite local parks. I was there many times even this year and was not sure whether I could find anything new but I headed that way anyway. As seasons change, the park offers different looks. Weather changes, time of day changes.

In the Bloom, Birdsong on Double-X 5222, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000In the BloomBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

In the Bloom
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

And the equipment changes! I usually photograph with a wide angle lens. The Pentax K1000 came bundled with a 50mm lens offering a normal angle of view. That alone would also encourage a different take on familiar subjects.

Lily Pads, Birdsong on Double-X, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Lily PadsBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Lily Pads
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

I entered the first boardwalk and took my first photo, the tree trunks in the first photo of this post. I walked pass these so many times but never took this shot. Then the second photo, also second here. The broken tree trunk bent over the creek. I photographed that scene several times and no two look the same, including the one posted above. This evening, the sunlight was breaking through the trees illuminating a few sections of the tree creating a whole different lighting pattern.

Blooming Bush, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Blooming BushBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Blooming Bush
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

After I exited the boardwalk I took a side trip on a tiny unofficial path to the right and found some never before witnessed treasures. In all of my visits over the years I had never wandered that way. Somehow, this day felt like a license for freedom, license to go off the beaten path, a license to shoot a whole roll in a single evening.

Dead Tree Up Close, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Dead Tree Up CloseBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Dead Tree Up Close
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

And shoot I did, even though I had to change my original plans. When I headed out the sky was blue and my plan was to go for dramatic dark sky using the red filter. In the past, I felt that yellow and orange filters do not cut it with Double-X due to the limited sensitivity of the film to red light and extended sensitivity into the blues. The sky can easily come out washed out and haze gets exaggerated. Thus, I wanted to go a step further and try red.

Forest, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000ForestBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Forest
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

That plan was not to be though. By the time I arrived in the park not even 10 minutes later some heavier clouds arrived and created a rather boring backdrop. I was not going to be deterred though! I was on location and I would make the most of it. New plan? No filter and shooting mostly with no sky either in the woods or close enough to my subjects to eliminate any sky from the photo.

Creek in the Woods, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Creek in the WoodsBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Creek in the Woods
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

The other interesting thing that happened to me was the number of frames on the roll. This was bulk loaded Double-X and I kept re-using the cartridges I got a while back from Cinestill, i.e. their BwXX branded Kodak 5222. When the frame counter went above 38 I got nervous and more so with each additional frame. Did I not load the film properly? But the winder knob kept turning with each additional frame so that seemed ok. Eventually, I could no longer wind after frame 43!

Old Tree, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000Old TreeBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Old Tree
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Why such a long roll? On my bulk loader, I always do 30 turns and I always get 36 - 38 frames per roll, except for the Double-X. Those are always longer. I never gave it much thought until now as this was a bit extreme. I attributed this to the way Cinestill originally attached the film to the spool. It created a thicker core and thus each revolution was taking on more film as it started at a larger diameter. In fact, the film was so long that I could not even use the film retriever on it. When I rewind I usually leave the film out of the cartridge but this time I was not sure about the sound and thus wound the film fully into the cartridge. I was able to push one of the tongues of the film retriever in but it jammed in to tightly that I could no longer spin the film and listen for the click. Solution? Had to crack the cartridge open in the dark and remove the film that way, thus destroying the cartridge. That was ok though as it had other problems too. The entry way seemed rather lose and light would seep in clearly ruining the first few frames with light leaks.

Creek, Partnership of the Passing Pentax K1000CreekBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Creek
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax

Even this little mishap had a positive spin on it though. I was mentally pacing myself to run out of film at the end of my hike. When I arrived at the end and still did dot reach the end of the roll I made an extra turn that I normally don't as it is a shortcut to about the middle of the trail. However, even that short connection inspired me to find a few never before photographed, and maybe even seen, forest scenes.

So thank you, Eric, this was a blast and until next time, ... :-)

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 5222 black and white community double-x film k1000 kodak landscape nature outdoors pentax project https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/the-partnership-of-the-passing-pentax-roll-number-1 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 16:30:02 GMT Don't Pack Up https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/dont-pack-up This has been proven to me over and over. When you think you are done shooting, retreat, head back home, but do not pack up the gear. Keep everything handy like you're just about to start.

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Why? The moment you pack up you will notice just one more perfect frame you did not notice before. As you head back to your starting point, you are facing the opposite direction often yielding other points of view not registered before. You're also in a different frame of mind, more relaxed, happy about the captured shots.

Then you hop in the car or on the bike to make the end of the photo session official. Still, don't pack up. Leave the camera bag handy. A curious cow might just appear on your left and if the camera is ready it is a done deal. But if you have to go back in the trunk and pull your equipment out, laziness might win.

Curious Cow in Western New YorkCurious CowWestern New York

Curious Cow in Western New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 160 film

Do I always follow my own advice? I am sad to admit it but no, not always. But I certainly do it more and more. Leave things at the ready and keep eyes open. Serendipity often rewards the prepared.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy color countryside cow curious landscape meadow pasture photography rural summer Western New York https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/dont-pack-up Mon, 29 Jun 2020 13:59:16 GMT Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020 - Part 2 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2020-part-2 Continued from Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020 - Part 1

After I got 5 photos in on the Lensless 4x5 and got thoroughly chilled on the cold and rainy Sunday that was WPPD 2020 it was time for a change of pace and a change of tools. The exposures on the direct positive paper I had in the 4x5 camera were just too long. It was time for the Holga WPC loaded with Rollei Retro 80s. ISO 80 film vs. ISO 3 paper definitely made a difference even accounting for the film's reciprocity failure.

Holga WPC - WPPD 2020 - Behind the ScenesHolga WPC - WPPD 2020Behind the Scenes Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

The difference was very noticeable and very welcome. I went from 15-minute exposures to about 90 seconds. The meter was showing around 30 seconds and I did not know the exact reciprocity failure characteristics of the Rollei Retro 80s film. As a result, I used the general guidance I found a while back and that had been working well for me. I have this info stored as a note on my phone but it's not hard to memorize either.

In my case, I did a times 3 for my 30 seconds and exposed for 90 seconds. These are not perfect numbers and if you look up your film's characteristics ahead of time you will most likely get even better results. Some more modern films, like the Fuji Across or Kodak T-Max don't need this much compensation.

Time  Multiplier
1+ sec x 1.5
10+ sec x 2
30+ sec x 3
2+ min x 4
4+ min x 5
8+ min x 6
16+ min x 7

Since the casino's back porch featured a roof and provided a relief from the rain I lingered for couple more shots and tried to take advantage of the very wide perspective of the Holga WPC. I really liked the architectural curves and textures.

Behind the Casino II - WPPD 2020Behind the Casino IIWPPD 2020

Behind the Casino II - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Holga WPC (Wide Pinhole Camera), Rollei Retro 80s Black & White Film

The next photo is from the other side of the passage in the first photo. What intrigued me there were the stairs to nowhere, or mystery stair. They're not really to nowhere as they lead to some sort of an attic of the building but the door has been turned into more of a wall for the commoners.

Behind the Casino III - WPPD 2020Behind the Casino III - WPPD 2020WPPD 2020

Behind the Casino III - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Holga WPC (Wide Pinhole Camera), Rollei Retro 80s Black & White Film

I warmed up, I felt like I exhausted what the location offered for the day, and it was time to move on to at least one more location for some variety. I decided to drive to an old farm turned into a state park as it offered a variety of subjects in a rural setting. Since the weather was awful I was not worried there would be crowds of people being Sunday. And indeed, the place was uncharacteristically empty.

As I was approaching the farm entrance the stone wall caught my eye. It's a beautiful wall and I had photographed it before but this day, the two spots where the wall gave in to the passage of time captured my attention. So I stopped and sprang into action. And it just so happened that the other locations happened spontaneously from there with me never actually heading for the official entrance and to the usual suspects. Starting at the wall and looking past it provided a whole new inspiration in a place I'd been to many times.

Broken Stone Wall - WPPD 2020Broken Stone WallWPPD 2020

Broken Stone Wall - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Holga WPC (Wide Pinhole Camera), Rollei Retro 80s Black & White Film

Once I captured the wall I went through the opening to see whether there was an interesting view of the wall from the other side. There wasn't but I saw something else in the distance. And who could resist hay bales in the field? Not me. One challenge was the unrelenting rain. The field was soaked and I was wearing sneakers! Yes, laugh if you want to, I felt rather silly myself. But at this point I was not going to let that slow me down. At first, I proceeded carefully trying to avoid the ankle deep puddles. As I was getting closer it became clear that was silly as my shoes were getting wetter and wetter with each step anyway both from below and from above. I just gave up and walked up to the subjects of my next photo.

Hay Bales - WPPD 2020Hay BalesWPPD 2020

Hay Bales - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Holga WPC (Wide Pinhole Camera), Rollei Retro 80s Black & White Film

From the hay bales I saw another potential target and headed in that direction, at that point my sneakers were completely drenched and my jeans wet up to my knees. In a way, that made the last shot simpler to get to as I really did not have to worry about water any more. The intended shot lost its appeal when I got there but on the way, I passed this wonderful chaotic scene. A tree, shrubs, a gap allowing a view through the window on the field behind, and an old collapsed fenced there. That became the last frame on the roll and the last pinhole photograph for the day.

Chaos - WPPD 2020ChaosWPPD 2020

Chaos - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Holga WPC (Wide Pinhole Camera), Rollei Retro 80s Black & White Film

Alright, that does it for WPPD 2020. While I hope for better weather in 2021 it goes to show that bad weather can lead to a good inspiration. I might have never found and photographed these subjects had it been sunny. Who knows?

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Stone Wall - WPPD 2020, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperStone WallWPPD 2020 Stump & Roots - WPPD 2020, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperStump & RootsWPPD 2020 Wall - WPPD 2020, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperCasino PatioWPPD 2020

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2020 80s annual architecture art b&w black and white buffalo film holga ny photography pinhole retro rollei timeless wide worldwide WPC wppd https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2020-part-2 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 11:00:00 GMT The Beautiful Lower Niagara River, Part I https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/the-beautiful-lower-niagara-river-part-i This past weekend I made it back to the Lower Niagara Gorge to enjoy one of my Western New York happy places. The loud roar of the whitewater rapids along with the towering and crashing waves feed both hearing and sight.

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I could spend hours along the river banks there, just watching and listening. The waves are not like ocean waves. Ocean waves are more predictable. Or even if not predictable one can see them coming. Here at the river, the waves grow out of nowhere. The sheer power of water trying to move through the gorge faster than water can flow. The faster water behind pushing against the slower water ahead and all of a sudden a tower grows, grows, and grows until it tips over and falls backwards on itself. And then nothing for a bit. And then a similar sight just a short distance away.

White Water of Lower Niagara River, Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls, New York (NY)White Water of Lower Niagara RiverWhirlpool State Park

No, these are not photographs from this past weekend, these are from a fall visit there. Shooting film these days it usually takes me a little longer to process it and get photos ready for online posting. Instead, I realized I still had photos from my last visit I never got a chance to share. And that brings me to another magic about this place. Based on the season one visits the river banks can look completely differently. In summer, there's more water going down Niagara Falls and rushing into the gorge. In winter, more water is rerouted through the power station and it does not re-enter the river until further down river well past the Whirlpool itself. That significantly lowers the water level and exposes more rocks along the river banks, most of them covered with moss adding color to the landscape.

Mossy Niagara River Banks, Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls, New York (NY)Mossy Niagara River BanksWhirlpool State Park

During the colorful fall season I always prefer heading out earlier rather than later. That allows me to witness and photograph all of the yellows, oranges, and reds along with some greens still left over. On this day at the gorge, the greenery came from a different source. The freshly exposed moss was still lush and provided a picturesque combination with the colorful foliage.

Fall around Lower Niagara River, Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls, New York (NY)Fall around Lower Niagara RiverWhirlpool State Park

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Class 6 Rapids, Niagara River at the Whirlpool Rapids Gorge, Niagara Gorge, Niagara Falls / Buffalo, New York (NY).Class 6 Rapids, Niagara River at the Whirlpool Rapids GorgeWhirlpool State Park The Rage Up Close, Niagara River Gorge by Whirlpool State Park, Class 6 Rapids WhitewaterThe Rage Up CloseWhirlpool State Park Long exposure of Niagara River at the Whirlpool Rapids Gorge, Niagara Gorge, Niagara Falls - Buffalo, New York (NY).Niagara River at the Whirlpool Rapids GorgeWhirlpool State Park

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colors hiking landscape moss nature New York niagara outdoors rapids river water white water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/the-beautiful-lower-niagara-river-part-i Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:42:47 GMT Jamestown and Chautauqua Lake, Part I https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/jamestown-and-chautauqua-lake-part-i Here's another mini series of photographs, starting with Part I today. And while I usually separate my color and black and white posts I decided to go for a mix today but with the same subject matter.

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Last summer, we made a one-day trip to Jamestown, NY and the nearby Chautauqua Lake. And weather was on our side with gorgeous blue skies and white clouds streaming through. Photographically, it was a blast. Based on the situation I usually reach for eather black and white or color but this day was a blast with both.

Celoron Lighthouse in Color near Jamestown, NYCeloron Lighthouse in ColorJamestown, NY

Celoron Lighthouse in Color near Jamestown, NY
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Fujichrome Velvia 50

To have the choice of color or black and white when I am not sure what I will face I usually take two cameras with me. Color usually ends up in the plastic fantastic auto-focus Nikon N75. That camera is a light-weight champion and the auto-focus is gret for family snapshots. I drive them crazy enough with my often slow progress forward so this helps with capturing family memories without smiles turning into grins. At least I like to think so.

Celoron Lighthouse in Black & White near Jamestown, NYCeloron Lighthouse in Black & WhiteJamestown, NY

Celoron Lighthouse in Black & White near Jamestown, NY
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Ilford FP4

On the other hand, black and white goes almost exclusively through old manual cameras. My most used workhorse is the Nikon FE the second photo was captured with. There are a few others to mix things up but this Nikon is what I started with back in film and use it the most to this day. It always sits in the camera bag along with a set of color filters to tune the scene. I usually carry a red, orange, and a green filter. I find yellow to be too subtle so that one is not in the camera bag. On the other hand, red can be too overpowering for my taste. Most often, on a sunny day like this, it will be the orange mounted on the lens. And the green? That comes handy with vegetation, especially when sky is not part of the scene or has no blues to be found.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Paddling through Life, Canandaigua City Pier, New York (NY)Paddling through LifeCanandaigua Lake Down the Pier in Black & White, Boathouses of Canandaigua City PierDown the Pier in Black & WhiteCanandaigua Lake Buoyed, Canandaigua City Pier, New York (NY)BuoyedCanandaigua Lake

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white celoron chautauqua color jamestown lake landscape lighthouse ny outdoors photography summer travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/jamestown-and-chautauqua-lake-part-i Fri, 12 Jun 2020 12:54:23 GMT Michigan Street Bridge at Night. Buffalo, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/michigan-street-bridge-at-night-buffalo-ny In today's post we are returning to Buffalo, NY at night. This time it's to a different area though but still staying at the Old First Ward. I have photographed the Michigan Street Bridge before but this time my focus was on night photography and showing the area in a different light.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

In the first photo I was standing on the banks of Buffalo River looking down the river towards the city and the river mouth into Lake Erie. Michigan Street Bridge was reflecting in the river and street lights were brightining up the night. And General Mills was puffing clouds of smoke in the background and spreading the smell of Cheerios around.

Michigan Street Bridge over Buffalo River, Buffalo, New York (NY)Michigan Street Bridge over Buffalo RiverBuffalo, New York

Michigan Street Bridge over Buffalo River, Buffalo, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon FM2n, AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D, Cinestill 800T

For photograph number two I moved from the river banks to the bridge itself and looked for an interesting composition that would arrange all of the steel and the street lights in an interesting way. The shiny road reflected the lights adding light to the darkness.

Michigan Street Bridge at Night, Buffalo, New York (NY)Michigan Street Bridge at NightBuffalo, NY

Michigan Street Bridge at Night, Buffalo, New York (NY)
Photographed on film: Nikon FM2n, AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D, Cinestill 800T

And that does it for our third 2020 excursion to the city of Buffalo at night. I hope you've enjoyed it and will join me again on the next one.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Welcome to Buffalo, NY, a colorful night urban photograph full of historyWelcome to Buffalo, NY Buffalo, New York - a steel bison sculpture, an old red double-decker bus, and a grain elevator - night photography from Buffalo, NYBuffalo, New York Night at a Grain Elevator, Riverworks, Buffalo, New York (NY)Night at a Grain ElevatorBuffalo, NY

London Double-Decker Bus around the Corner of an old Grain Elevator, Buffalo, NYBus 'round the CornerBuffalo, NY Night Route, a red London double-decker bus close-up, Buffalo, New York (NY)Night RouteBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog bridge buffalo cinestill 800t cityscape film first ward Michigan Street night. nikon fm2n ny urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/michigan-street-bridge-at-night-buffalo-ny Tue, 09 Jun 2020 11:42:00 GMT Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020 - Part 1 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2020-part-1 Sunday, April 26, 2020 was the worst day weather wise. Saturday was beautiful, Monday was beautiful, but Sunday was cold, cloudy, and rainy all day long. But it was the Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2020!

The Tools for WPPD 2020The Tools for WPPD 2020 Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Thus, I did not let the weather stop me, even though I have to admit it did slow me down. I had two locations in mind for the day but not any specific shots. First, I headed to a local county park with some nature shots in mind. After parking at the main parking lot I started circling the casino building looking around. I never really use an umbrella but I had a large one on me this day. The water was coming down by the bucket and I had some long standing around ahead of me.

I took my first five photos of the day with my Lensless 4x5 on the Harman Direct Positive Paper. With the heavily overcast skies, ISO 3 paper, and f/154, my exposures were around 15 minutes. That's not normally a problem but with the rain and slight wind I had to hold an umbrella over the wooden camera and could not do parallel activities while an exposure was in progress. Did I say it was cold?

I stopped by one of the roofed casino entrances to load the first film holder in the camera and put the rig on a tripod to make things easier at my first location. And that's when I saw it - my first subject of the day. A tree, still bare, braving the elements. That is where I stood the first fifteen minutes. Maybe I need to think of a way to attach an umbrella to the tripod too. But this day, I was the holder. The standing was not in vain though. It was during that time that I noticed an old stump just a few feet away. The stump itself was not that impressive but its roots spreading above the surface mostly in one direction definitely were. So guess what my second shot of the day was?

Stump & Roots - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020Stump & RootsWPPD 2020

Stump & Roots - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

After the tree and the stump I went behind the casino looking for a change of pace and some neat architecture. And the stone wall seemed to fit the bill beautifully even as the rain continued.

Stone Wall - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020Stone WallWPPD 2020

Stone Wall - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

After this third picture and over 45 minutes in the cold rain the conditions were getting to me. But I knew there was a way out of the situation. When I walked from the stump to the wall in the above photo I passed by this wonderful patio. And the best part of it? It had a roof! At that point, I was not going to refuse a nice looking architectural photo under a roof even at the cost of even longer exposures due to the roof's shading.

And a bonus? No need to hold the umbrella. I was free to move around and do some light exercise to warm up. I also took that as an opportunity to pull out my cell phone and capture some behind the scenes photos.

Behind the Casino I - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020Behind the Casino IWPPD 2020

Behind the Casino I - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

My second camera for the day was ... continued in Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020 - Part 2.

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

One Truck, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperOne TruckLensless 4x5 Two Trucks, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperTwo TrucksLensless 4x5 Tram, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperTramLensless 4x5

Flywheel, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperFlywheelLensless 4x5 Crossed Logs, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperCrossed LogsLensless 4x5 Police Station, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperPolice StationLensless 4x5

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2020 4x5 annual architecture art b&w black and white buffalo event large format ny paper photography pinhole timeless urban worldwide wppd https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/6/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2020-part-1 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 11:32:52 GMT The Would Be 20th Annual Letchworth Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, 2020 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/5/the-would-be-20th-annual-letchworth-red-white-blue-balloon-festival-2020 Since 2013, the Memorial Day weekend meant only one thing for me and my family. It meant getting up around 4:30 a.m. to make the 60-minute drive to Letchworth State Park and catch a beautiful sunrise right around 5:45. It meant moving on to the Archery Field and anxiously awaiting the decision. Then, given the cooperation from weather, we would watch one of the most colorful events possible.

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This year would have marked the 20th anniversary of the Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival in the park. Unfortunately, given this year's events, it is marking the first in twenty years that the festival is not happening. Let's take a look at a few photos and get excited about 2021. I hope it will be a go then!

Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Rally, Memorial Day Weekend, Letchworth State Park, Western New York. Hot Air Balloon over Great Bend.Annual Red, White, And BlueBalloon Festival, Letchworth State Park

One of the beautiful things about this ballooning event is that as soon as the hot air balloons take off from the Archery Field and clear the road and alley of trees they dip right into the Genesee River gorge. Some of them go low enough to dip in the water or to land on the river banks. Others hover up and down for a bit. Then, it's time to rise and let the wind blow them over and towards their yet-to-be determined landing spot.

Fogy Sunrise Magic over Letchworth GorgeFogy Magic over Letchworth GorgeSunrise

We never packed it there. Instead, we'd head out of the park's southern gate and follow the balloons to see them land. The crews were very nice, let us watch, would talk to us about their hobby, and would even incorporate us into their packing.

Bright and Happy Abstract Colors of Hot Air Balloons, Letchworth State ParkAnnual Red, White, and BlueBalloon Festival, Letchworth State Park

And then? Usually around 9 a.m., it was over and it was time to drive back home for a quick rest, some lunch, and possibly light activity. After the early wake up call, the days did not usually turn out to be productive.
Genesee River Great Bend at Sunrise, Letchworth State Park, New York State (NY).Genesee River Great Bend of LetchworthSunrise

Come about 4:30 p.m., it was time to repeat it all over for the second launch of the day, this time at the day's end. Huge advantage of the 2 launches a day is the very different light in the morning and in the evening. Looking and capturing photographs against the rising sun in the morning versus having the sun in one's back in the evening.

Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Rally Festival, Letchworth State Park, Castile, NYSky Riders at Red, White & Blue Balloon RallyBalloon Festival, Letchworth State Park

Do you see that wonderful fog filling the gorge and hovering above the river? It's always a wonderful sight but especially during the ballooning weekends. Beautiful white fog combined with colorful balloons and morning light create quite the sight!

Daybreak at Big Bend of Letchworth, Letchworth State Park, Castile, New York (NY)Daybreak at Big Bend of LetchworthCloudy Sunrise Balloon Crowd at the Gorge at the annual Red, White, and Blue Hot Air Balloon Festival in Letchworth State Park, 2018Balloon Crowd at the GorgeBalloon Festival, Letchworth State Park Fred B Rabbit at the annual Red, White, and Blue Hot Air Balloon Festival in Letchworth State Park, 2018Fred B Rabbit over LetchworthBalloon Festival, Letchworth State Park

Colorful Balloon AbstractColorful Balloon Abstract

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy annual archery field balloon big bend blue colors event festival hot air landscape letchworth outdoors photography rally red state park white https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/5/the-would-be-20th-annual-letchworth-red-white-blue-balloon-festival-2020 Sat, 23 May 2020 10:36:00 GMT Spring Contemplation https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/5/spring-contemplation Hello everybody and thanks for stopping by again. I had a different post in mind for this week but it turned out to be more involved than expected and I do not have it ready yet. Hopefully next week. So in the meantime, please, accept a short post today. An encouragement to get visually lost in a simple scene and let your mind wonder to some happy thoughts.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

I love reflections and especially colorful natural reflections on water. They can be so different. Wind plays a huge role, the lens focal length plays a huge role as it can isolate a smaller section making things more abstract. And shutter speed can also make a huge change as it blurs the ripples on the water. I don't have a problem staring at the water for extended periods of time and just observing the different looks. Give me a camera and I could probably spend half a day at a single spot.

Spring Reflection In Sunset Light, Western New York 2020Spring ReflectionIn Sunset Light

Spring Reflection In Sunset Light
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105, Kodak Portra 160

It's sunny, it's warm, so head out and find your quiet place to contemplate, to reflect, to be happy :-)

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Fall Abstract Reflection at Moss Lake, Autumn Nature in Western New YorkFall Abstract at Moss LakeAutumn Colors Photographic Painting of Fall,, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NYPhotographic Painting of FallAutumn Colors Abstract Fall ColorsFall ColorsAbstract

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy abstract colors contemplation film kodak light nature ny outdoors portra reflection spring sunset trees western new york https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/5/spring-contemplation Thu, 21 May 2020 15:46:55 GMT A New Zine Issue 3: South Carolina Road Trip 2019 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/5/a-new-zine-issue-3-south-carolina-road-trip-2019 Zine Issue 3: South Carolina Road Trip 2019 with a Pentax Spotmatic 35mm film cameraZine Issue 3: South Carolina Road Trip 2019Zine and a Pentax Spotmatic After a brief pause  I am happy to announce that my third photo zine, Zine Issue 3: South Carolina Road Trip 2019, is now available in my zine store. 

It is my first color zine offering a mix of color and black and white photographs from our 2019 winter break road trip to South Carolina, and a side trip to Savannah, Georgia.

The featured locations include Charlotte, Congaree National Park, Bluffton, Savannah, Port Royal, Beaufort, Pinckney Island, and Charleston.

The zine is press printed into a 8.5" x 5.5” landscape format booklet. It has 32 inside pages plus the front and back cover and offers 20 color and 15 black and white previously unpublished photographs. Each photograph is captioned with the location and the means of capture.

All photographs in the zine were photographed with a 35mm film SLR camera on a variety of color and black and white films from Kodak, Foma, and Ilford. All film was home developed in either Kodak XTOL for the black and white film or the Cinestill Cs-41 for color negatives. The one roll of Ektachrome was also hand processed in an E-6 KIT.

Zine Issue 3: South Carolina Road Trip 2019, Parks & TownsZine Issue 3: South Carolina Road Trip 2019Parks & Towns

Zine Issue 3: South Carolina Road Trip 2019, Parks & Towns

The purpose of this zine is not to make money but to share my photography in a non-digital format. That concept is reflected in the zine's price. It is only $8.00, which includes a $1.00 charitable donation to The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA). I always like to give back to organizations that take care of the places I photograph and one of the featured and much enjoyed locations in the zine is Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Zine Issue 3: South Carolina Road Trip 2019, A Film Photography ZineZine Issue 3: South Carolina Road Trip 2019A Film Photography Zine

Zine Issue 3: South Carolina Road Trip 2019, A Film Photography Zine

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018 Zine Issue 2: Chasing Waterfalls and Other TreasuresZine Issue 2: Chasing WaterfallsWaterfalls & Other Treasures The 135mm Challenge Zine 2019, The Negative Positives Film Photography PodcastThe 135mm Challenge Zine 2019A Collaboration
 

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2019 analog b&w benefit black and white booklet charitable color film landscape magazine nature outdoors photography south carolina towns zine https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/5/a-new-zine-issue-3-south-carolina-road-trip-2019 Fri, 15 May 2020 11:00:00 GMT Spring Made it to Western New York https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/5/spring-made-it-to-western-new-york Maybe it's just me but spring 2020 has felt slow to come to Western New York. Sure, it paid us a visit a few times, it teased us with pleasant temperatures, with a gorgeous blue sky, and with a good dose of sunshine. But then it always left, leaving heavy clouds, lots of rain, and cold temperatures.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Sure, at least we can't complain about drought. It's actually the other way around and farms have struggled getting machinery into the fields to seed the 2020 crops. And the forecast still calls for the white stuff by next weekend. As my wife passionately points out, it always snows in Buffalo, NY in May. It still surprises me and mildly annoys me nevertheless. Catkins, Blue Sky Theme, Spring in Western New YorkCatkins, Blue ThemeSpring in Western New York

Catkins, Blue Theme, Spring in Western New York
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105, Kodak Portra 160

All of these photos were taken about 5 minutes from where I live along a trail we walk almost daily. While I did not have a camera on me this day these beautiful catkins provided enough of a reason to finish the walk, grab a camera, and had back for more. Yep, no leaving it for another day!

Catkins, Gray Theme, Spring in Western New YorkCatkins, Gray ThemeSpring in Western New York

Catkins, Gray Theme, Spring in Western New York
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105, Kodak Portra 160

For these close ups I took advantage of the macro capability built into the zoom lens. It's a really nice convenience that was common when shooting fixed lens cameras or many point and shoots. With SLRs, one gives that convenience up for gain in versatility and quality and needs to carry a dedicated macro lens or extension tubes. This 28 - 105 mm lens provides a nice compromise. While not a true 1:1 macro lens it can get to 1:2 magnification in a convenient and lightweight combo. I have really enjoyed this lens as an all purpose lens on the plastic fantastic Nikon N75 (or F75 outside of the U.S.).

Catkins, Green Grass Theme, Spring in Western New YorkCatkins, Green ThemeSpring in Western New York

Catkins, Green Theme, Spring in Western New York
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Nikon AF Nikkor 28-105, Kodak Portra 160

I also had fun changing my point of view to get different backgrounds. I angled the lens slightly up and the blue sky provided a wonderful backdrop. I went straight and against the woods and there was a nice woody background. And finally, a little downward tilt and a move to the side and the grass provided yet another color background.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy catkins colors film kodak nature ny outdoors plants portra spring western new york https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/5/spring-made-it-to-western-new-york Mon, 04 May 2020 14:49:33 GMT Boathouse Row, Part III https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/4/boathouse-row-part-iii With today's post we are wrapping up the Boathouse Row series (Boathouse Row, Part I, Boathouse Row, Part II in Black & White). We started in color, did a black and white interlude, and are back to color now. I hope you will all enjoy this dose of subtle colors as color is returning to the world around us.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

The first photograph was mostly inspired by the boathouse decorations. Paddles, water skis, signs, flowers, and more. The boathouses have a charm of their own but add a small decoration or two and it further elevates the whole experience.

Paddling through Life, Canandaigua City Pier, New YorkPaddling through LifeCanandaigua City Pier

Paddling through Life, Canandaigua City Pier, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400

For the second photograph we're changing angles a bit and looking over the water at the boathouse backs. It's rather tempting right now to hop in a boat, open up the garage door and pull out for a fun ride.

On the Water, Boathouses of Canandaigua City PierOn the WaterBoathouses of Canandaigua

On the Water, Boathouses of Canandaigua City Pier
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400

And to close out today and the whole visit we are back to the decorations, this time prominent in the front. The old buoys definitely caught my eye and I knew I had to highlight them in one of my photographs.

Buoyed, Canandaigua City PierBuoyedCanandaigua City Pier

Buoyed, Canandaigua City Pier
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400

I hope today's post allowed you to forget the real world in a minute of daydreaming. That is what photography has been helping me with lately, whether standing behind a camera capturing new happy moments or reviewing images from the past, like these. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Boathouse Row on Canandaigua Lake, New YorkBoathouse RowCanandaigua Red Boathouse Window Close Up, Canandaigua, New YorkBoathouse Window in RedCanandaigua Down the Pier in Black & White, Boathouses of Canandaigua City PierDown the Pier in Black & WhiteCanandaigua Boathouse Row in Black & White, Canandaigua City PierBoathouse Row in Black & WhiteCanandaigua

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy boathouse buoy canandaigua cityscape colorful colors decorations historical new york outdoors pier road trip travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/4/boathouse-row-part-iii Mon, 27 Apr 2020 13:45:26 GMT Gone https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/4/gone Going back in time today with two subjects that are never to be seen again. Both used to be on Buffalo's Outer Harbor. That's one of the powers of photography. It freezes time and stores it in a photograph potentialy for eternity.

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The first photo is of an old pier that always caught my eye when I walked by. There was something attractive about the missing planks. It always made me wonder whether it would get fixed or dilapidate even more. And then one day it was gone!

A Requiem to a Pier, Buffalo's Outer HarborA Requiem to a PierBuffalo's Outer Harbor

A Requiem to a Pier, Buffalo's Outer Harbor
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 pre-AI, Kodak Tri-X 400

The second photograph is of quite a bit larger structure with quite a bit more historic significance to Buffalo, NY. However, as with the pier, it bit the dust and is no more. A new development is planned for the location and it seems like the plans are still fluid. I personally am not a fan of a high-rise standing here neither would I like to see a swath of land being locked out for a private property. I have really enjoyed the revival of Buffalo's water front including the Outer Harbor and having public land on the lakeshore is wonderful.

Freezer Queen, Buffalo's Outer HarborFreezer QueenBuffalo's Outer Harbor

Freezer Queen, Buffalo's Outer Harbor
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 pre-AI, Kodak Tri-X 400

And it seems like I am not the only on wiht that opinion. On warm days (under normal circumstances), you will find hundreds of people enjoying various activities along the lake. Buffalonians waited for many decades for that opportunity and I'd hate to see it go away.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

North Grand Island Bridge under Cover of Clouds, connecting Grand Island and Niagara Falls over the NIagara River.North Grand Island BridgeCover of Clouds A Wooden Pier in Pink & Blue on Lake Erie, Buffalo Waterfront, Outer Harbor, Buffalo, New York (NY). Long exposure, smooth water.A Pier on Lake Erie, Buffalo, NYGone International Railway Bridge over the NIagara River, connecting Buffalo, NY, United States, and Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada.International Railway BridgeNiagara River

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog black and white buffalo cityscape demolished film kodak nikon fe ny outer harbor tri-x urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/4/gone Mon, 20 Apr 2020 12:48:40 GMT Buffalo at Night https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/4/buffalo-at-night Today I am picking up where the Welcome to Buffalo, New York left off. Let's continue walking and looking around Buffalo, NY at night and see what the light shines on. Indeed, there was more looking than walking in this case as all of the photos are from a single location, a location that fit the bill for night photography perfectly.

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The first photo is a great combination of warm light coming from inside of a grain elevator and the cool outside illumination resulting in an interesting contrast of colors. I really enjoyed the scene and this photograph was a nice completely unplanned bonus. That's always the great thing about heading out with a camera. Whether the destination is planned or not some interesting surprises usually emerge and often become the best ones of the day or night.

Night at a Grain Elevator, Riverworks, Buffalo, New York (NY)Night at a Grain ElevatorBuffalo, NY

Night at a Grain Elevator, Buffalo, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon FM2n, AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D, Cinestill 800T

The next photograph is also based around a surprise. A grain elevator on the very left and then one partially demolished turned into a sculpture. Overall an industrial scene. And look, there's a London double-decker pulling out from around the corner!

Bus 'round the Corner, Buffalo, NYBus 'round the CornerBuffalo, NY

Bus 'round the Corner, Buffalo, NY
Photographed on film: Nikon FM2n, AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D, Cinestill 800T

Let's take a closer look at that bus. Is that a Routemaster?

Night Bus Route, Buffalo, NYNight RouteBuffalo, NY

Buffalo, New York, Night Urban Photography
Photographed on film: Nikon FM2n, AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D, Cinestill 800T

I hope you have enjoyed this second installment of night photographs from the city of Buffalo. And if you're wondering, wonder no more, this is not the end. I really enjoyed this different point of view and will definitely head out for more.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Welcome to Buffalo, NY, a colorful night urban photograph full of historyWelcome to Buffalo, NY Buffalo, New York - a steel bison sculpture, an old red double-decker bus, and a grain elevator - night photography from Buffalo, NYBuffalo, New York Vintage USS Croaker and Little Rock. Military & Naval Park, Buffalo, NYVintage USS CroakerBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog buffalo cinestill 800t cityscape film first ward night. nikon fm2n ny riverworks urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/4/buffalo-at-night Thu, 09 Apr 2020 12:53:54 GMT A Cadillac Theme https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/4/a-cadillac-theme There's a place near me that's a photographer's treasure trove. I like to return there often and look for something new. Sometimes it's different conditions, other times different tools. This day I showed up with a Nikon FE2 loaded with a classic Fomapan 400 black and white film. And the lens of choice? A 55mm f/2.8 Micro Nikkor.

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Thanks to the macro lens choice the obvious draw was to go for some close ups and I had not done those at the location before. For the first photo, the halogen headlights of an old Cadillac called for a photo. Do we ever take the time to study the glass covering the headlights?

Cadillac Headlight Close Up, Nikon FE2, Fomapan 400 Black & White FilmCadillac HeadlightClose Up

Cadillac Headlight Close Up
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 on Fomapan 400 Black & White Film

For the second photo, we'll stick with the same Cadillac. This time, off to the side looking into the car, this masterpiece of a spider web was in place instead of the normal pane of glass. I considered my focusing options and decided to go for a sharp web with the interior for the backdrop.

A Web in a Cadillac Close Up, Nikon FE2, Fomapan 400 Black & White FilmA Web in a CadillacClose Up

A Web in a Cadillac Close Up
Photographed with a Nikon FE2 on Fomapan 400 Black & White Film

People sometimes complain when they are constrained by their shooting locations. I have definitely not reached that point. For now, revisiting locations is an opportunity to capture them differently and leave with different images then before. Sometimes the differences can be subtle, other times quite pronounced. This was my first time shooting a macro lens there and that alone could provide years of photographic opportunity.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Old Ladder in an Old Shed, Southern Moravia, Czech Republic. Starý žebřík ve staré kůlně, jižní Morava, Česká republika.Old Ladder in an Old ShedDetails Traditional drying tied and hung bunch of garlic, Southern Moravia, Czech Republic.Drying GarlicDetails Boathouse Row in Black & White, Canandaigua City PierBoathouse Row in Black & WhiteDetails

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white cadillac close up detail film Fomapan 400 headlight macro Nikon FE2 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/4/a-cadillac-theme Thu, 02 Apr 2020 12:20:46 GMT Greens Replace Grays https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/greens-replace-grays Alright, I will be brave and say it. Here's my annual farewell to winter and cheers to spring. May the grayness rest in piece for a bit and may colors rule for a few months. To spring!

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And to add to the romantic feeling I'd like to share some lush photographs from the Murder Creek itself. At first, it was definitely the waterfall drawing me to that park but over the years, I have grown really fond of the creek itself. Just take a look, the rushing water, the rocks, the moss, the surrounding woods. What a wonderful place to celebrate nature coming back to life.

Spring Flow, Nature Comes Alive, Murder Creek at Akron Falls ParkSpring FlowNature Comes Alive

Nature Comes Alive with a Spring Flow, Murder Creek at Akron Falls Park

I feel like this is the best place near and far to observe spring coming. The greens are so intense here and the rushing water of the creek makes them stand out even more. Just sit on one of the many rocks along the banks, stare into the water, listen, and let your mind leave the hustle and bustle of the real world and disappear in the scene.

Nature Comes Alive! Murder Creek at Akron Falls Park.Alive!Nature Comes Alive!

Nature Comes Alive! Murder Creek at Akron Falls Park

The Rumble of SpringMurder Creek

The Rumble of Spring, Murder Creek at Akron Falls Park

Yes, there is a video to go along with today's post ...

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

A water cascade rushing over rocks on Murder Creek down stream from Akron Falls, Akron - Buffalo, New York (NY)Morning on Murder CreekAkron Falls Park Before sunrise at Lower Akron Falls, New York (NY) in early summer. Frequently reduced to a trickle that can be magical.Before SunriseLower Akron Falls Murder Creek Rock & Water in early morning, downstream from Lower Akron Falls, Akron - Buffalo, New York (NY)Murder Creek Rock & WaterAkron Falls Park

Winter Roar at Akron Falls, Buffalo and Western New York's Waterfall GemWinter RoarAkron Falls Akron Falls Rumble, Akron, NY near Buffalo, NYAkron Falls RumbleBlack and While

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy akron colors creek falls greens lush murder creek outdoors park spring vegetation water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/greens-replace-grays Mon, 30 Mar 2020 11:56:46 GMT Boathouse Row, Part II in Black and White https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/boathouse-row-part-ii-in-black-and-white As promised, here's the continuation of the boathouse post (Boathouse Row, Part I). At first, it was the colors of the individual boathouses that combined into a peculiar rainbow that caught my eye but as I walked around I started feeling a whole different attachment to the place. It radiated with an intense lonely mood of the many years it remembered.

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For the first photograph, I opted for a different composition than the other ones. I went for a more symmetrical arrangement with the boardwalk straight down the middle. Stroll into the scene, look around, explore. I saw photographs everywhere and had to hold back.

Down the Pier in Black & White, Canandaigua City PierDown the Pier in Black & WhiteCanandaigua City Pier

Down the Pier in Black & White, Canandaigua City Pier
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Kodak Double-X 5222 (Cinestill BwXX)

This second scene should look familiar. I rarely do a double take, one in color and one in black and white, but this house with its siding, the posts, and the rope was too much to resist. With film photographs, I usually do not convert color to black and white, I prefer to stick with the choice I made on location. Here, I wanted both. One for the colorful eye catching feeling and one for the mood. And I bet this black and white version will make for a super darkroom print.

Boathouse Row in Black & White, Canandaigua City PierBoathouse Row in Black & WhiteCanandaigua City Pier

Boathouse Row in Black & White, Canandaigua City Pier
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Kodak Double-X 5222 (Cinestill BwXX)

Spoiler alert! This does not conclude our exploration of the area, I have yet one more post before this series wraps up. I hope you'll come back soon to check it out. Feel free to use the "Leave a Comment" feature right under the headline to leave me your thoughts about whether you prefer the color or black and white photographs of the boathouses.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Boathouse Row on Canandaiua Lake, New YorkBoathouse Row Red Boathouse Window Close Up, Canandaigua, New YorkBoathouse Window in Red

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white boathouse canandaigua cityscape historical new york outdoors pier road trip travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/boathouse-row-part-ii-in-black-and-white Fri, 27 Mar 2020 12:35:08 GMT Welcome to Buffalo, New York https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/welcome-to-buffalo-new-york This photo expedition was to try something new and to add photographs with a different mood to my Buffalo photo gallery. It was my first venture into night photography on film. And I decided to go for a true night, with the sky gone black and my focus on urban landscapes full of light and shadows from various sources of artificial light.

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I headed to Buffalo's First Ward, and walked around guided by highlights from my past daytime explorations. As I moved from one to the next I kept my eyes open for new opportunities. Eventually, I walked my way towards this fantastic commercial for visiting the city of Buffalo:

Welcome to Buffalo, NY, Night Urban PhotographyWelcome to Buffalo, NYNight Urban Photography

Welcome to Buffalo, NY, Night Urban Photography
Photographed on film: Nikon FM2n, AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D, Cinestill 800T

I know, it is probably not what the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce would choose for its poster but the photo is full of Buffalo's history. A standing grain elevator in the background and a leftover of one colorfully lit up in the foreground turned into a sculpture symbolizing reuse. I really like it when new owners get ceative with what can be done with these symbols of the past. And as shown with some of the other ones they often don't even have to be brought down as long as they're still structurally sound.

Moving just a few feet this wonderful mural serves as another wonderful reminder of the city's history and one of its companies.

Dunn Tire, a Proud Buffalo Company, Night Urban PhotographyDunn TireNight Urban Photography

Dunn Tire, a Proud Buffalo Company, Night Urban Photography
Photographed on film: Nikon FM2n, AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D, Cinestill 800T

And even for the final image we're staying on location for an interesting mix of elements. The steel sculpture of a bison definitely fits in as a symbol of the city of Buffalo and its steel mill history. The grain elevator in the background is Buffalo's signature. And then there is the new addition, the old red double-decker bus. I love it there as it adds an eye-catching third element to the photo and it can also symbolize the rebirth of Buffalo and specifically its new micro brewery business as it will serve as the The Buffalo Brew Bus for brewery tours.

Buffalo, New York, Night Urban PhotographyBuffalo, New YorkNight Urban Photography

Buffalo, New York, Night Urban Photography
Photographed on film: Nikon FM2n, AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D, Cinestill 800T

So that's the first glimpse into the city of Buffalo at night. Needless to say, I am hooked and will definitely be going back for more. I love the color palette the Cinestill 800T film gave me but since that is  mostly out of stock everywhere I may have to try different films too and that can make it all even more interesting. Stay tuned.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Illuminated Peace Bridge at Dusk with a reflection of the bridge and lights in the Niagara River below. Connects Buffalo, NY, USA and Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada.Illuminated Peace Bridge at DuskBuffalo, NY Shea's Performing Arts Center, downtown Buffalo theater.Shea's in the RainBuffalo, NY Night over the South End Marina Cargill Pool Elevator, Waterfront Outer Harbor, Buffalo, New York (NY).Night over the South End Marina Cargill Pool ElevatorBuffalo, NY The Naval & Military Park and Liberty Hound at Night, Waterfront, Buffalo, NYThe Naval & Military Park at NightBuffalo, NY Crescent Moon over the Main Light, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NYCrescent Moon over the Main Light, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NYBuffalo, NY Nostalgic Black and White Hydraulic Hearth Restaurant, Larkin Square, Buffalo, New York (NY)Nostalgic Hydraulic HearthBuffalo, NY

 

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog buffalo cinestill 800t cityscape film first ward night. nikon fm2n ny riverworks urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/welcome-to-buffalo-new-york Mon, 23 Mar 2020 12:17:32 GMT Boathouse Row, Part I https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/boathouse-row-part-i It seems we're not leaving the cottage theme just yet even if in a different form. Today, I'd like to share photographs of boathouses at the northern tip of Lake Canandaigua. I had the location on my list for a while and on this day it all finally came together and we made a half day stop there to walk around and explore.

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The photographic possibilities seemed endless, in both color and black and white. Wide views, different boathouses, different angles, wide or narrow views, focus on details, and so on.

Boathouse Row, Canandaigua, New YorkBoathouse RowCanandaigua, New York

Boathouse Row, Canandaigua, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400

Colorful Boathouses, Canandaigua, New YorkColorful BoathousesCanandaigua, New York

Colorful Boathouses, Canandaigua, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400

There were also plenty of decorations and other little details to use in one's composition or to fill the frame with, like the buoys in the next photo.

Boathouse Window in Red, Canandaigua, New YorkBoathouse Window in RedCanandaigua, New York

Tiny Red Cottage, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400

I had high expectations for the location and yet, it managed to be even better despite the uninspiring gray skies. I suspect and hope this was not my last visit there. And as you can tell by the Part I designation this is not the last time you'll see these wonderful historical boathouses on my blog. In fact, unlike my past series I intend to run this back to back so the wait should not be long.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy boathouse canandaigua cityscape colorful historical new outdoors pier road trip travel york https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/boathouse-row-part-i Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:36:49 GMT Red Cottages in Snow https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/red-cottages-in-snow Dedicated to Paul

Zeiss Ikon Contessa, a 35mm Rangefinder Film CameraZeiss Ikon Contessa35mm Rangefinder Today we're heading to a place I've visited many times as it grew on me over time. Knox Farm has quite a bit to offer, from its woods, fenced off fields, ponds, through the rural setting of its barns to the beautiful red cottages. It is too bad these may not survive for much longer. But maybe it is this status that drives me back even more frequently to document them before they disappear.

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The first one here is my favorite of the bunch. This day, the winter setting definitely worked with the old red paint very well. The contrast was excellent especially since sun played along too. And I felt that the camera in my hands was the prfect tool to capture the scene. It was an old Zeiss Ikon Contessa loaded with Kodak Colorplus 200 film.

Red Cottage across Winter Field, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New YorkRed Cottage across Winter FieldKnox Farm

Red Cottage across Winter Field, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York
Photographed on film: Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Colorplus 200

Does the cottage in the second photo seem familiar? I admit, It's the same one and from almost the same angle after walking forward for a bit and using my legs as a zoom. Despite their similarity I feel they're both different enough to show them side by side here. What do you think? Does one of them speak to you more than the other?

Grass, Snow, and a Red Cottage, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New YorkGrass, Snow, and a Red CottageKnox Farm

Grass, Snow, and a Red Cottage, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York
Photographed on film: Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Colorplus 200

Next, we're heading to a tiny cottage that stands by a field that was a home to a heard of sheep for quite a while. Unfortunately, those are not there any more and the fate of the cottage is quite uncertain too. While the larger cottage above is my definite favorite at Knox Farm I always struggle with this small one. How does one capture it so that its spirit shows through? On this sunny winter day I got some help from snow. It seemed to be the missing ingredient.

Tiny Red Cottage, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New YorkTiny Red CottageKnox Farm

Tiny Red Cottage, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York
Photographed on film: Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Colorplus 200

To close today's red cottage set let's look at one that's rather large. The bright winter sun and the sprinkle of snow on the ground did not hurt here either. Winter might just be the best season to show these red cottages off.

Red House, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New YorkRed HouseKnox Farm

Red House, Knox Farm, East Aurora, New York
Photographed on film: Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Colorplus 200

And that closes our trip to rural Western New York, or at least an old farm preserved as a state park that's supposed to remind us of the days past.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colorplus contessa cottage east aurora farm film ikon knox farm kodak landscape New York red rural rurex zeiss https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/red-cottages-in-snow Mon, 09 Mar 2020 11:14:01 GMT Beautiful Winter at Niagara Falls https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/beautiful-winter-at-niagara-falls Despite their proximity and fame I do not post much from Niagara Falls. Or is it because of their fame? Let's make an exception today and look at a couple winter scenes from there before this winter bids us farewell.

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I always enjoy the walk through the state park on the US side. While definitely not a wilderness I prefer the more natural setting there to the theme park on the Canadian side. First up the river from the edge of the American falls where one can enjoy the immense power of the river at the upper rapids. Then the bridges to Green Island and Goat Island. Those I have not enjoyed much since the monster overlays have been installed years ago. The old stone bridges, that was a different story! On Goat Island, the path takes us back to the edge of the falls and a view of the American Falls from the opposite side than where we started. In summer, the walk to Luna Island is a nice add-on but in winter, that path is closed for some strange reasons.

Winter Rainbow at Niagara Falls, American Falls photographed on film: Nikon N75, Fuji Provia 100FWinter Rainbow at Niagara FallsAmerican Falls

Winter Rainbow at Niagara Falls, American Falls
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Fuji Provia 100F

From this wonderful viewpoint the path takes us to the Horseshoe Falls, which is the main attraction for many. And yes, it's quite the sight. But for me, the adventure does not end there. I like to continue up the river again towards the Three Sisters Islands where a completely different experience awaits. The power and the roar are replaced with more gentle scenes.

Even here, civilization is taking its toll. Everything is fenced off. I definitely enjoyed this area even more when one could stroll around without these eyesores, enjoy the humming of the water, watch birds, and make photographs of this hideaway from the hoards of tourists. At least on the touristy side, my experience has been that this area does not get as crowded as the main points.

Winter at Three Sisters Islands, Niagara River just above Niagara FallsWinter at Three SistersNiagara River just above Niagara Falls

Winter at Three Sisters Islands
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Fuji Provia 100F

And that is it for today. Whether you enjoy winter or not so much I hope you have enjoyed these winter scenes, even if from the comfort of your couch next to the fireplace.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy film fuji landscape new york niagara falls ny outdoors provia snow winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/3/beautiful-winter-at-niagara-falls Mon, 02 Mar 2020 13:02:58 GMT Winter Stoic 2020 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/2/winter-stoic-2020 A few weeks ago I met up with a group of film photographers in Burlington, Ontario for a winter photo walk. The event was called Winter Stoic 2020 and we were supposed to witness the coldest month of the year, shoot old Soviet cameras and possibly some Soviet film too.

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Cameras & Film for the Day, Lubitel 166B, Zorki 4, Jupiter 8, Fomapan 400, Lomography MetropolisCameras & Film for the DayLubitel 166B, Zorki 4, Jupiter 8, Fomapan 400, Lomography Metropolis January did not live up to its reputation though. There was no snow, and temperatures were just above freezing. While that made the walk itself easier I felt like it took away from the mood I anticipated. It really was one of those gloomy gray winter days that come by the dozen.

Nevertheless, we met at a cafe, treated ourselves to a breakfast and hot beverages, waited for any stranglers that might show up late, and headed out. I did follow the camera theme and the choice of the day was a twin lens Lubitel 166B and a 35mm rangefinder Zorki 4 with a Jupiter 12 35mm lens. I did not have any Soviet or Russian films available so I loaded with my trusty Fomapan 400. And just in case I found something colorful on that gray day I threw in the new Lomography Metropolis film in the camera bag. So far, I had enjoyed its muted colors in winter. They seemed to fit right in.

Right out of the cafe our first stop was the signature Brant Street Pier. We definitely spent quite a while there taking pictures of the pier from different angles, some people photos, and a group shot.

Brant Street Pier on Lake Ontario, Burlington, ON, CanadaBrant Street PierBurlington, Ontario

Brant Street Pier on Lake Ontario, Burlington, ON, Canada
Photographed on Film: Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400 Black and White Film

Then we proceeded to wind our way along the lakeshore and eventually started a loop back towards our starting point. At one spot there was a row of very nice houses that looked like they were from a fairy tale. While I usually shy away from taking pictures of residential properties I just could not resist this one.

A House behind a Fence, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaA House behind a FenceBurlington, Ontario A House behind a Fence, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Photographed on Film: Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400 Black and White Film

Some walking later we were passing the church below. It had a very nice front yard offering nice photo opportunities. For the square photo on the Lubitel, I have selected this up close view though. I really liked the stairs from this angle and the door they led to looked wonderful too.

Church Steps, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaChurch StepsBurlington, Ontario

Church Steps, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Photographed on Film: Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400 Black and White Film

Zorki 4 and Beer, Queen's Head Pub and Bar, Burlington, ON, CanadaZorki 4 and BeerQueen's Head Pub and Bar Before we knew it, the official part of our walk was over and we headed in for a restaurant and lunch. The originally selected place seemed a bit high end to the group (they had table cloths!) and we all quickly agreed that a pub would be a better fit. We backtracked a tiny bit and Queen's Head Pub and Bar felt like a great fit from the get go. Soon, the table was filled with old cameras, beer, and menus. Food was great, beer was great, and the company was great! This concluded the official planned part of the day.

However, having driven in for an hour and a half I did not have enough yet and decided to continue the exploration of Burlington even after lunch. And another photographer felt the same way so off the two of us went, just in the opposite direction than before. It was also a wonderful opportunity to walk off the lunch and beer before sitting back behind the wheel.

Beer, Menu, and Zorki 4, Queen's Head Pub and Bar, Burlington, ON, CanadaBeer, Menu, and Zorki 4Queen's Head Pub and Bar Not knowing the area and not having studied the map ahead of time, it was just a random walk along the lakeshore. We found a few alright photo ops but I did not really get excited about them much.

That was until we stumbled upon this wonderful little village square that brought me to a fairy tale land for the second time that day. We found it completely by chance making somewhat random turns along the way but as soon as I entered this area I knew that was what I was waiting for. Not only did I easily finish the roll of 12 exposures in the Lubitel 166B, but my Zorki 4 also reached the end of its roll. With two black and white rolls in the pocket, and given the right inspiration (more on that in a later post) I loaded the Zorki with the Lomography Metropolis film that I am still new to. I had only shot one 120 roll before and liked that one a lot.

 

Village Square, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaVillage SquareBurlington, Ontario Village Square, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Photographed on Film: Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400 Black and White Film

Since the equipment was pretty lo-fi and the day gray I decided for a change of pace developing the 12 frames from the Lubitel. I use exclusively Kodak XTOL or the LegacyPro EcoPro developer and am very happy with the results. But for this roll, I thought Caffenol was the right choice. I used Caffenol before with photo paper but have not yet used it with film. A bit risky with a roll from this trip but I figured I also had some shots from the Zorki as a backup, and was hoping that even if things don't come out perfect they would be usable.

Caffenol IngredientsCaffenol Ingredients Thus, it was time for some powdered chemicals and a scale. I referenced the Caffenol Cookbook freely available on the Internet. I did not stick with one of the basic recipes though. Instead, the first variation mentioned in the book caught my eye, the Caffenol C-M(rs). Whether I goofed things up or had some momentary idea I am not sure but in the end, I proceeded with my own Caffenol C-H(rs) recipe. I took the C-H and reduced the soda content as the author of the C-M(rs) recipe.

Why Caffenol? It's made from almost all non-toxic ingredients like coffee and vitamin C and given how much humanity abuses the planet I always look for ways to do my part. That's actually why I use XTOL too as it is the least harmful to the environment out of the commonly used developers. Caffenol also provides a little different look as it stains the film. And it is a bit more Lo-Fi resulting in coarser grain, which I thought would work well, especially with the medium format film.

A few grams here, a few grams there, and the ugly dark looking coffee based developer was ready. The rest of the development process was as usual. 14.5 minutes in Caffenol, about a minute in the stop bath, then my usual 10 minutes in the fixer, followed by a 1-minute wash in water, 1-minute soak in the FPP Archival Permanent Wash, and 1 more minute in running water.

When I pulled the film out, I immediately had mixed feelings. There were pictures and that is always a great thing. But they were quite faint, what's called a thin film. As that is a negative, that would mean rather dark photos. Sure, one can deal with that with shorter exposures in the darkroom or with post-processing after scanning. However, it's usually at the cost of even more grain. That being said, I liked the results and will definitely develop more film in Caffenol in the future. However, I will pay better attention to the recipes and try to explore more of them before getting too creative again.

Alright, that was my roll of Fomapan 400 shot in the Lubitel 166B and developed in Caffenol. Like I mentioned above, there are two more rolls from the day that I ran through the Zorki 4. I will go over those in a future post.

Did this post intrigue you but you are not a film shooter? Feel free to reference the "How to take the leap into 35mm film photography" I wrote for Emulsive.org a little while back.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) black and white burlington caffenol canada cityscape lubitel photo walk square urban winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/2/winter-stoic-2020 Tue, 18 Feb 2020 12:00:00 GMT New Year's Walk in Orchard Park, Part II https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/2/new-years-walk-in-orchard-park-part-ii In New Year's Walk in Orchard Park I shared my struggle to narrow the selection down to just a few photos from my New Year's Day walk in Orchard Park, NY. I had a really good time in the village and am using today's post to fill the gaps, to show you around the rest. Some places are fairly new while others have quite a history!

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Enough talking, let's dive right in ...

Spot Coffee on New Year's Day 2020, Orchard Park, NYSpot Coffee on New Year's DayOrchard Park, NY

Spot Coffee on New Year's Day 2020, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed on film: Mamiya 645 1000s, Lomography Metropolis

Rider's Gallery on New Year's Day 2020, Orchard Park, NYRider's Gallery on New Year's DayOrchard Park, NY

Rider's Gallery on New Year's Day 2020, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed on film: Mamiya 645 1000s, Lomography Metropolis

Arthur's TrueValue Hardware on New Year's Day 2020, Orchard Park, NYArthur's TrueValue Hardware on New Year's DayOrchard Park, NY

Arthur's TrueValue Hardware on New Year's Day 2020, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed on film: Mamiya 645 1000s, Lomography Metropolis

Speedway on New Year's Day 2020, Orchard Park, NYSpeedway on New Year's DayOrchard Park, NY

Speedway on New Year's Day 2020, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed on film: Mamiya 645 1000s, Lomography Metropolis

Gingham Gallery on New Year's Day 2020, Orchard Park, NYGingham Gallery on New Year's DayOrchard Park, NY

Speedway on New Year's Day 2020, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed on film: Mamiya 645 1000s, Lomography Metropolis

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo cityscape film lomography metropolis new year ny orchard park snow village white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/2/new-years-walk-in-orchard-park-part-ii Mon, 10 Feb 2020 13:47:50 GMT Winter in the Fields https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/2/winter-in-the-fields I love winter on black and white film but when an opportunity presents itself to combine colors and snow I don't mind loading a color film and heading out at all. Actually, it's a great change of pace and a super opportunity to be on a lookout for something different.

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Although I must admit, this time I found that something different along my favorite road in the Southtowns of Buffalo, NY. Yes, we're right back by one of my favorite barns only this time the colors of the corn husks provided a wonderful foreground for the winter scene.

Corn & Snow, Rural Southtowns in Winter, Buffalo, NYCorn & SnowRural Southtowns

Corn & Snow, Rural Southtowns in Winter, Buffalo, NY
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400

And the second photo? Not far from the first one at all as it was just across the road. It's my favorite group of dancing trees only this time with that special foreground of corn and snow and in color.

Corn & Dancing Trees, Rural Southtowns of Buffalo, NY in WinterCorn & Dancing TreesRural Southtowns

Corn & Dancing Trees, Rural Southtowns of Buffalo, NY in Winter
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400

I will admit, for more than a year, I've been hooked on the color palette of the Kodak Portra film. I realize it may not be for everybody but I dig it. Feel free to leave me a comment about how you feel about it.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Barn and silos in white in winter storm in Buffalo and Western New YorkBarn and Silos in WhiteWinter Huddle, A Group of Trees in WinterHuddleWinter Barn & Silos, Rural Southtowns of Buffalo, New York (NY) - RurexBarn & SilosWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo colors film kodak new year ny orchard park portra portra 400 rural snow white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/2/winter-in-the-fields Mon, 03 Feb 2020 12:00:00 GMT Winter on Lake Erie https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/winter-on-lake-erie Most people head to the beach and to the lake in summer. Not me. A wonderful freezing winter day is what's more likely to get me there. And that's exactly what happened here.

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Photo number one was a wonderful and completely unexpected surprise. As I headed for the beach and turned the corner these magical ice formations on the rock wall screamed for attention. And attention they got! I had a blast coming closer, backing away, and changing camera angles trying to isolate the most interesting creations and to capture an engaging composition.

Icicle Formation, Winter at Sturgeon Point, Lake ErieIcicle FormationWinter

Icicle Formation, Winter at Sturgeon Point, Lake Erie
Photographed on film: Pentax Spotmatic, Cinestill BwXX (Kodak 5222)

The winter world above the rock wall was no less picturesque. The walkway was one sheet of ice, the rocks were glazed over, and that fence! Huge icicles were stacked one next to the other and were reaching almost down to the ground. What a winter view! I could not have asked for a better set up!

Icy Pier, Winter at Sturgeon Point, Lake Erie ShoreIcy PierWinter

Icy Pier, Winter at Sturgeon Point, Lake Erie Shore
Photographed on film: Pentax Spotmatic, Cinestill BwXX (Kodak 5222)

After having loads of fun around the rocks and the pier it was time to walk the rocky beach. And even here I felt like Alice in Wonderland. The artistic icy creations were everywhere, even if more subtle here. The details and the combination of the white ice and a black rock inspired me to click the shutter for this photo.

Winter Lakeshore, Lake Erie at Sturgeon PointWinter LakeshoreLake Erie

Winter Lakeshore, Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point
Photographed on film: Pentax Spotmatic, Cinestill BwXX (Kodak 5222)

Oh, and on the technical side, the Cinestistill BwXX also known as Kodak 5222 was perfect for this situation and I look forward to capturing more winter scenes with it. What a winter photo outing!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Winter Colors of Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYWinter Colors of Green LakeWinter Victim of Winter - Frozen till SpringFrozen till SpringWinter Snow Volcano, Winter on Lake ErieSnow VolcanoWinter

Horseshoe Falls in White, Winter at Niagara Falls, Southern Ontario, Canada.Horseshoe Falls in WhiteWinter Frosty Horseshoe Falls of NIagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and New York State (NY), United States (USA).Frosty Horseshoe FallsWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 5222 buffalo bwxx cold film ice kodak lake lake Erie landscape nature new york ny outdoors snow sturgeon point white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/winter-on-lake-erie Fri, 31 Jan 2020 11:55:08 GMT New Year's Walk in Orchard Park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/new-years-walk-in-orchard-park It has become my tradition to head out with a camera on New Year's Day and start the photographic year on a good note. I always hope for a nice cold winter's day and maybe even a ray of sunshine. Thus, it was great to get a white New Year's despite this winter's pathetic performance so far.

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First stop? A location on my way to the village of Orchard Park that I enjoy a lot. And yes, you have seen it here before too. And the means? My medium format Mamiya 645 camera loaded with the new film from Lomography, the Metropolis. I was really curious how it would come out. Seeing some results of others I knew I could expect muted colors and I thought that would go well with winter.

Custard Light on New Year's Day, Orchard Park, NYCustard Light on New Year's DayOrchard Park

Custard Light on New Year's Day, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed on film: Mamiya 645 1000s, Lomography Metropolis

Did it? It's definitely a matter of personal taste but I am quite happy with the results, feel it captured the mood of the cloudy day rather well, and am glad I have a few more winter photos of Orchard Park specifically on this film.

For the next photo, we're in the heart of the village walking down (but north) from Four Corners. We're passing the Mangia Ristorante on the left and the old Orchard Park Lanes sign is just ahead. I like the look of the village in this area quite a  bit. And a dose of nostalgia with the old sign definitely does not hurt as it brings back memories of days gone by.

Mangia Patio on New Year's Day, Orchard Park, NYMangia Patio on New Year's DayOrchard Park

Mangia Patio on New Year's Day, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed on film: Mamiya 645 1000s, Lomography Metropolis

Just past that wonderful sign full of nostalgia is a new storefront. A bakery that has only been around for a few years but has established itself as if it's forever been there. I can't help it but I really like how the film's color palette worked here in the mostly white scene.

Kaylena Marie's Bakery on New Year's Day, Orchard Park, NYKaylena Marie's Bakery on New Year's DayOrchard Park

Kaylena Marie's Bakery on New Year's Day, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed on film: Mamiya 645 1000s, Lomography Metropolis

And since I really like the new storefront as well as that wonderful sign, why not combine them in a single photograph? Let's turn around and look back up towards Four Corners. And again, I am a fan of the colors. I will definitely be shooting more of this film and defnitely before this winter is over. Let's hope we're not out of the white stuff yet. Right now, it's coming down nicely so maybe there's more in storage.

Kaylena Marie's Bakery on New Year's Day, Orchard Park, NYKaylena Marie's Bakery on New Year's DayOrchard Park

Kaylena Marie's Bakery on New Year's Day, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed on film: Mamiya 645 1000s, Lomography Metropolis

This was a roll of 15 exposres and I will admit, it was an unusual struggle for me to narrow down the set to share with you today. The New Year's Day walk just worked so well for me. Wonderful winter scenes all around and a great film to match it. That has me thinking, was this the first time I did not head out of civilization?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Snowy Stairs, Orchard Park, NYSnowy StairsOrchard Park Orchard Park Public Library in early Snow, Thanksgiving 2013. Buffalo, New York (NY).Orchard Park Library in SnowOrchard Park Chestnut Ridge County Park under blanket of snow in Winter, Orchard Park - Buffalo, New York (NY).Chestnut Ridge Park in WinterOrchard Park

Green Lake and Yates Park in Snow, Orchard Park - Buffalo, New York, NY.Green Lake in SnowOrchard Park Where the Trains Don't Go Any More, Buffalo Rochester & Pittsburgh Depot in Orchard Park, New York (NY).Where the Trains Don't Go Any MoreOrchard Park

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo cityscape film lomography metropolis new year ny orchard park snow village white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/new-years-walk-in-orchard-park Mon, 27 Jan 2020 13:46:15 GMT Winter on Green Lake https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/winter-on-green-lake It was a beautiful winter day in Orchard Park just south of Buffalo, NY. Everything was dressed in white, air was fresh and even the sun came out to see it all.

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Do you see that leaning tree in the distance behind the boat launch? I photographed that tree, with and without the boat launch, many times. It's a Green Lake classic for me. However, on this day, a different and a wider scene caught my eye with two leaning trees standing guard over the lake like two twin watchmen.

The Green Lake Watchmen, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY in WinterThe Green Lake WatchmenOrchard Park, NY

The Green Lake Watchmen, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY in Winter
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400

Trees and especially lone trees or groups of trees always draw my eyes too. It may have been a while but you would have heard me talk about dancing trees on these blog pages. And I found an interesting group of trees here at Green Lake too. They were not dancing. They were huddled up on standby at the watchmen's service.

Winter Guard, Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYWinter GuardOrchard Park, NY

Winter Guard, Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400

And then, back to the original scene, but much, much closer. So close, that we're now at the foot of the first watchman looking at his big toe sticking out through the snow. I love it when I find a nice combination of photos like this; a combination of a wide scene with a close up. I don't always remember to seek these but in the last couple years have been conscious of this opportunity and am always glad when I remember and even happier when I find one.

Watchman's Big Toe, Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY in WinterWatchman's Big ToeOrchard Park, NY

Watchman's Big Toe, Green Lake, Orchard Park, NY in Winter
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Kodak Portra 400

And that is it for today, hope you are enjoying this recent winter theme. What else should a Buffalo photographer blog about in January?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Film photography: Color of Wood, Rural Western New YorkColor of WoodWinter Barn & Silos, Rural Southtowns of Buffalo, New York (NY) - RurexBarn & SilosWinter Film photography: Rural White Winter, Rural Western New YorkRural WhiteWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo cold dancing trees film green lake kodak lake landscape nature new york ny orchard park outdoors portra snow sunny trees white winter yates park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/winter-on-green-lake Tue, 21 Jan 2020 13:49:26 GMT Still left remembering past winters https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/still-left-remembering-past-winters Winter visited us for one day and left in a hurry taking the white blanket with it. Now we're back to warm, rainy, and gray. The pattern continues. If you see sunshine, head out! If you see snow, head out! There are both at a premium this year.

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Let's take another walk back in time to see what a winter looks like. Thick clouds rolled over the lake and released its supply of snowflakes covering Buffalo, NY and its suburbs in white. It looked very intense and I felt the need to hop in the car and take a drive through some of my favorite local country roads. I have photographed the three structures you can see here many times and still hope to catch them many more times. However, age may be closing in on the big barn. Each time, I feel it's leaning more and more and getting closer to its demise. I love old barns. Actually, I like new barns too. There is just something simple and majestic about them. Unfortunately, I now have photographs of some that no longer stand, and that makes me sad. May this one have a bit of life left!

Snowstorm over Three Roofs, Clouds rolled in, obstructed the sun, and unleashed one of many Western New York's winter scenes.Snowstorm over Three RoofsClouds rolled in, obstructed the sun, and unleashed one of many Western New York's winter scenes.

Snowstorm over Three Roofs, a Western New York's Winter Scene
Photographed on film: Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Rollei Superpan 200

Just a little bit down the road is an area that a tornado moved through just a few years ago. We don't get them here much and this was a bit too close to home. The next photo shows a broken stump of a tree facing yet another storm with snow and wind creating whiteout situations.

Broken by one storm standing up to another. A stump of an old tree in a Buffalo winter storm.BrokenBroken by one storm standing up to another

Broken by one storm standing up to another
Photographed on film: Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Rollei Superpan 200

Winter Woods, winter storm in the woods south of Buffalo, NY.Winter WoodsWinter storm in the woods south of Buffalo, NY.

Winter storm in the woods south of Buffalo, NY
Photographed on film: Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Rollei Superpan 200

And finally to the last stop of the day, another barn that you see on my pages quite often. And why not? It's so photogenic, at least in my opinion. On this day it was facing the beating from one of many winter storms it has witnessed over the years.

Barn and Silos in White, a typical winter day in Western New YorkBarn and Silos in WhiteAn open field, an old barn with couple silos, and a typical winter day in Western New York.

Barn and Silos in White, a Typical Winter Day in Western New York
Photographed on film: Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Rollei Superpan 200

And back in the car, crank up the heat, and let's go get some hot tea.


Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Film photography: Color of Wood, Rural Western New York in WinterColor of WoodWinter Film photography: Rural White Winter, Rural Western New YorkRural White Winter Commissioner's Cabin in Winter, Chestnut Ridge County Park, Orchard Park - Buffalo, NYCommissioner's CabinWinter Barn & Silos, Rural Southtowns of Buffalo, New York (NY) - RurexBarn & SilosWinter Cottage in the Woods in WinterCottage in the WoodsWinter

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog black and white buffalo contessa countryside dramatic film landscape monochrome new york ny outdoors photography rural snow southtowns storm vintage weather winter zeiss https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/still-left-remembering-past-winters Fri, 10 Jan 2020 18:23:43 GMT Winter as it should be https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/winter-as-it-should-be Where is the famous Buffalo winter? So far its performance has been rather underwhelming. Yes, we got the landscape dressed in a thin white layer a few times but it did not last. I know some people don't mind but I do not like looking at green grass and everything else in shades of gray in January.

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Let's go couple years back and look at what winter around here should look like. And I really miss that look! I love heading out to Lake Erie in winter and witnessing the total transformation into a winter wonderland.

Frozen Gallagher Pier, Winter in Buffalo, NYFrozen Gallagher PierBuffalo, NY

Frozen Gallagher Pier, Winter in Buffalo, NY

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Season's Greetings from Buffalo Main Light - Lighthouse in Winter, Erie Basin MarinaSeason's GreetingsBuffalo Main Light Victim of Winter - Frozen till SpringVictim of WinterFrozen till Spring Frozen Sunset, Lake Erie, Buffalo, NYFrozen SunsetLake Erie

Bone Chilling Winter Cold at Sturgeon Point Marina, Derby, - Evans near Buffalo, NYBone Chilling ColdSturgeon Point Frozen Winter Artwork, Erie Basin Marina & Lighthouse, Buffalo, NYFrozen ArtworkErie Basin Marina

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo cold freezing frozen gallagher pier ice lake new york ny outdoors outer harbor white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/winter-as-it-should-be Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:24:07 GMT Winter wandering https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/winter-wandering Catching winter while it's happening is getting increasingly difficult in Buffalo, especially in December. About a foot of snow on the ground, sun in the sky, what could be better than a long walk with a camera in hand?

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Such was this winter day. The primary purpose of the expedition was to photograph bridges; large, small, and tiny. But it had a wonderful side effect of walking several miles through snow and definitely getting some fresh air in my lungs.

The longest section of the walk was definitely in Chestnut Ridge Park. It had a wonderful layer of snow, way more than even just under the hill, that gave everything a magical clean winter look and pictures were all around. Walking off trail was difficult but felt so good! I love taking pictures of lone trees no matter how much of a cliché that has become (but really, what hasn't?). In summer and fall, I usually reach for color film, but in winter, black and white is so natural.

Lone Tree at Chestnut Ridge, Winter, Photographed on Film: Flexaret V TLR, Fomapan 400Lone Tree at Chestnut RidgeWinter

Lone Tree at Chestnut Ridge in Winter
Photographed on film: Flexaret V TLR, Fomapan 400

Another couple miles later I stood in front of a scene I have photographed before. And not just once, the cottage in the woods has become somewhat of a celebrity in my photographs. It's just in such a perfect location surrounded by the woods and taking on different looks based on the season and weather.

Cottage in Winter Woods, Chestnut Ridge Park, Photographed on film: Flexaret V TLR, Fomapan 400Cottage in Winter WoodsChestnut Ridge Park

Cottage in Winter Woods, Chestnut Ridge Park
Photographed on film: Flexaret V TLR, Fomapan 400

I almost forgot to mention it. There was a strong secondary purpose to this photo outing. In summer, I brought back a beautiful Flexaret V twin lens reflex camera from the Czech Republic. I have cleaned it up since but have not run film through it yet. It was time!

Flexaret V in SnowFlexaret VIn Snow Allow me a little bit of space here to provide a summary of what I have found out. Overall, the shooting experience is very close to that of using any TLR. This model's focusing screen is not the brightest and as a result it is not easy to identify the point of perfect focus. Even with the provided magnifier the focus snap is not obvious, at least not to me with my sight challenges. And yes, add the fact I was wearing progressive glasses to the mix and it was a slow process of me getting to pressing the shutter. For each shot, I looked at the focusing scale to confirm that I was in the ballpark, thus using zone focusing as a safety net.

Another lesson learned was that shooting into a bright light showed the limitation of the lens producing quite a flare. However, keeping that in mind, I was very impressed with the results some of which you see in today's post. Quite impressive for a camera from the 1950s in my opinion.

Am I going to use the camera often? It's not going to be my primary TLR. Both of my Yashica LM and Rolleiflex Automat are easier to focus with their focusing screens. But to be fair, I actually had the focusing screen on the Rolleiflex replaced with a brighter screen. So maybe that is an option here too. And unlike the Yashica LM, which vignettes quite heavily, I did not experience any vignetting with the Flexaret. Given a bright day, I will be happy to take this camera out again.

Alright, back to the story of the day though. After the cottage, another mile or so of walking back to the car and a change of location was in order to point the camera at sights around Green Lake, including the old railroad bridge below. That, the cottage above, and many more photographs of mine show the advantage of being local. Nothing really looks the same on repeated visits. The seasons change, the weather changes, the time of day changes, there are so many factors that will drive the look of the final image. An of course, the choice of camera and film plays a significant role too.

Waiting for the Express Train, Orchard Park, NY, Photographed on film: Flexaret V TLR, Fomapan 400Waiting for the Express TrainOrchard Park, NY

Waiting for the Express Train, Orchard Park, NY
Photographed on film: Flexaret V TLR, Fomapan 400

All photographs in today's post so far were taken in Orchard Park, NY. For the final one, we're heading all the way to Buffalo, NY for a picture of, dare I say, an iconic bridge. Yes, a bit of exaggeration, but this permanently raised railroad bridge is quite prominently visible from I-190 and hundreds of people see it every day. But do they really see it?

Triplets, Raised Bridge and Utility Poles, Buffalo, NY, Photographed on film: Flexaret V TLR, Fomapan 400TripletsRaised Bridge and Utility Poles

Triplets, Raised Bridge and Utility Poles, Buffalo, NY
Photographed on film: Flexaret V TLR, Fomapan 400

And that's it for today and for the first post of 2020. Happy New Year to you all and thank you so much for stopping by!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Loading a Truck at Standard Grain Elevator, Buffalo, New York (NY)Loading a TruckBuffalo, NY Franciscan Hall, Hilbert College, Hamburg, New York (NY)Franciscan HallHamburg, NY Edward M Cotter and USS Little Rock at Naval & Military Park, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter at Naval ParkBuffalo, NY

Shea's Performing Arts Center Theatre Southbound, Main Street, Black and White, Buffalo, NYShea's SouthboundBuffalo, NY Sideview of Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, NYKleinhans Music HallBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog black and white bridge buffalo cityscape film flexaret monochrome new york ny outdoors photography tlr twin lens winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2020/1/winter-wandering Fri, 03 Jan 2020 15:02:35 GMT The 135mm Challenge Zine 2019 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/12/the-135mm-challenge-zine-2019 In 2019 I wanted to focus on getting my photos printed in a physical form. One of the ways I went about it were simple zines showcasing a theme of photographs.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

The 135mm Challenge Zine 2019The 135mm Challenge Zine 2019Film Photography I started the year with Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018 with 15 black and white photographs of said road trip combining some landscape photography and sights along Route 66. $1 from each benefits National Historic Route 66 Federation and another $1 the National Park Foundation.

Then came the Zine Issue 2: Chasing Waterfalls featuring the many waterfalls of Robert H Treman State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park, also in black and white. $1 from each benefits Robert H Treman State Park via the Natural Heritage Trust, the official charity of New York State Parks and another $1 the Buttermilk Falls State Park.

Then came couple collaborations with photographers around two of my favorite podcast.

The first one was The Lensless Zine 2019 featuring 32 previously unpublished black and white pinhole photographs from 16 different photographers around the Lensless Podcast. The profits from this zine went to the podcasters to assist with their costs.

The 135mm Challenge Zine 2019The 135mm Challenge Zine2019 The second collaboration, The 135mm Challenge Zine, closes the year. It is a collaboration of 21 different film photographers around the Negative Positives Film Photography Podcast featuring 42 previously unpublished black and white film photographs, all photographed with a 135mm telephoto lens providing a specific look to the included photographs as well as a name for the zine. The profits went right back to the podcast to assist with the podcast costs.

Why a challenge? 135mm is not a usual all around focal length. Thus, capturing a whole roll of 36 photographs challenged our photographic vision. I like wide angle lenses and usually walk around with a 28mm lens. 135mm required a bit of calibration. However, a few pictures in, I was a fan.

I found two basic use-cases for the lens. The obvious one was to shoot things that were further away that I could not get closer to. In the same category, stepping further away and using a telephoto lens instead of getting closer with a wide angle provided a different perspective. Things appeared closer that way. For example a group of wild flowers can look sparse with a wide angle lens but telephoto can make it look like they're much denser.

The other use-case was for shallow depth of field. With a 28mm lens (or wider) it is almost impossible to render foreground objects in focus while throwing the background out of focus. With a 135mm it becomes very easy. That provided an opportunity to lean into this, shoot wide open, and clearly show where the interest laid in each frame.

The 135mm Challenge Zine 2019, The Negative Positives Film Photography PodcastThe 135mm Challenge Zine2019

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018 The Lensless Zine 2019 by the Lensless Podcast, A Pinhole Photographer CollaborationThe Lensless Zine 2019 Zine Issue 2: Chasing WaterfallsZine Issue 2: Chasing Waterfalls

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 135mm 2019 analog b&w black and white booklet challenge collaboration film magazine photography telephoto zine https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/12/the-135mm-challenge-zine-2019 Thu, 19 Dec 2019 12:59:12 GMT In the Woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/12/in-the-woods Today's photos are an example of what I mean by my #etbtsy hashtag. It stands for enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! And it is so true. So often do we just walk by beautiful things without noticing, without stopping, without appreciating. But those moments when we do are so worth it!

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This morning, a day off and a walk in the woods was what the doctor ordered. And yes, it was at a park that is well knows for some of its sights. But it was not those sights that called to me the most. It was way simpler. It was just the enjoyment of being in the outdoors and enjoying every single step through the woods.

The bright morning light was making its way through the trees setting up the dreamy scene of the first photograph. Add the randomly crisscrossing trunks of the leaning trees and the scene was just about perfect and I could not resist.

Letchworth tate Park Forest, Trees in Morning Light, The Beauty of OutdoorsLetchworth ForestTrees in Morning Light

Trees of the Letchworth State Park Forest
Photographed on film: Nikon F4, Agfa Vista 200

Then I keep walking, paying attention to all of the details that I am surrounded by. The moss on the forest floor, the moss on tree bark, stumps resembling other things, my imagination goes wild. And look, there's a beautiful mushroom growing on that tree!

Mushrooms in the Woods, Letchworth State Park, New YorkMushrooms in the WoodsLetchworth State Park

Mushrooms in the Woods, Letchworth State Park, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon F4, Agfa Vista 200

To complete today's admiration of woods we're going to finish at another local place that is very close to where I live and as such I have the luxury of visiting it often. Yes, I have photographed it many times and have some favorite and over-photographed scenes there but I like the challenge of finding more, of capturing things in different light, different seasons, different weather and so on. We started with leaning trees, let's wrap up with them too.

Leaning Trees of Birdsong, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New YorkLeaning TreesBirdsong Park

Leaning Trees of Birdsong, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon F4, Kodak Gold 200

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Sunny Fall Day at Big Bend in Letchworth State Park, New YorkSunny Fall DayLetchworth Fall Colors around Murder Creek, Akron, Western New York (NY)Fall ColorsAkron Falls Park Rock Garden, Niagara River Bank near the Whirlpool, Niagara Falls / Buffalo, New York (NY) on Kodak Portra 400 FilmRock GardenNiagara Gorge

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy agfa analog buffalo details film gold kodak landscape letchworth light local nature new york ny orchard park outdoors simple vista https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/12/in-the-woods Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:56:38 GMT Seaside Pinhole Photography IV https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/12/seaside-pinhole-photography-iv Zeroimage Pinhole, Wooden 35mm Film Pinhole CameraZeroimage Pinhole35mm Film Pinhole Camera We are now well into the gray period here in Western New York and as such I hope you're all fine with two black and white posts in a row this week. To add some variety today's two photographs are captured on a 35mm pinhole camera at a rather colorful place, a place of dreams, a paradise on Earth.

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Welcome to the wonderful lava-filled coast of Maha'ulepu in Kauai, Hawaii. Just walking along the coast is a total feast for one's soul and eyes. And having a camera in hand can further enhance this exhilaration. Not only does it bring happiness knowing that there will be pictures to look at and enjoy long after arriving back home faraway from this paradise but it also helps me open my eyes even more and look for answers to what it really is that I love about the place.

Yes, I often get philosophical while on location. Rather than randomly pointing a camera in many different directions trying to capture the key elements is a worthwhile challenge. And in my opinion, that is where a different set of tools can help by forcing a different approach.

So here we are with a pinhole camera. It's clear the resulting pictures will not be sharp. It's also clear the exposures will take several seconds given the tiny hole (f/138) and slow film (ISO 50). With these limitations in mind it's time to lean into them and turn them into strengths. After all, long exposures at a beautiful coastline seem like the right recipe.

Maha'ulepu Lava, Pinhole photography, Kauai Coast, HawaiiMaha'ulepu LavaPinhole photography

In the first photograph, the focus is on the lava rocks filling the shore. To me, that is what makes the Hawaiian coastline so photogenic. In the following photograph, it's the next thing that catches one's eye. The regular rhythm of the waves hitting the shore, wave after wave.

Maha'ulepu Lava
35mm Zeroimage Pinhole Camera, Ilford PANF Plus 50 Black & White Film

Maha'ulepu Coast, Pinhole Photography, Kauai, HawaiiMaha'ulepu CoastPinhole Photography

Maha'ulepu Lava
35mm Zeroimage Pinhole Camera, Ilford PANF Plus 50 Black & White Film

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs? Visit my Pinhole Photography gallery and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole of Green Lake, Cobblestone on Pinhole, Buffalo, NY, WPPD 2018, Seaside Pinhole Photography II, Seaside Pinhole Photography III, Pinhole & Trucks, Seaside Pinhole Photography IV

Makawehi Lithified Cliffs, 35mm Pinhole Photograph on Ilford PanF Black and White FilmMakawehi Lithified CliffsPinhole Photography Shipwreck Beach, 35mm Pinhole Photograph on Ilford PanF Black and White FilmShipwreck BeachPinhole Photography Ke'e Beach, 35mm Pinhole Photograph on Ilford PanF Black and White FilmKe'e BeachZero Image 35mm Pinhole Camera, Ilford PANF Plus 50 Black & White Film

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w black and white film hawaii kauai landscape lensless monochrome outdoors photography pinhole water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/12/seaside-pinhole-photography-iv Thu, 05 Dec 2019 20:51:31 GMT Still in Operation https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/12/still-in-operation This was a nice late afternoon stroll through Buffalo's Old First Ward looking for new photo opportunities. It's always great to re-visit a previously photographed place as I know the lay of the land and at the same time it is an interesting challenge to leave with something new.

The Old First Ward Sign, Buffalo, NY - Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Kodak 5222 / Cinestill BwXX FilmThe Old First Ward SignBuffalo, NY

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Sometimes, those opportunities are hard to find when visiting a place for the hundreth time, other times, recent changes make them jump out. Or as on this day, having a photo companion helped me look at the places in new light. And of course, a little bit of luck never hurts. One has to be ready for it, though!

Buffalo's grain elevators have attracted my attention for years. It's always nice to see these behemoths of the past still in operation. Here, a truck is getting a truckload of grain at the Standard Grain Elevator in Buffalo, NY. It was quite opportune to stumble upon this scene with a camera loaded with black and white film. Rather fitting, in my opinion.

Loading a Truck - Standard Grain Elevator, Buffalo, New YorkLoading a TruckStandard Grain Elevator

Loading a Truck, Standard Grain Elevator, Buffalo, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Kodak 5222 / Cinestill BwXX Film

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Puddle Shot of the Buffalo City Hall, Buffalo, NYPuddle Shot of the Buffalo City HallBuffalo, NY Gallagher Pier in Ice and Snow. Winter on Buffalo's Outer Harbor, Waterfront, Buffalo, New York (NY).Gallagher Pier in IceBuffalo, NY Edward M Cotter and USS Little Rock at Naval & Military Park, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter at Naval Park IIBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog black and white buffalo building cityscape elevator film functional grain history monochrome new york ny photography standard timeless truck urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/12/still-in-operation Tue, 03 Dec 2019 23:40:10 GMT Colors https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/11/colors Winter stopped by for a while, announced itself, and then disappeared again, probably just for a short while. We have entered the 6-month gray period. While waiting for snow to come and brighten our world let's enjoy some colors of October.

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One of my favorite places to visit in the fall, and in all seasons for that matter, is the beautiful Letchworth State Park. When a beautiful sunny day shows up during the colorful season, why not take a day off and head out for a stroll with a camera in hand?

Sunny Fall Day in Letchworth, Letchworth State Park, New YorkSunny Fall Day in LetchworthLetchworth State Park

Sunny Fall Day in Letchworth State Park, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Kodak Ektar 100

I love that the park has a great variety of subjects. There are wonderful grand vistas featuring the Genesee River gorge, there are beautiful big and small waterfalls, and there are some hidden treasures if one ventures off the beaten path.

Colorful Shadow Cascade, Letchworth State Park, New YorkColorful Shadow CascadeLetchworth State Park

Colorful Shadow Cascade, Letchworth State Park, New York
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Kodak Ektar 100

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Upper Papermill Falls Waterfall, Silver Lake Outlet, Letchworth State Park, New York StateUpper Papermill FallsLetchworth State Park Papermill Falls Sidekick Waterfall, Silver Lake Outlet, Letchworth State Park, New York StatePapermill Falls SidekickLetchworth State Park Fog over Genesee River at Dawn, Letchworth State ParkFog over Genesee River at DawnLetchworth State Park
Get Inspired!, Genesee River Gorge, MIddle & Upper Falls, Two Bridges, Letchworth State ParkGet Inspired!Letchworth State Park The Letchworth Gorge, Tea Table View of Genesee River Valley.The Letchworth Gorge, Tea Table ViewLetchworth State Park

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog autumn colors ektar fall film kodak landscape letchworth nature nikon fe outdoors photography https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/11/colors Mon, 25 Nov 2019 13:16:29 GMT Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2019 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/11/twelve-months-twenty-photos-2019 It’s that time of the year, it’s time for a recap. 2019 was photographically a great year. Three long distance family trips full of photo opportunities as well as countless local expeditions with the camera.

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2019 was also a bit different than the last few years. While I returned to film photography back in 2015 I remained mostly a mixed digital and analog photographer. As the years progressed I became increasingly biased towards film though. And in 2019, my photography turned completely analog. There were only two events I photographed on my digital camera to be able to share photos quickly with the participants and to make sure the camera did not collect too much dust. It was also a great opportunity to cycle through the batteries and get them all recharged just in case.

Most of my photography was on 35mm film, even though I enjoyed using a few of my medium format cameras too. And almost new to me this year is large format photography. While I have had my 4” x 5” pinhole camera for a while, it does not have any of the movements typical for lens based cameras.

This year, a family friend gifted me a 5” x 7” camera. It laid unused for a very long time and as such was not in a 100% shape. I cleaned up where I could get to, figured out how everything works, and took it out for a spin. The curtain shutter will need some more work as it tends to hang a bit but going through a few shots to work it out seems to get the exposure times close enough.

Transporting it across the ocean resulted in a cracked ground glass too and instead of buying an expensive replacement I opted for using a cheap picture frame glass and doing the grinding myself. All worked out very well and I believe my replacement is better than the original.

So anyway, as I have done since 2014, here’s my Twelve Months, Twenty Photos collage of my color and black and white photographs shot across a wide variety of films. My current favorites? On the color front, it is Kodak Portra 400 and 160. On the black and white side, my preferred films of the year are Fomapan 400, especially in medium format (6x6cm, type 120), and Kodak 5222 (aka Double X, or Cinestill BwXX).

Can’t wait to see what 2020 brings …

Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2019Twelve Months, Twenty Photos2019

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Twelve Months Twenty Photos 2018Twelve Months Twenty Photos2018

Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2017Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2017A 2017 year-end collage of natural landscapes and cityscapes from around Buffalo, NY.

Twelve months, twenty photosTwelve months, twenty photos

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2019 buffalo collage in pictures landscape local mosaic ny photo photography portfolio review selection twelve months western new york year https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/11/twelve-months-twenty-photos-2019 Wed, 20 Nov 2019 01:38:07 GMT That Didn't Take Long https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/11/that-didnt-take-long It looks like the forecast was right on and our world was painted white shortly after submitting the last post. In response, I've acknowledged that development by switching my home page into winter mode, and now by sharing some wintery landscapes.

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It's a location I love going back to as it has so much to offer. On this visit, I was focused on the landscape and the beautiful sunny winter day it was. Frigid or not, sunshine seems to always mentally help, even though it can be rather deceiving in winter. No clouds usually mean even colder temperatures.

Sunny Winter Day, Winter's Pond, South of Buffalo, NYSunny Winter DayWinter's Pond

Sunny Winter Day, Winter's Pond
Photographed on Film: Mamiya 645, Fomapan 400

But who would not like a bright sunny day? We don't get enough of those around here thanks to the lake effect moisture and a resulting almost permanent layer of clouds. But when the sun does show up and there's plenty of snow and ice on the ground, the world is twice as bright! It's a great time to head out, feel the snow cracking under one's boots, and breathe in that intense cold air.

Pieces Falling into Place, A winter jigsaw puzzle at Winter's Pond, South of Buffalo, NYPieces Falling into PlaceA winter jigsaw puzzle at Winter's Pond

Pieces Falling into Place, A winter jigsaw puzzle at Winter's Pond
Photographed on Film: Mamiya 645, Fomapan 400

Don't let winter slow you down, it's got it's beauty even if it has a bite.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

If you'd like to see my photographs on Facebook when new blog posts go out, feel free to give me a like. Alternatively, bookmark my main blog page and then click on it once or twice a week. Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog black and white cold film fomapan landscape mamiya monochrome ny outdoors photography snow sunny winter winter's pond https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/11/that-didnt-take-long Thu, 14 Nov 2019 18:04:16 GMT Through Fall https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/11/through-fall Only a few trees have retained some of their leaves at this point but I don't see a problem living in the colorful dream for a little longer. Let's keep the colors around for a bit. It's Sunday evening now and the forecast for Monday seems a bit white so let's see how much longer we can keep the dream going.

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A beautiful fall day, a wonderful alley of colorful trees and a winding road. First a zig, then a zag. That is the spot! A quick look through the viewfinder, a few steps back and forth, left and right, then a gentle push of the shutter and the moment is preserved. If not for eternity then at least for the next few winter months until the first greens show up in spring.

Country Road through Fall, Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora, New York (NY)Country Road through FallKnox Farm State Park

Country Road through Fall
Photographed on film: Pentax Spotmatic, Kodak Ektar 100

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Thomas L. Kelly Covered Bridge in Colors, Allegany State Park, Salamanca, New York (NY)Covered Bridge Covered with ColorsFall Colors Watkins Glen Window, Fall ColorsWatkins Glen WindowFall Colors Foggy Meadows and Fences at Sunrise, Knox Farm, East Aurora - Buffalo, New York (NY)Meadows and Fences at Sunrise, Knox FarmFall colors

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog autumn colors ektar fall fence film knox farm kodak landscape outdoors pentax photography spotmatic trees https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/11/through-fall Mon, 11 Nov 2019 11:42:54 GMT Changing Times https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/11/changing-times Sometimes it's the grand landscapes that catch my eye, other times it is the minute details. Details we all may pass every day without ever noticing or paying attention to them. I find I pay more attention to my surroundings when I have a camera in my hand.

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I have selected a single black and white photo to share with you today. It's of an old stump in a park very close to where I live. I must have walked by the stump many times. But this day, with an old Rolleiflex from the 1940s in my hand I was really paying attention. If only the stump could talk. How did the tree come to life? Was it planted or did a random seed successfully germinate at the spot? What was the final nail in its life before it was cut down?

Film Photography: The Stump, A Witness of Times; Rolleiflex Automat, Fomapan 100The StumpA Witness of Times

The Stump, Chestnut Ridge Park
Photographed on Film: Rolleiflex Automat, Fomapan 100

I have just visited the same location last week while chasing fall colors and the stump was gone, ground, only wood chips left. Yes, it was only a stump but I am still glad I photographed it while it was still there.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

If you'd like to see my photographs on Facebook when new blog posts go out, feel free to give me a like. Alternatively, bookmark my main blog page and then click on it once or twice a week. Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

One Tall Dead Tree, Birdsong, Orchard Park, New York (NY).OneTree Huddle, A Group of Trees in WinterHuddleTrees Bent Over, A Creek in a ForestBent OverForest

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog black and white changes details film fomapan monochrome nature ny outdoors photography rolleiflex stump https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/11/changing-times Fri, 01 Nov 2019 12:14:37 GMT Fall Colors around Murder Creek https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/fall-colors-around-murder-creek We're at the tail-end of the season of color so let's throw some more colors on these pages. Today, we're returning to the beautiful Murder Creek in Akron Falls Park.

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The green moss-covered rocks, colors all around, water humming its way through, what's not to like? It's a really short hike along the creek to get to the Lower Akron Falls, but I always enjoy it very much. And it can also take me quite a while!
Fall Colors around Murder Creek, Akron Falls ParkFall Colors around Murder CreekAkron Falls Park

Fall Colors around Murder Creek, Akron Falls Park
Shot on Nikon FE and Kodak Ektar 100 Film

At some point along the hike the humming intensifies and grows louder and louder with each step announcing the upcoming waterfall. Many people prefer the high flow of spring for waterfalling, I prefer a nice gentle medium to low flow. Yes, in this case, it's missing the flow from the high ledge - see the rock at the top right? In high flow, water rockets out of there. But do you see those beautiful individual  strands of water here? And see how they're clean and white?

Fall at Akron Falls, Western New York OutdoorsFall at Akron FallsWestern New York Outdoors

Fall at Akron Falls, Western New York Outdoors
Shot on Nikon FE and Kodak Ektar 100 Film

And finally, the waterfall and the creek are surrounded by the colors of fall. Even in summer, the greenery adds to the beauty. In spring, I really miss those add-ons.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Lower Akron Falls, New York (NY) in summer frequently reduced to a trickle that can be magical.The Akron FallsGentle Trickle Before sunrise at Lower Akron Falls, New York (NY) in early summer. Frequently reduced to a trickle that can be magical.Before Sunrise at Lower Akron FallsWaterfall Panorama A water cascade rushing over rocks on Murder Creek down stream from Akron Falls, Akron - Buffalo, New York (NY)Morning on Murder CreekGreen & White Spring under Akron Falls near Buffalo, NYSpring under Akron FallsHigh Flow Murder Creek Greens, Rock-HoppingMurder Creek GreensRock-Hopping

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy akron analog colors creek ektar falls film foliage hiking kodak landscape murder nature outdoors photography rocks water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/fall-colors-around-murder-creek Tue, 29 Oct 2019 12:08:33 GMT Along the Trail https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/along-the-trail Hiking to one place while keeping one's eyes open is always a good idea. There can be so many treasures along the way that maps and other research ahead of time simply won't show. And that's a good thing! There's nothing like hitting a trail and exploring in person.

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It's a Thursday so let's do a black and white post. Both photographs were shot on a Pentax Spotmatic camera loaded with a black and white Fomapan 100 film. They also both originally featured in my Zine Issue 2: Chasing Waterfalls. If you'd like to pick up a copy of that one or one of the other two currently available, you can find them in the Zines section of my website.

Film Photography: Old Bridge Wall, Letchworth State Park, Pentax Spotmatic and Fomapan 100Old Bridge WallLetchworth State Park

Old Bridge Wall, Letchworth State Park
Shot on film: Pentax Spotmatic, Fomapan 100

Hiking past the wall and a few other wonderful treasures that caused quite a pause in my forward progress we arrive at the intended destination of this short trail, the high vantage point above this beautiful waterfall.

Film photography: Upper Papermill Falls in Black & White, Letchworth State Park, Pentax Spotmatic, Fomapan 100Upper Papermill Falls in Black & WhiteLetchworth State Park

Upper Papermill Falls in Black & White, Letchworth State Park
Shot on film: Pentax Spotmatic, Fomapan 100

Yep, that's it for today's dose of black and white Thursday. Thanks for dropping by and hope to see you back soon.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

If you'd like to see my photographs on Facebook when new blog posts go out, feel free to give me a follow. Alternatively, bookmark my main blog page and then click on it once or twice a week. Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Phalanx of Trees Standing Guard by Trail, Birdsong, Orchard Park, New York (NY).PhalanxBirdsong Park Horseshoe Falls in White, Winter at Niagara Falls, Southern Ontario, Canada.Horseshoe Falls in WhiteNiagara Falls Film photography: Edward M Cotter's Solo Show in Black and White, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter's Solo ShowBuffalo's Canalside

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog black and white distraction film hiking landscape monochrome nature New York outdoors photography treasures waterfall https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/along-the-trail Thu, 24 Oct 2019 12:09:42 GMT More from Lower Niagara https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/more-from-lower-niagara Another look at the Lower Niagara Gorge today, just a few feet up the river (last visit: By the Niagara River with a Camera & Film). In this location, my eyes were firmly on the ground exploring the river bank.

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The rocky river banks seem to always look different. Different colors, different levels of water and in different light. Especially the difference between high summer flow and low winter flow is striking.

For this section I also swapped film in my camera. While I started the day with a color negative film I already had Fuji Velvia 50 slide film loaded by this point. That also provided a different look for today's pictures.

Rocky River Bank, Lower Niagara RapidsRocky River BankLower Niagara Rapids

Rocky River Bank, Lower Niagara Rapids
Shot on Nikon N75 and Fuji Velvia 50 Film

The interaction of water and the rocks is very interesting too as the powerful flow creates waves that flood some areas only to immediately retreat. In one area, there is a notch in the rock that allows water to flow in and out. I could sit there for hours watching the water rush in, overflow at the other end, then back out, and repeat. It seemed no two waves behaved exactly the same. Simple, hypnotic, magical. Maybe I am just too easily pleased.

Rushing In and Out, Lower Niagara RapidsRushing In and OutLower Niagara Rapids

Rushing In and Out, Lower Niagara Rapids
Shot on Nikon N75 and Fuji Velvia 50

After a few beautiful fall days of sunshine and color our weather turned rather wet overnight. What is ahead of us? Is there still going to be an opportunity to squeeze in another fall visit to this wonderful river gorge? We'll see.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Niagara River Rumble, Lower Niagara White Water Rapids just above Whirlpool on Kodak Portra 400 FilmNiagara RumbleLower Niagara Rapids Sunrise over the rising mist of Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Canada looking back into the United States (USA).Sunrise over the Horseshoe FallsNiagara Falls Class 6 Rapids, Niagara River at the Whirlpool Rapids Gorge, Niagara Gorge, Niagara Falls / Buffalo, New York (NY).Class 6 Rapids, Niagara River at the Whirlpool Rapids GorgeLower Niagara Rapids

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog changes colors film landscape nature niagara outdoors photography power rapids river rocks rocky velvia water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/more-from-lower-niagara Tue, 22 Oct 2019 11:15:50 GMT Stages of a Sunrise https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/stages-of-a-sunrise The coolness of the morning, the breeze in one's face, and darkness slowly giving way to daylight. The weather situation slowly becoming more apparent and the excitement combined with the doubts. How is the scene going to develop on this day? Will the sun find a way to paint the sunrise magic, even if ever so briefly, or are the clouds going to win?

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Such are my thoughts on these morning expeditions. But there's never any regret. No matter what eventually happens, it's always great to be there, let it all in, and watch, and breathe. Sure, it's always a great bonus if I get a chance to capture a few photographs to remember the morning forever but it is not required.

Sun Trying to Break Through at Sunrise over Lake Michigan, Stage 1Trying to Break ThroughStage 1

Sun Trying to Break Through at Sunrise over Lake Michigan, Stage 1

This specific morning on the shore of Lake Michigan was no different. It was my first time at this particular spot and as such the morning was already a success having explored a new area. And finding this old leftover of a structure was nice too, something different to place in my foreground. Clearly, I was not the only one enjoying it's presence.

Sun Breaking Through at Sunrise over Lake Michigan, Stage 2Breaking ThroughStage 2

Sun Breaking Through at Sunrise over Lake Michigan, Stage 2

I saw the possible opening in the clouds ahead of time and was full of anticipation. Would it be enough? As the sun started moving into the window I kept my finger on the shutter waiting for the circle of the sun to center itself perfectly.

Sun Trying to Break Through at Sunrise over Lake Michigan, Stage 3Sunrise GlowStage 3

Sun Trying to Break Through at Sunrise over Lake Michigan, Stage 3

For the final stage, I decided to wait a little longer and wait for the sun to fully hide again. When its rays started glowing above the cloud I had my Stage 3, as if a second sunrise of the days was about to happen.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you (#etbtsy)!

Have you enjoyed this post and the included photographs? Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries. Do you love roads running through beautiful landscapes as me? My favorite ones are in the On the Road Photo Collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

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Boulders, Rocks, and Setting Sun, Lake Erie Sunset PhotographBoulders, Rocks, and Setting SunLake Erie Water & Rocks at Sunset, Lake Erie, Sturgeon Point near Buffalo, New York (NY).Water & Rocks at SunsetLake Erie Sunset Awe at Sturgeon Point, Derby, NY near Buffalo, NYSunset Awe at Sturgeon PointLake Erie Midsummer Day's Sunset, Hamburg Beach, Hamburg - Buffalo, NYMidsummer Day's SunsetLake Erie Forces of Nature Reclaiming an Old Pier on Lake Erie, Derby, NYReclaiming an Old PierLake Erie

 

 

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy chicago colors great lakes lake lake michigan landscape light nature outdoors photography sunrise water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/stages-of-a-sunrise Tue, 15 Oct 2019 12:13:05 GMT Lucky Find https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/lucky-find Sometimes, my photographs are a result of a careful research and a planned execution. Other times, a bit of luck helps. And sometimes it is a combination. Such was the case here. While traveling to one location, I stumbled upon this one. No complaints!

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If you have followed my blog for a while you must have noticed I was a fan of covered bridges. Chasing them down is a favorite activity during our road trips. Yep, waterfalls and covered bridges never hurt. However, our own home state of New York is not exactly famous for them. But that does not mean there are none to be found! Not at all!

Oak Hill Covered Bridge, Fall Colors, New York StateOak Hill Covered BridgeFall Colors

Oak Hill Covered Bridge, Fall Colors, New York State

And this beauty showed up at a perfect time too, surrounded by the vivid fall colors of October and illuminated by a wonderful sunny day's light.

Fall Colors around Oak Hill Covered Bridge, New York StateFall ColorsOak Hill Covered Bridge

Fall Colors around Oak Hill Covered Bridge, New York State

And so it goes. Find places to travel to and explore and keep your eyes open for the unexpected bonus along the way.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Thomas L. Kelly Covered Bridge in Colors, Allegany State Park, Salamanca, New York (NY)Thomas L. KellyCovered Bridge Covered Bridge of Winter's Pond, Winter in Western New York, Landscape PhotographWinter's PondCovered Bridge Holliwell Covered Bridge, Bridges of Madison County, Winterset, Iowa (IA)Holliwell BridgeCovered Bridge

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy bridge colors covered fall landscape new york ny oak hill outdoors photography rushford https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/lucky-find Thu, 10 Oct 2019 11:43:12 GMT By the Niagara River with a Camera & Film https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/by-the-niagara-river-with-a-camera-film I like exploring new places with a camera in hand but I also love going back to some of the same places over and over. I know I mentioned it here in the past and not just once but today's post is another witness to that. Why would I want to photograph the same place again?

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It may be the same place but will it look the same? I doubt that. First, the place itself might have changed with the passage of time. The changes can be subtle and may take a while to notice or they may be rather striking. Second, the conditions will surely be different. Different seasons, different weather, different time of the day, all resulting in different images.

And then there is the equipment. Yes, as a photographer I believe that photographs are more about the person behind the camera than the equipment itself but that's not to say the equipment does not matter. Yes, great images are possible with any equipment, as the history of photography shows us, and as something as simple as a pinhole camera can prove. But the equipment choice will have an impact.

Rock Garden, Lower Niagara River RapidsRock GardenNiagara River Rapids

Rock Garden, Lower Niagara River Rapids
Shot on Nikon N75 and Kodak Portra 400 Film

The lens selection will drive the perspective. Even the camera selection will change how we look at a scene. In my experience, we use smaller cameras with an LCD on their back, including our smart phones, differently than if we have to look through a viewfinder. Then one can choose to use a digital camera and apply different processing or filters after the fact, or shoot on film, in which case some of the look is determined ahead of time as different film will provide a different look. And yes, even that can be further worked on either digitally or in a darkroom.

Niagara Rumble, Lower Niagara River RapidsNiagara RumbleLower Niagara River Rapids

Niagara Rumble, Lower Niagara River Rapids
Shot on Nikon N75 and Kodak Portra 400 Film

And of course, there are the creative choices of the photographer as far as how they decide to use all of the above to render the final image. Even simple camera settings have a huge impact. A slow shutter speed of 1 second or more will certainly give flowing water a very different look than an action stopping 1/1000 sec or faster. An aperture of f/1.4 will provide a very shallow depth of field where only the intended point of interest is in focus while f/16 or smaller show a landscape in focus front to back. And yes, the focal length matters too.

Anyway, all of this contemplation to really get to a simple point. I was at this location many times before but this was the first time I brought a film camera loaded with color negative film. Did I leave with different photographs than before? Absolutely! The film had an impact, the camera had an impact, and the different lens had an impact. And I found a few new spots and angles too.

I can't wait to return to this magical place on the Niagara River again for more new images.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Class 6 Rapids, Niagara River at the Whirlpool Rapids Gorge, Niagara Gorge, Niagara Falls / Buffalo, New York (NY).Class 6 RapidsNiagara River Gorge The Horseshoe Falls in White and Blue, Niagara Falls. Mist rising over the illuminated waterfall at dusk during blue hour.The Horseshoe FallsNiagara Falls Long exposure of Niagara River at the Whirlpool Rapids Gorge, Niagara Gorge, Niagara Falls - Buffalo, New York (NY).Niagara RiverWhirlpool Rapids Gorge

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog changes colors falls film force kodak location nature niagara outdoors photography portra power rapids revisit river wild https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/10/by-the-niagara-river-with-a-camera-film Thu, 03 Oct 2019 01:53:11 GMT Inviting for a Hike https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/inviting-for-a-hike Very hot and very dry but still so very inviting for a hike among the endless rock formations. Where does the trail lead? What's waiting around the first corner? And the second? The wonders of hiking and outdoor exploration.

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When I am in environments like this they trigger a sensory overload for me. A pleasant one but an overload nevertheless. The heat, the intense light, the warm colors all around, and of course, the red rocks and their formations. There are photographs to be made everywhere. It always helps to have enough time and not be in a hurry. Then I can head out for a hike, or even just a short stroll around to let it all soak in. And once the location feels a tiny bit more familiar, it's easier to make sense of it and capture its highlights, its essence.

Canyon Trail, Valley of Fire State Park, Mojave Desert, NevadaCanyon TrailValley of Fire

Canyon Trail, Valley of Fire State Park, Mojave Desert, Nevada
 
The next photo summed up this particular location for me. While standing at the beginning of a trail I can follow its double curve until it disappears around the first rock formation making me wonder what's awaiting there? It provides a dose of mystery, it encourages to head in and explore.
 
Desert Trail, Valley of Fire State Park, Mojave Desert, NevadaDesert TrailValley of Fire

Desert Trail, Valley of Fire State Park, Mojave Desert, Nevada

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you (#etbtsy)!

Previously from Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire: Road Trip through Mars - Road through Fiery Wonders - Out of This World - Further Out of This World - Driving through Painted Mojave Desert, Valley of Fire in a Painting, Desert Colors - Inviting for a Hike

Did you enjoy this post and the included photographs? Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries. Do you love roads running through beautiful landscapes as me? My favorite ones are in the On the Road Photo Collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Valley of Fire Colors, Mojave Desert, NevadaValley of Fire ColorsMojave Desert Painted Tree, Valley of Fire, NevadaPainted TreeMojave Desert Painted Mojave Desert, Valley of Fire State Park, NevadaPainted DesertMojave Desert

Nature's Colorful Palette, Valley of Fire, Nevada (NV) near Las VegasNature's Colorful PaletteMojave Desert Intense Desert Colors, Lake Mead National Recreational Area, NevadaIntense Desert ColorsMojave Desert

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colors desert dry hot landscape mojave nature nevada outdoors photography state park valley of fire https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/inviting-for-a-hike Mon, 23 Sep 2019 12:20:31 GMT Vintage Decay https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/vintage-decay Today I'm sharing a couple of black and white photographs I really enjoy coming back to. Several things came together resulting in photographs that I am really proud to share here.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Film Photography: Cadillac, Vintage & Decaying, Pentax Spotmatic, Cinestill BwXX / Kodak 5222, XTOLCadillacVintage & Decaying My journey back into film photography has been about 4 years long at this point and I am still learning with so much ahead of me. There are so many different films that can be shot so many different ways and developed in different developers. The choices are truly endless. And it's very different from the digital world. There, you start with an as good of a photograph as you can and later play with it in software applying filters or different post-production techniques to get to the final output.

With film, it's  a reverse process. Many of the creative choices are made before ever seeing the photograph. Color or black and white? What film? How to expose the film? Some films like more exposure than the posted ISO speed (box speed), some less. Further, does the situation call for pushing or pulling? Even after the shots are taken, there are additional choices before seeing the image, like the choice of developer, the agitation during development, and more.

And then there's the image, with its own unique look. If you like it, great, mission accomplished. If not, the process has to be repeated with adjustments made. It takes patience and a lot of time, but to me, the results can be very rewarding.

Such was the case here. The cinematic Kodak 5222 black and white film, now also sold by CInestill as BwXX, fit the subject matter perfectly. The film is sensitive to most of the visible light but is somewhat limited in the reds, thus heavily shifting focus to the blues. That results in highlights and shiny surfaces taking on a different look than with other films. While the theory of this can be hard to visualize, the pictures seem to explain it the best.

Film Photography: REO Gold Comet, Vintage & Decaying, Pentax Spotmatic, Cinestill BwXX / Kodak 5222, XTOLREO Gold CometVintage & Decaying

REO Gold Comet, Vintage & Decaying
Shot on film: Pentax Spotmatic, Cinestill BwXX / Kodak 5222

I hope you've enjoyed today's photo pair as much as I enjoyed the whole process from the choice of equipment and film all the way to digital presentation here as well as darkroom printing - but more on that in the future.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more travel photography type photographs? Visit my Travel Photography photo gallery and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Road, Pole, Sky - Road TripRoad, Pole, SkyRoad Trip Film photography: Historic Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston - Chicago, Illinois (IL) at sunriseHistoric Grosse Point LighthouseFilm Photography A House Past Prime, Black & White DecayA House Past PrimeDecay

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 5222 analog black and white bwxx car cinestill decay film kodak monochrome photography truck vintage https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/vintage-decay Thu, 19 Sep 2019 12:38:02 GMT Summer Greens https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/summer-greens Alright, it's Monday morning and it's time for some colors. And this time, it's the endless palette of shades of summer greens! A few posts back, (Artifacts of the Past), I mentioned our base for exploring the wonderful Rock Cities of that region of the Czech Republic. This offers another glimpse into what that base looked like as this lake was literally within a stone's throw.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Serendipity is a wonderful thing! And I was really glad I was ready for this one. Having scouted the lakeshore before I already had a few favorite spots. So when a hot air balloon showed up in the distance I grabbed my camera and knew exactly where to run. A few shots later, the balloon disappeared.

 

All in Green around Špinka, Hot Air Balloon, Czech RepublicAll in Green around ŠpinkaHot Air Balloon

All in Green around Špinka, Hot Air Balloon, Czech Republic

Ballooning above Špinka, Červený Kostelec, Czech RepublicBallooning above ŠpinkaČervený Kostelec

Ballooning above Špinka, Červený Kostelec, Czech Republic

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously from the Czech Republic: Of Trains & Stations, A Stroll through Moravian Countryside, Sunset Stroll through Southern Moravian Countryside, Rolling Hills and Poppy Fields, There are as many pubs as there are poppy seeds ..., More Travel Treasures, Drying Garlic, Treasures of Travels, The Power of Simplicity (of the iPhone), Take Me Home, Country Road ..., Sound of Music Induced Moment of Nostalgia, Travel in Space & Time, Of Trains & Stations, Rock Cities, Mills, History, and More, All About the Rolling Hills, An Irresistible Urge to Stop, Czech Countryside, Trains through the Moravian Countryside, A Tourist in Prague, Back to the Land of Poppy Seed, Rock City of Teplice Rocks, Deep in the Rock City, Artifacts of the Past, Summer Greens
 

 

Chvalkovice Wind Mill at Dusk, rolling hills of Southern Moravia, Czech Republic, Europe.Chvalkovice Wind Mill at DuskCzech Republic Path through Fields of Gold, a Rolling Hill Dirt Road in Nemotice, Czech Republic, Europe.Path through Fields of GoldCzech Republic Winding road through rolling hills of Southern Moravia, Mouchnice, Czech Republic, Europe.Rolling Hills of Southern MoraviaCzech Republic

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy balloon colors czech republic green hot air lake landscape nature photography spinka summer travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/summer-greens Mon, 16 Sep 2019 12:14:37 GMT Pinhole & Trucks https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/pinhole-trucks The Lensless Zine 2019 by the Lensless Podcast, A Pinhole Photographer CollaborationThe Lensless Zine 2019Pinhole Photography It's two posts in a row now, I am on a pinhole streak! And not only that, these last two posts are indeed related beyond just being about pinhole photography. I have captured today's photographs on a mission to create my two photographs for the just published Lensless Zine 2019. No, they are not the ones that ended up in the zine as we wanted the paper edition to have unique previously unpublished photographs. As such, the only way to see the two that made it in is to get your own copy.

Lensless 4x5", Large Format Pinhole CameraLensless 4x5Pinhole Camera Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Both of these photographs were captured at a location I like to return to quite often with different cameras and different goal in mind. This day, the goal was shooting for the zine, exploiting the wide angle abilities of the camera, and trying something new I have not done at the location yet.

In the first photo, I really wanted to work with the unlimited depth of field and selected the angle you see below while getting very close to the truck. I also wanted to get the exposure perfect. I metered the light and factored in the fact that the photo paper was only sensitive to blue light. The truck was dark red. While I did not mind getting the truck rendered dark, I wanted some surface details so I added more exposure. The background was also very bright and I added more for that. I think I am slowly getting the hang of working with this direct positive photo paper.

One Truck, Large Format Pinhole PhotographyOne TruckLarge Format Pinhole Photography

One Truck
Lensless 4x5" Pinhole Camera
Original Pinhole Photograph on Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

Why do I like using this direct positive paper that many don't? Yes, it is a rather high contrast paper that can render everything in almost two tones, black and white. But selecting subjects accordingly can address that. And no, it does not mean always shooting on overcast low contrast days. That is just one of the options. A blazing sun still works too though as long as the whole object is illuminated by it. Or, if I want to focus on light and shadows, the high contrast comes in handy. And what I did here today also helps, and that is realizing how the colors will be rendered by the paper. Blues will record, reds and greens won't. Knowing that and adjusting the exposure accordingly yielded better results on this day and I will certainly focus more on that in the future.

Two Trucks, Large Format Pinhole PhotographyTwo TrucksLarge Format Pinhole Photography

Two Trucks
Lensless 4x5" Pinhole Camera
Original Pinhole Photograph on Ilford Harman Direct Positive Paper

The second photo is something completely different that I have not done much at all. It is a double exposure of two different trucks captured on the same sheet of paper. From a technical point of view, that seems to be another good way of taming the paper contrast. The second exposure serves almost as the infamous pre-flashing of the paper as it adds exposure to areas that would have remained very dark. That offers new future opportunities too!

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs? Visit my Pinhole Photography gallery and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole of Green Lake, Cobblestone on Pinhole, Buffalo, NY, WPPD 2018, Seaside Pinhole Photography II, Seaside Pinhole Photography III, Pinhole & Trucks

Tram, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperTramPinhole Photography Flywheel, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperFlywheelPinhole Photography Crossed Logs Take 2, Large Format Pinhole Photograph on 4x5" Direct Positive PaperCrossed Logs - Take 2Pinhole Photography

Makawehi Lithified Cliffs, 35mm Pinhole Photograph on Ilford PanF Black and White FilmMakawehi Lithified CliffsPinhole Photography Shipwreck Beach, 35mm Pinhole Photograph on Ilford PanF Black and White FilmShipwreck BeachPinhole Photography

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white direct large format lensless monochrome paper photo pinhole positive truck https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/pinhole-trucks Thu, 12 Sep 2019 13:24:45 GMT The Lensless Zine 2019 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/the-lensless-zine-2019 Front Cover of The Lensless Zine 2019 by The Lensless Podcast, A Pinhole Photography ShowcaseThe Lensless Zine 2019Pinhole Photography Showcase For the third time this year I am excited to announce a new zine on these pages. And this one is very special! It's the result of a collaboration of 16 pinhole photographers around The Lensless Podcast who came together and provided photographs for this unique showcase of pinhole photography.

Pinhole photography provides the ultimate simplification. Instead of a complex camera, a pinhole camera is just a light tight box with a tiny hole, or pinhole, projecting light on a photo sensitive material like photographic film or paper. There is no lens and therefore no aperture control.

The pinholes are very tiny. Expressed as an f-stop they're often smaller than f/128. As a result, exposure times are in seconds or minutes instead of traditional fractions of seconds. When combined with a slow medium, like a slow ISO film or photo paper, they can often approach on a hour or even more. That opens up many new creative opportunities.

The aperture not only controls the amount of light reaching the photo sensitive material, it also controls the depth of field. The smaller the opening, the larger the depth of field. Since the apertures of pinhole cameras are so tiny, they provide an almost indefinite depth of field from front to back. That provides an interesting effect. While nothing is really in perfect sharp focus, everything is rendered with the same sharpness whether it's millimeters away from the camera or far in the distance. That creates another technical phenomenon often exploited by pinhole photographers.

Back Cover of The Lensless Zine 2019, by The Lensless Podcast, Pinhole Photography ShowcaseThe Lensless Zine 2019Pinhole Photography Showcase Pinhole camera shutters are often very basic mechanical devices that manually move to reveal the pinhole. The brief camera shake is really not an issue with such long exposures. However, some more advanced pinhole cameras offer a way of attaching a mechanical remote release, like on old film cameras. Usually, pinhole cameras are used either on a tripod or laid down on whatever is available. Some photographers like to explore hand-holding as a way of adding more creative blur.

The Lensless Zine 2019:

- 8.5" x 5.5” Landscape Format Zine
- 36 total pages including front cover, intro, photographer directory, and back cover
- 32 previously unpublished black and white pinhole photographs from 16 different photographers
- All profits benefit The Lensless Podcast
- Available for purchase on my Zine Page

Get your own copy, and who knows, maybe you will join the passionate group of pinhole photographers who embrace the simplicity of the process and love capturing unique images of our world.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018 Zine Issue 2: Chasing WaterfallsZine Issue 2: Chasing Waterfalls
 

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2019 analog b&w black and white booklet film lensless magazine photography pinhole zine https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/the-lensless-zine-2019 Wed, 11 Sep 2019 11:00:00 GMT Further up Waimea Canyon https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/further-up-waimea-canyon I see there's another waterfall in today's post. But believe me, that's totally coincidental. It's the Hawaiian theme that was planned for today, not more waterfalls. I don't mind both getting combined though. I don't mind it at all.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Waimea Canyon in Kauai is quite a sight. It's deep, it's wide, it's quite colorful, there are often rainbows to be seen and sometimes, there's nothing to be seen at all. Clouds can roll in and fill the canyon in a matter of seconds disappointing many tourists at the various lookouts. It can disappoint especially the impatient ones that give up and leave quickly. With enough patience, chances are good the clouds will leave as quickly as they came, or at least part for a few brief seconds to offer a view into the hiden world.

Waimea Canyon, Deep & Wide, Kauai, HawaiiWaimea Canyon, Deep & WideKauai, Hawaii

Waimea Canyon, Deep & Wide, Kauai, Hawaii

And it's not just the wide sweeping views to enjoy. If you slowly and carefully scan the ridges and valleys you can find other treasures to rest your eyes on or to point a telephoto lens at.

Waipoo Falls in Waimea Canyon, Kauai, HawaiiWaipoo Falls in Waimea CanyonKauai, Hawaii

Waipoo Falls in Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii
 

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché - So Peaceful - Some Morning Drama - Farmland in the Canyon - Further up Waimea Canyon

Did you enjoy this post and the enclosed photographs? Visit the Landscapes Faraway gallery for natural landscape beyond Western New York to see more. If you are a fan of nature's fall colors, I have an Autumn gallery dedicated to that season for you. Please, let me know if you have any questions about photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs. You can see the photo and product offering on the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Sunrise splash of a wave crashing on lava rocks of Shipwreck Beach, South Shore Kauai, Hawaii (HI).Sunrise SplashHawaii Pololu Valley Beach from high up, North Shore Big Island, Hawaii (HI).Pololu Valley BeachHawaii Sunset on rocks by Ke'e Beach, Cliffs of Na Pali Coast, North Shore Kauai, Hawaii (HI).Ke'e Beach SunsetHawaii

A tree shaped by high winds growing sideways, South Shore Big Island, Hawaii (HI).Wind Can Do WondersHawaii Farm at Waimea Canyon, Kauai, HawaiiFarm in the CanyonHawaii
 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy canyon hawaii kauai landscape natural nature outdoors photography scenic valley view waimea wonderful https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/further-up-waimea-canyon Mon, 09 Sep 2019 11:41:03 GMT Architecture in Black & White https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/architecture-in-black-white Every morning makes it apparent the summer days with long periods of daylight are leaving us. It's pitch black when the alarm goes off and the light is barely breaking when the school buses start rolling around. I like light. Could we rewind the clock for a bit? 

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Today, I would like to share a bit of an architectural study. And for architecture, black and white often works well. And black and white works great for a Thursday post!

I often drive by the entrance to the Hilbert College in Hamburg, NY. And often I break my own rules not to postpone shooting to another day. But this day, I was ready and the conditions seemed just right. And I loved just about everything about this opening scene. A beautiful building with a pool in front to offer a reflection. The surface of the pool partially overgrown and moodily blocking the reflection. And who would not like a fountain? And as a cherry on top, the trees provided quite a way to frame the scene in. Especially the leaning one!

Hilbert College Reflection, Hamburg, NYHilbert College ReflectionHamburg, NY

Hilbert College Reflection, Hamburg, NY
Shot on film: Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100

Then just walk around and you get another wonderful view of the same building from the back. I really like the tall entrance and the ample use of glass to let light in. See, we're back to liking the light!

Franciscan Hall, Hilbert College, Hamburg, NYFranciscan HallHamburg, NY

Franciscan Hall, Hilbert College, Hamburg, NY
Shot on film: Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100

The whole campus offers several opportunities to focus on architectural symmetry, like in the Campus Center photo below.

Campus Center, Hilbert College, Hamburg, NYCampus CenterHamburg, NY

Campus Center, Hilbert College, Hamburg, NY
Shot on film: Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100

And yes, the topic of symmetry carries over to the next photo and another thing I like to do, which is to allow the symmetry to be broken, even if very subtly. It would have been very easy to walk a little closer and eliminate that intruding shadow on the left but this was how I liked the scene the most. All perfectly symmetrical until the shadow just crept in.

McGrath Library Symmetry, Hilbert College, Hamburg, NYMcGrath Library SymmetryHamburg, NY

McGrath Library Symmetry, Hilbert College, Hamburg, NY
Shot on film: Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100

So that's your dose of black and white architecture for the day. Thanks for stopping buy, I hope to see you back soon!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Colorphoto collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Puddle Shot of the Buffalo City Hall, Buffalo, NYPuddle Shot of the Buffalo City HallBuffalo, NY Crescent Moon over the Main Light, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NYCrescent Moon over the Main Light, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NYBuffalo, NY Summer - Best Metro Rail Subway Station Concourse Interior, Buffalo, New York (NY).Summer - Best Station Concourse InteriorBuffalo, NY

Stormy over Buffalo Central Terminal on a Black & White Photograph, Buffalo, NYStormy over Buffalo Central TerminalBuffalo, NY Nostalgic Black and White Hydraulic Hearth Restaurant, Larkin Square, Buffalo, New York (NY)Nostalgic Hydraulic HearthBuffalo, NY

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy architecture black and white building cityscape college film hamburg hilbert monochrome new york ny photography timeless https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/architecture-in-black-white Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:51:06 GMT Shenandoah: Continuing our hike along the Rose River Falls trail https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/shenandoah-continuing-our-hike-along-the-rose-river-falls-trail As you can see I've been intensely bouncing between two extremes. On one hand, black and white photography, which I love, and on the other the wild colors of the fall season that will soon be upon us. This is not a recent phenomenon with me, it's a permanent state. I just love both very much! Each has something different to offer!

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Many times over the years I have found that I often prefer the journey to the destination, especially when it comes to hiking to waterfalls. Sure, the reward at the end can be quite magnificent, either tall, or with a lot of water rushing through. However, the gems along the way often offer something even more rewarding to me. What is that? Small mostly overlooked cascades bouncing over moss-covered rocks. All quiet, just the water humming. Most other hikers just passing by on their quest to reach the destination. Solitude, peace, quiet, escape from civilization and from people. Yep, I bet that's what causes me to stop so many time along the way, for sure driving my family crazy.

Water, Leaves, and Moss, Rose River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National ParkWater, Leaves, and MossShenandoah National Park

Water, Leaves, and Moss, Rose River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park

Many of these spots are very hard to leave and continue the hike. There are so many different angles one could cover. The light often keeps changing. Oh, and wait, how about a different lens to try? How about adding a polarizer to cut the glare to get nice deep saturated colors? It would not be a problem to spend over an hour at each stop. But how do you finish a 5-mile hike like that?

Fall Cascades, Rose River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National ParkFall CascadesShenandoah National Park

Fall Cascades, Rose River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park

Yes, it's a constant struggle and joy at the same time finding the balance between finding "the one shot" and covering the distance. I am sure this also leaves so many future opportunities to revisit locations like this. I would love to hike this trail again soon!

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Previously from Shenandoah: Trouble with Color - The Details or the Wide and Grand? - The Skyline Drive View in Autumn - The Lonely Tree - Dark Hollow Falls - Cozy at Shenandoah - Skyline Drive of Shenandoah - Shenandoah Sunset - Different Look of Shenandoah at Big Meadow - Shenandoah is Waking Up - On Skyline Drive - Colorful Flashback - Luray Caverns - Luray Valley Museum - Fox Hollow Trail - The Treasures of Shenandoah - Distant Sunset Views - Hiking - Rose River Falls Trail - Still on the Rose River Falls Trail - More Waterfall Wonders along the Rose River Falls Trail - Continuing our hike along the Rose River Falls trail

Did you enjoy this post and the enclosed photographs? Visit the Landscapes Faraway gallery for natural landscape beyond Western New York to see more. If you are a fan of nature's fall colors, I have an Autumn gallery dedicated to that season for you. Please, let me know if you have any questions about photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs. You can see the photo and product offering on the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Would you like to see my photographs printed, matted, and framed? Visit Picture Your Walls in Hamburg, NY (184 Buffalo St, Hamburg, NY 14075).

Lower Emery Falls in the Fall, AutumnLower Emery Falls in the FallAutumn Eternal Flame Falls Ravine and Creek in Chestnut Ridge Park in the Fall - Autumn, Orchard Park, New York (NY).Eternal Flame FallsAutumn South Emery Falls in the Fall, AutumnSouth Emery Falls in the FallAutumn

Water Veils in the Fall, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park, VIrginia (VA)Water Veils in the FallAutumn Fall At Watkins Glen, AutumnFall At Watkins GlenAutumn

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn colors creek fall hiking landscape national park nature outdoors photography rose river shenandoah trail virginia water waterfall https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/9/shenandoah-continuing-our-hike-along-the-rose-river-falls-trail Mon, 02 Sep 2019 20:59:37 GMT Artifacts of the Past https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/artifacts-of-the-past It's already Friday and I've not added to my blog. To correct that I have selected a nostalgic black and white photograph from one of my trips to the Czech Republic. I enjoy making photographs of things of the past, whether found decaying where they were forgotten or intentionally used as props. Today, we have a pair of wagon wheels!

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

During one of our trips to the Czech Republic we stayed a week in cottage that was conveniently located near the locations we wanted to hike. And as a bonus, this pair of wagon wheels was staged right next to it for decoration. As you can see, I did not mind a bit. Every time we left and returned I had a chance to think about how to make the most out of the setup. And here, you see the outcome.

Wheels of the Past, Wagon Wheels, Czech RepublicWheels of the PastCzech Republic

 

Wheels of the Past, Czech Republic

Hang on, slow down for a minute and just stare at the photo and let your mind wonder, let it take you places and times, even if for just a brief minute.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously from the Czech Republic: Of Trains & Stations, A Stroll through Moravian Countryside, Sunset Stroll through Southern Moravian Countryside, Rolling Hills and Poppy Fields, There are as many pubs as there are poppy seeds ..., More Travel Treasures, Drying Garlic, Treasures of Travels, The Power of Simplicity (of the iPhone), Take Me Home, Country Road ..., Sound of Music Induced Moment of Nostalgia, Travel in Space & Time, Of Trains & Stations, Rock Cities, Mills, History, and More, All About the Rolling Hills, An Irresistible Urge to Stop, Czech Countryside, Trains through the Moravian Countryside, A Tourist in Prague, Back to the Land of Poppy Seed, Rock City of Teplice Rocks, Deep in the Rock City, Artifacts of the Past
 

Old Ladder in an Old Shed, Southern Moravia, Czech Republic. Starý žebřík ve staré kůlně, jižní Morava, Česká republika.Old Ladder in an Old ShedCzech Republic Traditional drying tied and hung bunch of garlic, Southern Moravia, Czech Republic.Drying GarlicCzech Republic

1.0 km Railroad Marker, Southern Moravia, Czech Republic, Europe1.0 km Railroad MarkerCzech Republic Nemotice Train Station Storage Shed and Flowers, Czech RepublicTrain Station Storage ShedCzech Republic A Rural House, Southern Moravia, Czech Republic, EuropeA Rural HouseCzech Republic
 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white czech republic czechia historical monochrome nostalgia nostalgic past photography travel wagon wheel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/artifacts-of-the-past Fri, 30 Aug 2019 14:25:33 GMT Teaser https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/teaser Are you looking forward to fall? I have mixed feelings about it. Fall itself is great with all of its colors and cool temperatures. I really like early morning outings at that time of the year. But then winter comes and we go from one color extreme to another.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Nevertheless, here's one fall teaser for you.

Colorful Morning InspirationLetchworth State Park

Happy Friday all!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Music: http://www.purple-planet.com/

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Genesee River Big Bend in Fall - Autumn, Letchworth State Park, New York (NY).Big Bend in FallLetchworth Shelter in Fall - Autumn by MIddle Falls, Letchworth State Park, New York (NY).Letchworth Shelter Fog over Genesee River at Dawn, Letchworth State ParkFog over Genesee RiverLetchworth

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn colors fall landscape letchworth motion nature new york outdoors photography picture state park video water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/teaser Fri, 23 Aug 2019 13:57:39 GMT Darkroom: Birdsong https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/darkroom-birdsong Back into the darkroom today for some traditional black and white wet prints. And for the subject matter we're not going too far from the home front today. The Birdsong Park is right here in Orchard Park, NY almost within a stone's throw for me.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks (get an overview here).

The park has several walking paths and has something to offer in all seasons. When foliage is not present, it just begs for a black and white treatment. And that's exactly what I did on this day. Had a Yashica LM twin lens reflex camera loaded with Fomapan 400 in my hand and looked for interesting features that would look great under the wonderful blue sky with some clouds around for added interest.

Phalanx Postcard, Darkroom PrintPhalanx PostcardDarkroom Print

From the Darkroom: Phalanx Postcard
 

To help the sky stand out better I've placed an orange filter on the taking lens. That darkens the blues while leaving the white clouds alone.

The camera shoots 6cm x 6cm (2¼" x 2¼") square format photos on 120 film. You can see the photo as originally shot in my Swamp Trees post. In the darkroom, I decided to do something different. I selected the Ilford 4" x 6" Portfolio Paper, or the Postcard Paper. It allows for a traditional darkroom print on its face while having the standard postcard layout pre-printed on the back.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more darkroom prints, head over to the Darkroom gallery. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously from the darkroom:  

  Orchard Park Train Depot in Infrared, Darkroom PrintOrchard Park Train Depot in InfraredDarkroom Print Railroad Bridge in Infrared, Darkroom PrintRailroad Bridge in InfraredDarkroom Print Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Van Patten's Mountain Camp, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New MexicoRoad Trip 2018: Van Patten's Mountain CampDarkroom Print

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog b&w Birdsong black and white Buffalo darkroom film landscape New York NY Orchard Park outdoors park photography postcard traditional wet https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/darkroom-birdsong Thu, 22 Aug 2019 13:47:18 GMT Summer Cooldown https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/summer-cooldown It's the middle of summer so who would not like a brief cooldown, especially if it's just virtual? From a location point of view we're not heading far from the locations featured in the last few posts but we're traveling back in time to February.

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I got up early to catch the morning blues at a wonderful location in downtown Buffalo where I like to return to often. Early mornings always have the advantage of being almost people free. Winter mornings seem to amplify this further, especially if it's really cold. Conditions were supposed to be good for some morning fog, which helped me set the alarm for an early wake up call.

The fog turned up to be so subtle that it was barely visible but combined with the morning hour and streetlights I was very happy with the scenes in front of me.

Morning Blues at the Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NY in WinterMorning Blues at the MarinaWinter in Buffalo, NY

Morning Blues at the Erie Basin Marina in Winter, Buffalo, NY

Ice Cracking Up, Winter in Buffalo, NYCracking UpWinter in Buffalo, NY

Ice Cracking Up, Winter in Buffalo, NY

The best part? Unlike my previous attempt, the lamps did not shut off the second I clicked the shutter button!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Do you like the so called blue hour photography at the edges of the day? Head over to the Buffalo in Blue photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Reflected South Grand Island Bridge at Sunset, connecting Tonawanda, NY and Grand Island, NY over the Niagara River.Reflected South Grand Island Bridge at SunsetBuffalo, NY Full Moon rising over the skyline of downtown Buffalo, emerging low right in between buildings.Full Moon in BuffaloBuffalo, NY South End Marina Cargill Pool Elevator, grain elevator by the Gallagher Pier, Outer Harbor, Buffalo Waterfront.South End Marina Cargill Pool ElevatorBuffalo, NY Full Wolf Moonrise over Horseshoe Falls illuminated in red color, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.Full Wolf Moonrise over Horseshoe FallsNiagara Falls Where the Trains Don't Go Any More, Buffalo Rochester & Pittsburgh Depot in Orchard Park, New York (NY).Where the Trains Don't Go Any MoreOrchard Park, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy blue buffalo city cityscape colors erie basin hour illumination lamps light marina new york night ny outdoors photography streetlights urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/summer-cooldown Thu, 15 Aug 2019 12:00:00 GMT More Edward M Cotter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/more-edward-m-cotter In the It's Edward! post couple months back I was all excited about finally catching Edward M Cotter in the act. Today, I'm just going to prove that excitement as it's no lower two months later.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

In the excitement of the moment, I photographed the wonderful scene on two different cameras and three different films. I've finally got the third roll developed and scanned and that's why the delay and a sequel.

Film photography: Edward M Cotter & Spirit of Buffalo, Canalside, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter & Spirit of BuffaloCanalside, Buffalo, NY

Edward M Cotter & Spirit of Buffalo
Shot on film: Nikon FE, Cinestill BwXX / Kodak 5222

Film photography: Edward M Cotter at Naval Park, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter at Naval ParkBuffalo, NY

Edward M Cotter at Naval Park, Buffalo, NY
Shot on film: Nikon FE, Cinestill BwXX / Kodak 5222

Film Photography: Edward M Cotter at Naval and Military Park II, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter at Naval Park IIBuffalo, NY

Edward M Cotter at Naval Park, Buffalo, NY
Shot on film: Nikon FE, Cinestill BwXX / Kodak 5222
 

Don't be surprised if I relive the moment with you again on these pages. I can't wait to bring these negatives to the darkroom and make some wonderful looking traditional wet prints. And there are so many creative opportunities! I'd like to try selenium toning and I'd like to give Lith printing a shot.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Colorphoto collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Film photography: Edward M Cotter & USS Little Rock, Canalside, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter & USS Little RockBuffalo, NY Film photography: Edward M Cotter's Solo Show in Black and White, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter's Solo ShowBuffalo, NY Vintage USS Croaker and Little Rock. Military & Naval Park, Buffalo, NYVintage USS CroakerBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 5222 black and white buffalo canalside city cityscape cotter edward film fireboat historic Kodak military monochrome naval new york ny oldest park photography river ship show timeless water waterfront https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/more-edward-m-cotter Thu, 08 Aug 2019 11:53:41 GMT Vintage Naval Park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/vintage-naval-park Let's continue the exploration of Buffalo, NY with a film camera in hand and an experimental color film loaded in it. Yes, this is a Part II to The 70s Look from January and a walk around downtown Buffalo with my Pentax Spotmatic loaded with ADOX Color Implosion.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

From Canalside, we are moving to the neighboring Naval & Military Park where I was hoping the look of the experimental film would match the old vessels on display.

Vintage USS Little Rock, Buffalo Naval & Military ParkVintage USS Little RockBuffalo Naval Park

Vintage USS Little Rock, Naval & Military Park,  Buffalo, NY

Film photography: Pentax Spotmatic, Adox Color Implosion

Vintage USS Croaker, Naval & Military Park, Buffalo, NYVintage USS CroakerNaval Park, Buffalo, NY

Vintage USS Croaker, Naval & Military Park, Buffalo, NY

Film photography: Pentax Spotmatic, Adox Color Implosion

So what do you think? Does the Lo-Fi look of the film go with the scene? I will admit, I rather like it.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Vintage Erie Canal Harbor Train Stop à la 70s, Buffalo, New York (NY)Erie Canal Harbor à la 70sBuffalo, NY Vintage Naval & Military Park à la 70s, Buffalo, New York (NY).Naval & Military Park à la 70sBuffalo, NY

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy adox analog buffalo city cityscape color implosion colors Croaker experimental film grain Little Rock military naval new york nostalgic ny park pentax photography ship spotmatic submarine urban USS vessel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/8/vintage-naval-park Tue, 06 Aug 2019 11:02:04 GMT Gas Stop https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/7/gas-stop
Yes, I've been away for a while. It was time for a summer vacation, for visiting family, for a road trip, and for leaving the internet behind for a while and just enjoying the present.

Zeiss Ikon Contessa, A FIlm Rangefinder CameraZeiss Ikon ContessaA FIlm Rangefinder Camera Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Can you still imagine existing without a data plan on your cell phone? We sure got used to it, didn't we? On my recent 2-week European trip I performed a social study on myself and went without data. And look, I am still here and doing just fine. The places we stayed all had wifi so it was not a complete separation from the internet but once we hit the road or the city sidewalks I was free to enjoy what was around me and living in the moment. I enjoyed it and will do it again. And even being back home and on data again I find myself less and less inclined to go virtual.

Anyway, what should one post after coming back from a trip? How about a photo of something that we saw quite a bit of. Even though this one is in the U.S. and I now wish I grabbed a similar shot in each country we traveled through. Maybe next year?

Road-tripping Essentials - Gas Station: Unleaded, Premium, Super, and DieselGasRoad-tripping Essentials

Road-tripping Essentials

Film Photography: Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Colorplus 200 Film

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

PS: Even though this is a 2019 photo, it's not possible any more. The gas station got sold and the pumps have been replaced.

Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit the Travel Photography gallery or the On the Road photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 200 analog colorplus contessa diesel film gas gasoline ikon kodak photography premium pump road trip station super travel unleaded zeiss https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/7/gas-stop Mon, 22 Jul 2019 12:06:48 GMT It's Edward! https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/6/its-edward Photography is a lot about being at the right place at the right time. Sometimes, it can be planned, other times, a dose of luck is needed. This day, it was all about luck. Or was it?! As they say, luck favors the prepared.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

I was dropping my daughter off for a birthday party close to downtown Buffalo and had two hours of downtime before picking her up. Of course, I threw a camera in the trunk just in case I'd decide not to go back home in between. Weather was beautiful, the sky was filled with competition grade clouds and returning home was quickly crossed out as an option. 

I hung the cameras down my shoulders and set towards Canalside on foot. First, I enjoyed some urban photography along Southpark Avenue, passed by the NFTA Metro Terminal, and crossed over to the river with the intention to make a left and come up with some new compositions of the terminal on the river side. Before making that left, I just quickly glanced to the right towards Canalside and my plans changed instantly! Not only did I head to the right I picked up my pace. Why?

Edward M Cotter was putting on quite the show right by USS Little Rock with all of its guns on and shooting fountains of water in all directions.

Film photography: Edward M Cotter's Solo Show, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter's Solo ShowBuffalo, NY

Edward M Cotter's Solo Show, Buffalo, NY
Shot on film: Mamiya 645, Fomapan 400

I had seen it in many pictures before but luck was never on my side to see it for myself. Neither could I ever figure out where everyone else was getting the inside scoop from to get to see it. And here he was, Edward himself, with me right by with two cameras over my shoulders. Could it be?

Film photography: Edward M Cotter & USS Little Rock in Color, Buffalo, NYEdward M Cotter & USS Little Rock in ColorBuffalo, NY

Edward M Cotter & USS Little Rock, Buffalo, NY
Shot on film: Nikon FE, Kodak Portra 400

Yes, it was and into action I went. I shot several black and white frames on my medium format Mamiya 645. Then I finished a black and white roll that was in my 35mm Nikon FE. And since the fireboat was still in action I figured why not grab a few shots in color. I quickly loaded Kodak Portra 400 into the FE and took a few more shots.

And then the show was over, guns off, and Edward M Cotter headed up the river to its dock. Thank you!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo Canalside city Cotter Edward fireboat Fomapan historic Kodak new york ny photography Portra ship show waterfront https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/6/its-edward Wed, 19 Jun 2019 11:13:04 GMT Bottles & Huts https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/6/bottles-huts Reviving my other, a bit neglected website today. A few years back, I started timelessbuffalo.com as a way to showcase Buffalo, NY in black and white only. While the black and white theme provides a consistent look the choice of tools is quite varied anywhere from a digital SLR to a rudimentary pinhole camera. Check it out, maybe you will find some different takes on your favorite sites in the city!

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

This day, my camera of choice was the Nikon FE loaded with another classic, the Kodak Tri-X black and white film. I was out and about around Buffalo trying out various color filters to compare their effects on the black and white film. For the most part, I wanted to see the difference between the red and orange filters. They both darken the blue sky and lighten red tones. The red one simply has a stronger, much stronger effect.

Buffalo Main Light gets photographed a lot and most of the photographs are from the Erie Basin Marina, especially at sunset. And for a good reason, it's quite a view. So here, I chose the opposite perspective shooting from the Bottle Light across the Main Light towards downtown Buffalo. You can see the city hall just to the right of the Bottle and One Seneca on the very right.

Light in a Bottle, Buffalo, NYLight in a BottleBuffalo, NY

Light in a Bottle, Buffalo, NY

And then there are these beautiful colorful huts that just beg to be photographed on a vivid color medium. So again, I thought why not see what happens when the color is removed. Sure, the scene certainly changes its look, but I rather like the outcome. The filter effect helped with a more dramatic interpretation making the huts stand out brightly under a darker sky.

Huts, Buffalo, NYHutsBuffalo, NY

Huts, Buffalo, NY

Conclusion? Since this test of mine, my primary sunny day filter has been the orange one. It provides a more subtle effect. However, I still carry the red one too for those occasions where more punch is needed. And the final step? If even the red one does not cut it, why not reach for infrared?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Are you a fan of black and white photography, whether digital, film, or pinhole? Feel free to explore timelessbuffalo.com then. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Cobblestone Bar & Grill Corner, Buffalo, NYCobblestone CornerBuffalo, NY Shed, Hamburg, NYShedHamburg, NY Cobblestone Bar & Grill, Buffalo, NYCobblestone Bar & GrillBuffalo, NY Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Buffalo, NYCargill Pool Grain ElevatorBuffalo, NY Shea's BuffaloShea's BuffaloBuffalo, NY

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog black and white bright Buffalo city cityscape film filters Kodak monochrome NY photography sunny timeless Tri-X urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/6/bottles-huts Wed, 12 Jun 2019 12:44:16 GMT Back to Bridges https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/6/back-to-bridges Bridges have always captivated me and I have photos going back to the beginnings of this website to show for it. Just click through to my Bridges of Buffalo collection to see. I do, however, go in phases and take a bridge break once in a while.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Such was the case here when I returned back to one of Buffalo's signature bridges after a bit of a break. On my previous visits, I'd time my photography for the evening blue hour. Theory has it that when the sky is not completely black photographs show more depth. And the overall more colorful photographs can be more eye-catching. For this photo outing, I wanted a straightforward night shot of the illuminated bridge though. It would show the beautiful bridge over the Niagara River in literally a different light!

Peace Bridge and Niagara River in Blue, Buffalo, NYPeace Bridge and Niagara River in BlueBuffalo, NY

Peace Bridge and Niagara River in Blue, Buffalo, NY
Peace Bridge Blues at Night, Buffalo, NYPeace Bridge Blues at NightBuffalo, NY

Peace Bridge Blues at Night, Buffalo, NY

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Black & White Symmetry, South Grand Island Bridge, Buffalo, NYBlack & White SymmetryBuffalo, NY Morning Blues at the International Railway Bridge over Niagara River, Unity Island, Buffalo, NYMorning Blues at the International Railway BridgeBuffalo, NY Sunrise Through the South Grand Island Bridge connecting Grand Island and Tonawanda, NY over the Niagara River.Sunrise Through the South Grand Island BridgeBuffalo, NY Blue NIght over Squaw Island Bridge, Robert Rich Way, Black Rock Canal, Buffalo, New York (NY).Blue Night over Squaw Island BridgeBuffalo, NY Tonawanda Creek / Erie Canal Railroad Swing Bridge connecting Tonawanda and North Tonawanda, New York (NY).Tonawanda Creek / Erie Canal Swing BridgeBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy blue bridge buffalo city cityscape colors illumination light new york night ny photography urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/6/back-to-bridges Mon, 10 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT Desert Colors https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/6/desert-colors With the summer's slow arrival here in Western New York, I'm heading for the desert today to enjoy a hot and sunny scenery full of happy warm colors.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire: Road Trip through Mars - Road through Fiery Wonders - Out of This World - Further Out of This World - Driving through Painted Mojave Desert, Valley of Fire in a Painting, Desert Colors

I enjoy black and white photography a lot. But then there are times when it is all about color. And the Valley of Fire in Nevada is one such a place where colors just pop all over and create wonderful palettes of juxtapositions. Here we have reds, greens, and blues but I really liked the ridge of dark rocks separating the foreground from the sky

Valley of Fire Colors, Mojave Desert, NevadaValley of Fire ColorsMojave Desert, Nevada
Valley of Fire Colors, Mojave Desert, Nevada
 
Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you (#etbtsy)!

Did you enjoy this post and the included photographs? Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries. Do you love roads running through beautiful landscapes as me? My favorite ones are in the On the Road Photo Collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colors desert landscape nature nevada outdoors photography state park valley of fire https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/6/desert-colors Wed, 05 Jun 2019 12:43:01 GMT Chicago Wanderings https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/5/chicago-wanderings Over the last several years life has taken me to the Chicago land on a regular basis. That has presented an opportunity to explore the area with a camera in hand. 

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks (get an overview here).

For my early morning photo expeditions I usually head out to the lake or to nature or forest preserves. However, once in a while I enjoy a bit of train spotting and like to get them in different locations. And once in a new location I don't necessarily limit myself to trains. Such was the case  this morning. During the gap in the train schedule I explored the towns of Highwood and Fort Sheridan, Illinois with my Nikon FE loaded with the Ilford FP4 black and white film.

Film photography: Froggy's French Cafe, Highwood, ILFroggy's French CafeHighwood, IL

The morning light was blasting the east facing buildings with a beautiful light making them glow. With its white windows and doors Froggy's Cafe stood out even more than the others!

Not far to the north was my second destination, the fort at Fort Sheridan. It was my first time there and I took a nice walk to explore the area eventually finding a few angles I enjoyed.

Film photography: Froggy's French Cafe, Highwood, IL
Film photography: Fort Sheridan Tower, Fort Sheridan, ILFort Sheridan TowerFort Sheridan, IL

Film photography: Fort Sheridan Tower, Fort Sheridan, IL

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Landscapes Farawayor Travel Photography galleries and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 on a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print - A Drive-Through Nation - A Quiet Moment - Lighthouse Beach - Nostalgic Colors - The 70s Look? - Lakeshore Mood - Back in the Woods - Swamp Trees - Swamp Ponds - How Were the Darkroom Prints from Lighthouse Beach Born? - Rural Western New York in Goofy Colors - Chicago Wanderings

Film photography: Grosse Point Lighthouse & Beach, Evanston - Chicago, Illinois (IL) at sunriseGrosse Point Lighthouse & BeachFilm photography Film photography: A House Past PrimeA House Past PrimeFilm photography Film photography: Road, Pole, SkyRoad, Pole, SkyFilm photography Film photography: Old Ladder in an Old Shed, Southern Moravia, Czech Republic. Starý žebřík ve staré kůlně, jižní Morava, Česká republika.Old Ladder in an Old ShedFilm photography Film photography: Traditional drying tied and hung bunch of garlic, Southern Moravia, Czech Republic.Drying GarlicFilm photography

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog b&w black and white cafe chicago cityscape film FP4 Froggy's highwood IL Ilford Illinois monochrome morning Nikon FE photography restaurant urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/5/chicago-wanderings Fri, 24 May 2019 12:14:30 GMT Wood https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/5/wood Sometimes, it is the unexpected little things that catch my eye. Here, wandering around Mesa Verde in Colorado, some bare wood called for attention.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Bare Wood I, Abstract StudyBare Wood IAbstract Study Bare Wood II, Abstract StudyBare Wood IIAbstract Study

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more travel photographs? Visit my Travel Photography photo gallery or the On the Road photo collection! For more abstract photography, you can head over to the Abstracts & Patters gallery. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

More abstracts:

Colorful Bug Ranch Abstract, Route 66 in Conway, Texas (TX)Bug Ranch AbstractMetal Bright and Happy Abstract Colors of Hot Air Balloons, Letchworth State ParkBright and Happy ColorsCloth Shoreline Grass in the Wind, Woodlawn Beach State Park, New York (NY).Shoreline Grass in the WindGrass

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy abstract bare Colorado colors grain Mesa Verde nature outdoors pattern photography study texture tones travel wood https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/5/wood Tue, 21 May 2019 13:28:51 GMT Darkroom: Infrared https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/5/darkroom-infrared I missed the black and white Thursday so here's a treat to make up for it. Today's photos are not only black and white and shot on film, but they are traditional darkroom prints captured on infrared film!

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks (get an overview here).

You can see some of the signature features of infrared light in these photos: dark skies and bright, almost white, foliage. The day was great because one needs a lot of sunshine to supply the infrared light.

From the Darkroom: Orchard Park Train Depot in InfraredOrchard Park Train Depot in InfraredDarkroom Print

The foliage in the second photo of the old overgrown railroad bridge was on infrared fire! As you can see, it lit up like a million light bulbs. What a treat!

From the Darkroom: Orchard Park Train Depot in Infrared
From the Darkroom: Railroad Bridge in InfraredRailroad Bridge in InfraredDarkroom Print

From the Darkroom: Railroad Bridge in Infrared

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more darkroom prints, head over to the Darkroom gallery. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously from the darkroom:

Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New MexicoRoad Trip 2018: Organ Mountains Desert PeaksDarkroom Print Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: The Livery, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New MexicoRoad Trip 2018: The LiveryDarkroom Print Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Van Patten's Mountain Camp, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New MexicoRoad Trip 2018: Van Patten's Mountain CampDarkroom Print

Black and White Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print of Boskovice Castle Ruins, Czech Republic.Boskovice CastleDarkroom Print Darkroom Print: Grosse Point Beach & Lighthouse, Evanston - Chicago, Illinois (IL) at sunriseGrosse Point Beach & LighthouseDarkroom Print

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog b&w black and white Buffalo darkroom depot film infrared landscape New York NY Orchard Park photography railroad traditional train wet https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/5/darkroom-infrared Fri, 17 May 2019 12:22:11 GMT Rural Western New York in Goofy Colors https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/5/rural-western-new-york-in-goofy-colors Hello everybody! I am back! If you are a regular reader of my blog you have probably noticed I have been away for a while. Yep, I have taken a break. Between a wonderful family trip for spring break and then coming back and catching up on things it's been a nice opportunity to take a little breather.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks (get an overview here).

That does not mean I have been dormant photographically. I brought back a nice batch of film from the trip that needs developing. I also managed to get out and shoot the cherry trees by the Buffalo History Museum, even though the day I picked was far from the best. A cloudy gray day with absolutely flat light. I am glad I tried though and hope for a better timing next year.

Barn & Silos in White, Cross-processed Velvia 50Barn & Silos in WhiteCross-processed Velvia 50 Let's roll back a bit though. Today, I'd like to go back a few weeks when I caught the tail end of the winter season in the rural southtowns of Buffalo, NY. The purpose was a bit different with that set. I wanted to try my first cross-processed slide film to get the goofy colors it renders. I thought it would suit the subject matter well. I loaded my Pentax Spotmatic with a slightly expired Fuji Velvia 50, waited for a nice sunny day, and headed down some back roads I explored in the past. 

I started on my favorite road that is close enough for me to visit often. It's the home of the barn in the first photo and I like how it always looks different based on the time of the day, the season, the weather, and other variables. It's also nice to see it age. I hope it will not follow the fate of other barns I have photographed in the past where my final photo was a ruin.

After this encouraging start I continued south into a territory I had been to only a few times, all the while thinking whether I should really cross-process the film in the end or just develop normally as I photographed some of the locations for the first time. Was it the right choice to have the first, and for now the only, photograph of a location on a photo with odd colors? Unlike other analog choices, I was not technically committed yet, only in my mind. While the choice of camera and film was made how I would develop it was still open. However, I always went back to remembering what triggered this whole mission. It was the curiosity of how everything would look.

Rural Colors, Cross-processed Velvia 50 (xpro)Rural ColorsCross-processed Velvia 50 If you have not tried this analog technique, you might be familiar with it from our digital world. Cross-processing is often referred to as xpro. You may have seen digital filters with that name in the social network apps or other apps for processing photos captured on your phone. Guess where the inspiration came from?

Soon, I was upon my second barn that I arrived at in great light. The barn was lit up but the sky above and behind was very ominous resulting in an irresistible combination. This is also a location I visit rather often but for different reasons. This day, the barn took the spotlight though!

In all these photos the remaining snow played a double role. I really liked how it worked with the subject matter and it came really handy when manually color balancing the photos after scanning the film.

I really liked how the barn in the next photo turned out. A white barn, a white fence, white snow, yet, all came trough very nicely and the odd colors still left a mark!

Rural White Winter, Cross-processed Velvia 50 (xpro)Rural White WinterCross-processed Velvia 50

Rural White Winter, Cross-processed Velvia 50 (xpro)

The final photo for today is from a location that I found just recently despite being about 10 minutes from my house. It was one of those moments where I was heading out to a specific place to take pictures but decided to wander as opposed to driving down my usual road. I made a few random turns down roads I had not been down before and it really paid off. And it usually does. I will leave you with that as my parting thought for our busy world.

Turn the navigation off, forget the beaten route you know by heart, and feel free to get lost. Literally, just take random turns in an unknown territory. Quite often you will eventually end up somewhere you know. If not, that is when you can go back to your phone or a GPS or even a paper map! Oh, and if you rely on your phone for maps, make sure you download offline maps for the area around where you live. You might be surprised how quickly you may lose data in rural areas. Your phone and the GPS on it will continue working but it can't display maps without data, or having them pre-downloaded for offline use. I still like to keep a dedicated GPS in my car too, along with a paper road atlas and a detailed map from AAA.

Color of Wood, Cross-processed Velvia 50 (xpro)Color of WoodCross-processed Velvia 50

Color of Wood, Cross-processed Velvia 50 (xpro)

I am really curious about your opinion. Do you like the cross-processed look of these photos? Which of these four is your most favorite? Please, leave me a note in the guestbook.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more darkroom prints, head over to the Darkroom gallery. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 on a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print - A Drive-Through Nation - A Quiet Moment - Lighthouse Beach - Nostalgic Colors - The 70s Look? - Lakeshore Mood - Back in the Woods - Swamp Trees - Swamp Ponds - How Were the Darkroom Prints from Lighthouse Beach Born? - Rural Western New York in Goofy Colors

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog barn buffalo C-41 colors countryside crazy cross-process E-6 film filter goofy landscape NY photo photography rural rurex southtowns winter xpro https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/5/rural-western-new-york-in-goofy-colors Tue, 07 May 2019 14:10:46 GMT Signs of Winter at Cobblestone https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/4/signs-of-winter-at-cobblestone Let's go with a black and white Thursday again and let's add something to my sister site timelessbuffalo.com. It's a winter scene from downtown Buffalo, NY in black and white and it reminds me of our road trips to faraway places yet it is right here on the home front.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

If you follow my blog regularly you must have noticed this is a favorite location for me to photograph in color and in black and white, digitally and on film, and even directly on photo paper using a large format 4x5 pinhole camera. The brick just has some intensity that draws me to it. And despite the strong colors I really like how it looks in black and white. The strong bright banner line certainly helps in this regard.

Black and White: Cobblestone Bar & Grill Corner, Buffalo, NYCobblestone CornerBuffalo, NY

Black and White: Cobblestone Bar & Grill Corner, Buffalo, NY

It is not just this building though. Changing my vantage point just a little bit the focal point becomes South Park Avenue and that is where memories of road trips through the American Midwest and Southwest start flooding in, along with a healthy dose of nostalgia. And on this winter day the cloudy sky provided some nice additional drama over this wonderful downtown setup.

Black and White: On the Road on South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NYOn the Road in BuffaloSouth Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY Black and White: On the Road on South Park Avenue, Buffalo, NY
 

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Shea's Performing Arts Center Theatre Southbound, Main Street, Black and White, Buffalo, NYShea's SouthboundBuffalo, NY Stormy over Buffalo Central Terminal on a Black & White Photograph.Stormy over Buffalo Central TerminalBuffalo, NY Black & White Symmetry, South Grand Island Bridge, Buffalo, NYBlack & White SymmetryBuffalo, NY
Sideview of Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, NYSideview of Kleinhans Music HallBuffalo, NY Summer - Best Metro Rail Subway Station Concourse Interior, Buffalo, New York (NY).Summer - Best Station Concourse InteriorBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy Buffalo city cityscape cobblestone downtown dramatic landscape New York nostalgic NY photography South Park winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/4/signs-of-winter-at-cobblestone Thu, 11 Apr 2019 11:00:00 GMT In the Land of Fairy Tales https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/4/in-the-land-of-fairy-tales From entering to exiting, Teplice Rocks offers a wonderful intense outdoors experience. It is a land of fairy tales and not just figuratively speaking but rather literally. Many film directors could not resist what nature had to offer here. And neither could I!

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

As you wind your way around the trail and admire your surroundings you come up on a stone gate leading you into the heart of this rock city. Every ancient city needs a gate, right?

Entering Fairy Tale, Rock City of Teplice Rocks, Czech RepublicEntering Fairy TaleTeplice Rocks

Entering Fairy Tale, Rock City of Teplice Rocks, Czech Republic

In some sections, the signs of humanity recede and the experience takes on a different character. It provides a sense of remoteness, solitude, opportunity for contemplation.

Fairy Tale Trail, Rock City of Teplice Rocks, Czech RepublicFairy Tale TrailTeplice Rocks

Fairy Tale Trail, Rock City of Teplice Rocks, Czech Republic

Other sections narrow down even more making us feel so little, so irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. You raise your gaze upwards and let the feeling sink in.

Squeezed Between Rocks, Rock City of Teplice Rocks, Czech RepublicSqueezed Between RocksTeplice Rocks

Squeezed Between Rocks, Rock City of Teplice Rocks, Czech Republic

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously from the Czech Republic: Of Trains & Stations, A Stroll through Moravian Countryside, Sunset Stroll through Southern Moravian Countryside, Rolling Hills and Poppy Fields, There are as many pubs as there are poppy seeds ..., More Travel Treasures, Drying Garlic, Treasures of Travels, The Power of Simplicity (of the iPhone), Take Me Home, Country Road ..., Sound of Music Induced Moment of Nostalgia, Travel in Space & Time, Of Trains & Stations, Rock Cities, Mills, History, and More, All About the Rolling Hills, An Irresistible Urge to Stop, Czech Countryside, Trains through the Moravian Countryside, A Tourist in Prague, Back to the Land of Poppy Seed, Rock City of Teplice Rocks, Deep in the Rock City, In the Land of Fairy Tales
 

Winding road through rolling hills of Southern Moravia, Mouchnice, Czech Republic, Europe.Rolling HillsCzech Republic Path through Fields of Gold, a Rolling Hill Dirt Road in Nemotice, Czech Republic, Europe.Fields of GoldCzech Republic Chvalkovice Wind Mill at Dusk, rolling hills of Southern Moravia, Czech Republic, Europe.Wind Mill at DuskCzech Republic Bílá Opava Cascades, Jeseníky - Hrubý Jeseník, Moravia, Czech RepublikBílá Opava CascadesCzech Republic Dirt Road to Sunset, Moravian Fields, Czech RepublicDirt Road to SunsetCzech Republic

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy city fairy hiking landscape nature outdoors photography rock rocks skály tale Teplice Teplické https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/4/in-the-land-of-fairy-tales Mon, 08 Apr 2019 13:12:17 GMT A New Zine Issue 2: Chasing Waterfalls https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/4/a-new-zine-issue-2-chasing-waterfalls Zine Issue 2: Chasing Waterfalls, Tea and a ZineZine Issue 2: Chasing WaterfallsTea and a Zine I have some very exciting news today! I'd like to announce the availability of my second photo zine, Issue 2: Chasing Waterfalls! It's available today and you can easily have it by clicking through the links here.

It's a selection of black and white analog photographs from our 2018 camping trip covering the waterfalls of Robert H Treman State Park, Buttermilk Falls State Park, a glimpse into Watkins Glen State Park, and the gorgeous Letchworth State Park. And it's not just waterfalls, there are a few other treasures encountered along the way.

The zine is press printed into a 8.5" x 5.5” landscape format booklet. It has 16 inside pages plus the cover and back image and offers the total of 19 previously unpublished black and white photographs. Each photograph is captioned with the location.

All of the included photographs were shot on Pentax Spotmatic and Fomapan 100 black and white film, and developed using Kodak XTOL developer.

The purpose of this zine is not to make money but to share my photography in a non-digital format. That concept is reflected in the zine's price. It is only $5.00, which includes $2.00 of charitable donations:

  • $1 from each zine benefits Robert H Treman State Park via the Natural Heritage Trust, the official charity of New York State Park
  • $1 from each zine benefits Buttermilk Falls State Park via the Natural Heritage Trust, the official charity of New York State Parks

I have selected these two organizations based on this project and the photographs included in the zine as my way of giving back.

Zine Issue 2: Chasing Waterfalls in New York State ParksZine Issue 2: Chasing WaterfallsNew York State Parks

 

Zine Issue 2: Chasing Waterfalls in New York State Parks

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018
 

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 analog b&w benefit black and white booklet buttermilk falls charitable film landscape letchworth magazine nature outdoors photography robert h treman timeless waterfall watkins glen zine https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/4/a-new-zine-issue-2-chasing-waterfalls Tue, 02 Apr 2019 11:40:08 GMT How Were the Darkroom Prints from Lighthouse Beach Born? https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/how-to-darkroom-prints-from-lighthouse-beach Darkroom Print Collage - The Analog WayDarkroom Print CollageThe Analog Way A few posts back I shared my photos from a chilly morning at the Lighthouse Beach on Lake Michigan. Today, I'm adding on a couple traditional darkroom prints on silver gelatin photo paper.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks (get an overview here).

I have photographed both versions of the Grosse Point Lighthouse presented here on the simple Lubitel 166B and a black and white Fomapan 400 film. The camera takes the 120 format and shoots 6 cm x 6 cm square photos. Nope, it was not Instagram that started the square format.

Grosse Point LighthouseLet's look it over Later, I have printed these on an 8" x 10" traditional black and white silver gelatin photo paper in my darkroom. along with couple other prints from a different photo op. You can see all of them, including my test strips, on the collage above along with the two cameras of choice. I used the Lubitel for the two beach photos and the Nikon FE for the Orchard Park train depot  and tracks.

How is a darkroom print born? First, an enlarger is used to project the image through the negative film onto a photographic paper. Then, the paper goes into a developer for about 2 minutes. About 20 seconds in the whole image starts to appear all at once and within a few seconds the wet photo looks back at you. The rest of the development time serves to get some really nice rich black tones.

Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston, IL - 8" x 10" Darkroom PrintGrosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston, IL8" x 10" Darkroom Print

Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston, IL - 8" x 10" Darkroom Print

Film photography: Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400

From the developer the print is transferred to a stop bath, or just plain water, which is what I usually use. About a minute there stops the development process and washes the developer off.

Grosse Point LighthouseLet's look it over The last chemical bath is the fixer, which insures the print is no longer sensitive to light and lasts for years to come. The time in the fixer varies based on the paper type used. For resin coated papers I usually fix for about 5 minutes.

From the fixer, I put the prints into a large bucket of water where I keep them while I develop a few more prints. Once a nice small batch is in the bucket, I move the prints into a print washer tray where I further wash them in running water to make sure no fixer is left behind. And then it's like with laundry, the prints are hung to dry.

I usually leave them hanging for about an hour or two and then lay them flat in a warm dry place to finish the drying process. Finally, I use an archival pen to sign the back, title and date the print, and it's ready for display or to go to a new owner.

To get the photos posted here on my website, I either take a photograph of the prints or run them through a scanner.

Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston, IL - 8" x 10" Darkroom PrintGrosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston, IL8" x 10" Darkroom Print

Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston, IL - 8" x 10" Darkroom Print

Film photography: Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400

I hope you have enjoyed the brief look behind the scenes. If you have any questions about the photos or the process, please, don't hesitate to leave a comment here, I'd be happy to answer and elaborate further.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more darkroom prints, head over to the Darkroom gallery. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 on a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print - A Drive-Through Nation - A Quiet Moment - Lighthouse Beach - Nostalgic Colors - The 70s Look? - Lakeshore Mood - Back in the Woods - Swamp Trees - Swamp Ponds - How Were the Darkroom Prints from Lighthouse Beach Born?

Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New MexicoRoad Trip 2018: Organ Mountains Desert PeaksDarkroom Print Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: The Livery, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New MexicoRoad Trip 2018: The LiveryDarkroom Print Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Van Patten's Mountain Camp, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Park, New MexicoRoad Trip 2018: Van Patten's Mountain CampDarkroom Print

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog b&w beach black and white darkroom film grosse landscape lighthouse photography point process wet https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/how-to-darkroom-prints-from-lighthouse-beach Thu, 28 Mar 2019 11:00:00 GMT Spring Rumble https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/spring-rumble Is it about time for spring to show up? I think so. Let's at least enjoy its looks on today's blog post. First, spring brings water to creeks and rivers that may not have so much of it later in the year. And later, nature bursts in greens and finally breaks up the six months of gray!

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

And all of that is great for putting the hiking shoes on and hitting the trail, whether for a short local walk or a long back-country trail. I am not into video but the humming of water rushing by sometimes prompts me to change things up a bit and capture a moving picture rather than my usual still. So first, pick a rock, sit down, and enjoy for a few seconds.

In Motion: Spring under Akron FallsSounds of Spring

In Motion: Spring under Akron Falls - Sounds of Spring

Now how to translate this experience into a still photograph? For the motion of the flowing water, two approaches are possible. One can go with a really fast shutter speed and capture tack sharp droplets of water suspended in the air. In my opinion, that works really well for powerful rivers with rapids full of power. Another approach is to go with a long exposure, half a second or longer, to allow the flowing water to blur into continuous strands of water. The longer the exposure the less pronounced the individual strands get and everything gradually changes into one milky and misty body of water. It's up to the photographer to decide what fits the mood best. I wanted to retain most of the different patterns to show the direction in which the water moved around the rocks and selected a fairly short long exposure of 0.8 seconds.

Spring under Akron Falls - Flowing & HummingSpring under Akron FallsFlowing & Humming

Spring under Akron Falls - Flowing & Humming

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy Akron Buffalo creek falls green greenery landscape long exposure Murder nature NY outdoors photography spring water Western New York https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/spring-rumble Tue, 26 Mar 2019 11:00:00 GMT White Buffalo https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/white-buffalo An early riser at the Erie Basin Marina in Buffalo, NY usually gets rewarded with some wonderful views, great light, and solitude. It's a nice change of pace being here in the early morning hours.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

I arrived early and walked around enjoying the crisp air and quiet atmosphere while looking around and waiting for the sun to rise out of its bed. And then it happened and the first rays started reaching the tops of the buildings. I set up and waited, eventually clicking the shutter and capturing that particular moment of the morning. At these hours the changes are very rapid. Moment by moment additional windows and floors and whole buildings get lit up. It's almost like a real-time time-lapse.

The City is Waking Up, Sunrise over Buffalo, NYThe City is Waking UpBuffalo, NY

The City is Waking Up, Sunrise over Buffalo, NY

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

The roofs and pier of Gallagher Pier pointing at sunset, Outer Harbor, Waterfront, Buffalo, New York (NY).Gallagher Pier Aligned with SunsetBuffalo, NY Gallagher Pier in Ice and Snow. Winter on Buffalo's Outer Harbor, Waterfront, Buffalo, New York (NY).Gallagher Pier in IceBuffalo, NY Robert Rich Way Bridge to Squaw Island in Winter at Dusk, Buffalo, New York (NY).Robert Rich Way Bridge to Squaw Island in WinterBuffalo, NY
Winter Blues at the South End Marina Cargill Pool Elevator, Outer Harbor on Lake Erie, Buffalo, New York (NY).Winter Blues at the South End Marina Cargill Pool ElevatorBuffalo, NY Kiss of Light on Buffalo Main Light, Erie Basin Marina - Waterfront, Buffalo, New York (NY).Kiss of Light on Buffalo Main LightBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy Buffalo city cityscape Erie Basin landscape light marina New York NY photography sunrise white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/white-buffalo Mon, 18 Mar 2019 11:00:00 GMT Swamp Ponds https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/swamp-ponds Continuing the walk through the beautiful Birdsong Park in Orchard Park, NY with my Yashica LM twin lens reflex camera for more black and white film photography. Today, we're going to enjoy couple beautiful ponds there.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

Can you see the subtle signs of winter in these photographs?

Reeds, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NYReedsBirdsong Park

Reeds, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY

Film photography: Yashica LM, Fomapan 400

Wetlands Pond, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NYWetlands PondBirdsong Park

Wetlands Pond, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY

Film photography: Yashica LM, Fomapan 400

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 on a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print - A Drive-Through Nation - A Quiet Moment - Lighthouse Beach - Nostalgic Colors - The 70s Look? - Lakeshore Mood - Back in the Woods - Swamp Trees - Swamp Ponds

Bent Over, Birdsong Park in Orchard Park, New YorkBent OverBirdsong Phalanx of Trees Standing Guard by Trail, Birdsong, Orchard Park, New York (NY).PhalanxBirdsong Bent Over, Birdsong Park in Orchard Park, New YorkBent OverBirdsong

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 6x6 analog b&w Birdsong black and white bright buffalo film Fomapan landscape light monochrome nature new york ny Orchard Park outdoors park photography pond square swamp water Yashica https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/swamp-ponds Fri, 15 Mar 2019 11:00:00 GMT Winter Dance https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/winter-dance I really enjoy photographing trees and their different shapes. Quite often, they appear to dance and wave their "arms" around. They may be engaged in different activities too.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

This group of trees is very close to where I live and I have the opportunity to check them out often whether driving by or riding on a motorcycle or bicycle. They always look great but the simplicity of the landscape in winter and their leafless skeletons create an almost comic scene. Are they dancing? Are they sledding down the slope? Did the one on the left trip and fall?

Dancing Down the Slope, Group of Trees in WinterDancing Down the SlopeGroup of Trees in Winter

Dancing Down the Slope, Group of Trees in Winter

Can you tell how the second photo relates to the first? Can you spot the common elements and what it took to get it? For this scene, I preferred the further simplified black and white look.

Huddle, A Group of Trees in WinterHuddleA Group of Trees in Winter

Huddle, A Group of Trees in Winter

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more On the Road photographs, click through to that collection of photographs. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy Buffalo countryside dancing landscape nature NY outdoors rural shapes sledding southtowns trees winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/winter-dance Mon, 11 Mar 2019 11:39:03 GMT Rural Treasures https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/rural-treasures It's still winter and the driveway still needed shoveling three days in a row so it's still a great time to post white photographs. right? I'm sharing just one photograph today. It's a special one, a place that became one of my favorite for several reasons.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

It's in my back yard, about a 10-minute drive thus easy and quick to get to in different seasons, different weather, different light, with different equipment. It's on a nice small rural back road that is great not only for a slow drive but also to ride either on a bicycle or a motorcycle with a camera on standby.

Barn & Silos, Rural Southtowns of Buffalo, NY in WinterBarn & SilosRural Southtowns of Buffalo, NY

Barn & Silos

Some of these photogenic structures fare well and are still maintained, others do not have such a good luck and I have seen and photographed their deterioration and eventual fall. There's no way to know ahead of time. I certainly wish all of them could survive for years to come but should they succumb to the advance of time I am glad I at least preserved their memory.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more On the Road photographs, click through to that collection of photographs. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy blue sky bright cold enjoy landscape light outdoors photography white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/3/rural-treasures Thu, 07 Mar 2019 15:05:51 GMT Swamp Trees https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/2/swamp-trees Back to the Birdsong Park with my Yashica LM twin lens reflex camera for more square black and white photography. This time out of the woods focusing on the wonderful shapes of the trees trying to make it in the wet swamp.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

Trees always captivate me with their form. They do so both in summer when they're full of foliage and in winter when they are bare and show their frame. And coniferous trees do too! They also can look rather different in summer and winter as they can hold winter's white coat better.

So here we are in winter and in between some dead trees spread around the trail of the Birdsong Park. It's a bright sunny day, there is no snow, but it is still a very cold winter day. Yes, you can see ice on the pond!

One Tree Standing Tall, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NYOneBirdsong Park

One Tree Standing Tall, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY

Film photography: Yashica LM, Fomapan 400

From the single general overlooking the whole area I've moved on further bit down the trail to photograph the general's phalanx of trees guarding passage on the trail. It's definitely one of my favorite places to photograph in the park and I always enjoy finding a new take on it. This day, the square format of the camera helped with a different composition and a different point of view.

Phalanx of Trees, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NYPhalanxBirdsong Park

Phalanx of Trees, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY

Film photography: Yashica LM, Fomapan 400

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 on a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print - A Drive-Through Nation - A Quiet Moment - Lighthouse Beach - Nostalgic Colors - The 70s Look? - Lakeshore Mood - Back in the Woods - Swamp Trees

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 6x6 analog b&w Birdsong black and white bright buffalo film Fomapan landscape light monochrome nature new york ny Orchard Park outdoors park photography pond square swamp trees water woods Yashica https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/2/swamp-trees Mon, 18 Feb 2019 12:00:00 GMT White Winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/2/white-winter When snow covers everything around, all becomes simplified and cleaner. And brighter too, even on those gloomy winter days. But when nature decides to put on a show and the sun comes out in winter, things look bright!

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Anchored Winter, Winter's PondAnchored WinterWinter's Pond Such was this day south of Buffalo, NY. It was cold, everything was white, and everything looked so beautiful! My exploration took me by the Winter's Pond and it was a great opportunity to capture the area in its white coat. The first photo offers the location with one of its hallmark attractions, the big anchor.

It is actually hard to tell that one is looking at a lake past that anchor. It looks like a field with some random grasses and structures scattered around. In reality, those are small islands on the lake.

I wondered around quite a bit more and enjoyed capturing some of the other objects that make the location so special. But at the very end of my walk another view struck me One much simpler and one that did not really have much to do with this location at all. It was more of a generic scene, a winter on the road scene.

If you return to my website and blog regularly you know I really enjoy scenes with roads running through the landscape, or I really should say roads running with the landscape ("Well, the road didn't cut through the land like that Interstate. It moved with the land, it rose, it fell, it curved. Cars didn't drive on it to make great time. They drove on it to have a great time." - Sally Carrera).

Winter DriveWinter DriveOn the Road in Winter

Winter Drive

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more On the Road photographs, click through to that collection of photographs. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

On the Road in Buffalo, NY - South Park Avenue and the Cobblestone Bar & GrillOn the RoadBuffalo, NY Happy on the Road at Lake Mead National Recreational Area, Nevada.Happy on the RoadNorthshore Rd Winding Road through Mars, Valley of Fire Highway, NevadaWinding through MarsOn the Road
 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy blue sky bright cold enjoy landscape light outdoors photography white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/2/white-winter Mon, 11 Feb 2019 13:00:00 GMT Back in the Woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/2/back-in-the-woods After visiting the city for a bit it's time to head back to the wilderness, or at least as close as one can get in the suburbs of Buffalo. Birdsong Park has been on my list of favorites for couple years now and I am still not feeling like I have exhausted what it has to offer. Not only does it look different each time I visit due to seasons, time of day, weather, but I also have the option of looking at things differently based on the camera I pack.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

This day I was out with my twin lens reflex 1950s Yashica LM. I had it recently serviced to bring it back to top shape and wanted to try it out. A camera like that truly changes the pace. With the waist level finder things look different. The native square format also changes how I think about composition. And the fixed 80mm lens (a normal lens for a medium format camera; an equivalent to a 44mm lens on a 35mm camera) is quite longer compared to the wide angle lenses I normally prefer to shoot.

I found my first scene as soon as I turned into the woods. This creek scene against the rising sun looked perfect and the tree bend over the creek was the final magnet that made me crawl around through all of the prickly bushes to find my perfect vantage point.

Bent Over, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NYBent OverBirdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY

Bent Over, Birdsong Park, Orchard Park, NY

Film photography: Yashica LM, Fomapan 400

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 on a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print - A Drive-Through Nation - A Quiet Moment - Lighthouse Beach - Nostalgic Colors - The 70s Look? - Lakeshore Mood - Back in the Woods

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 6x6 analog b&w Birdsong black and white buffalo creek film Fomapan landscape monochrome moody nature new york ny outdoors park photography square sunrise water woods Yashica https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/2/back-in-the-woods Thu, 07 Feb 2019 13:00:00 GMT Colorful Buffalo https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/2/colorful-buffalo I'm getting a bit tired of this new weather pattern we've seen over a few years now. Winter comes in strong and leaves abruptly just a few days later with all of that beautiful white snow and ice turning into a dirty mush. What a waste! No worries though, this post is not going to be filled with me wining about the weather. Instead, it will be a bit of a catch up on a long overdue pair of photos.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

My recent post The 70s Look? reminded me of these. If you're wondering why, you'll have to click the link and see for yourself. As the winter did to us, I am doing to winter and abandoning white & cold posts. See, there was a reason behind the opening after all. I hope you can feel the warmth radiating from these photos.

The train stop at Canalside is the subject of the first photo, with a northbound train ready for its trip up Main Street. The very early morning colors were wonderful and begged to be captured in a photograph. That's definitely one of the great things about summer. Yes, sunrises are early but when I wake up and get on location even before the sunrise I don't tent to meet a lot of other people. And that is just fine by me.

Train at Erie Canal Harbor, Canalside, Buffalo, NYTrain at Erie Canal HarborBuffalo, NY

Train at Erie Canal Harbor, Canalside, Buffalo, NY

For the second photo, I walked to the other side of Canalside to enjoy a quiet view of the Buffalo River and its mouth to Lake Erie. Not only did I find that but I also found a very interesting juxtaposition of two ships. The USS Little Rock battle ship behind the masts and ropes of a small sailboat. My timing worked great as well as the rising sun illuminated the back of the navy ship and its name.

USS Little Rock & Spirit of Buffalo, Canalside, Buffalo, NYLittle Rock & Spirit of BuffaloCanalside, Buffalo, NY

USS Little Rock & Spirit of Buffalo, Canalside, Buffalo, NY

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo Canalside cityscape colors Erie Canal harbor Little Rock morning New York NY river ship Spirit of Buffalo train urban USS waterfront https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/2/colorful-buffalo Mon, 04 Feb 2019 04:25:34 GMT Lakeshore Mood https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/lakeshore-mood Moody Lake Shore, Lake Erie near Buffalo, NYMoody Lake ShoreLake Erie It was a cold early winter's day and I was hoping for some winter-in-your-face photographs on the shore of Lake Erie. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a beach windswept clean of any snow and it was too early for ice. The winter look wasn't going to be but the lake was still there and so were the beautiful rocks.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

For this expedition, I was lugging my Mamiya 645 medium format film camera loaded with Ilford Pan F Plus black and white film. It's low ISO of 50 combined with a 6-stop ND filter was going to work great for the intended long exposure photographs.

I goofed up though! I composed my shot, carefully metered the scene, increased exposure by 6 stops to account for the filter factor of the neutral density filter I intended to use, put the filter on, and took the shot. And another, and another. With the 6 by 4.5 cm format one can fit 15 exposures on a roll of 120 film. Only for the 2nd last shot I noticed something was off. After placing the filter on the lens I actually looked through the viewfinder. I am not sure why but I did. And the strange thing was I could see the scene in front of me. Dim, but still there. That was not supposed to be! This late in the day with daylight quickly fading the viewfinder was supposed to be pretty much pitch black.

It turned out I reached for the wrong filter and kept using that instead of the ND filter. For all the photos, I used my HRT polarizing filter, which has a filter factor of only about 1.5 stops. Thus, I was overexposing all shots by about 4.5 stops! I finished the last two shots much the same way to allow for a consistent development of the whole role.

Having realized my mistake before developing the film I shortened the development and pulled the film by 1.5 stops, hoping to counteract the overexposure a little bit, bringing it down to about 3 stops. I was hoping the wide latitude of the black and white film would help with the rest. Another fact playing to my advantage was the low contrast of the scenes. There really were no hotspots and the range of tonality was limited. All of this combined and I pulled a well looking negative out of the tank!

Triple Dome Rock Long Exposure, Lake Erie Shoreline near Buffalo, NYTriple Dome RockLake Erie

Triple Dome Rock Long Exposure, Lake Erie Shoreline near Buffalo, NY

Film photography: Mamiya 645, Ilford Pan F Plus

It was a good learning experience to pay attention every step of the way and I am glad I was able to mostly recover and not pay the full pice and lose a roll. I hope you'll enjoy these moody photographs from our Great Lake.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs click to the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 on a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print - A Drive-Through Nation - A Quiet Moment - Lighthouse Beach - Nostalgic Colors - The 70s Look? - Lakeshore Mood

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 645 analog b&w black and white buffalo film ilford lake erie landscape long exposure mamiya monochrome moody nature new york ny outdoors photography water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/lakeshore-mood Thu, 31 Jan 2019 13:21:02 GMT Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/zine-issue-1-road-trip-2018 Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018, Daniel Novak PhotoZine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018Daniel Novak Photo Zine A blog post re-run today, but since I still have some issues left, I figured why not.

My first ever photo zine, Issue 1: Road Trip 2018, is still available and you can easily have it by clicking through the links here.

It's a selection of black and white analog photographs from my 2018 Road Trip covering Route 66, nature, and man-made presence within. The zine is press printed into a 8.5" x 5.5” landscape format booklet. It has 12 inside pages plus the cover and back image and offers the total of 15 black and white photographs. Each photograph is captioned with the location.

All of the included photographs were shot on Nikon FE and Ilford Delta 100 black and white film, and developed using Kodak XTOL developer.

The purpose of this zine is not to make money but to share my photography in a non-digital format. That concept is reflected in the zine's price. It is only $5.00, which includes $2.00 of charitable donations:

I have selected these two organizations based on this project and the photographs included in the zine as my way of giving back.

Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018, Daniel Novak Photo - Open FanZine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018Daniel Novak Photo Zine

Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018, Daniel Novak Photo

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 analog b&w benefit black and white booklet charitable film magazine photography road trip route 66 timeless travel zine https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/zine-issue-1-road-trip-2018 Tue, 29 Jan 2019 13:12:03 GMT The 70s Look? https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/the-70s-look This was a fun Sunday afternoon in the city of Buffalo, NY. It was freezing but the sun came out and so had I and my camera. A few years back I bought a roll of experimental 35mm film that was supposed to produce muted colors shifted towards the blues reminiscent of the 70s, as well as some pretty strong grain. I thought I'd shoot it in summer when everything is colorful to take advantage of the film's strengths. But somehow, I never found the opportunity.

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

When the sun came out on a Sunday in the middle of a Western New York winter I decided it was about time. After all, the film actually expired back in November 2017 and we were into 2019 now. I loaded it into my Pentax Spotmatic and headed for the city with no clear target in mind. That proved to be another nice side benefit. I ended up taking a 4-mile walk from Shea's down Main Street to Canalside, over to the Erie Basin Marina and back to my starting point around the City Hall and Lafayette Square.

In the end, the film did exactly what it was meant to. I hope you'll enjoy this nostalgic detour from the world of digital perfection.

Film Photography: Erie Canal Harbor à la 70s, Buffalo, NY - Adox Color ImplosionErie Canal Harbor à la 70sFilm Photography

Erie Canal Harbor à la 70s,  Buffalo, NY

Film photography: Pentax Spotmatic, Adox Color Implosion

Film Photography: Naval & Military Park à la 70s, Buffalo, NY - Adox Color ImplosionNaval & Military Park à la 70sFilm Photography

Naval & Military Park à la 70s, Buffalo, NY

Film photography: Pentax Spotmatic, Adox Color Implosion

And just in case you are wondering, yes, there will be a few more down the road as this look is growing on me. On that note, if you did not like these the first time around, swing back in a few days and look again. Feel free to leave a comment in the guestbook to let me know what you think about these!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 on a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print - A Drive-Through Nation - A Quiet Moment - Lighthouse Beach - Nostalgic Colors - The 70s Look?

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy adox analog buffalo city cityscape color implosion colors experimental film grain new york nostalgic ny pentax photography spotmatic urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/the-70s-look Wed, 23 Jan 2019 01:09:56 GMT Moody day in the woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/moody-day-at-the-woods Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or complete matted and framed ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

Moody Trees Black and White Abstract Photograph, Moody Forest EdgeMoody TreesForest Edge

Moody Trees Black and White Abstract Photograph, Moody Forest Edge

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Do you mystery of abstract photography? Head over to my Abstracts collection.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy abstract black and white edge forest landscape monochrome mood moody nature outdoors painting photo photography trees https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/moody-day-at-the-woods Thu, 17 Jan 2019 14:48:18 GMT Another Creek in Winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/another-creek-in-winter Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

Finding Its Way, Frozen Creek in Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY. Winter in Western New YorkFinding Its WayChestnut Ridge Park The Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, NY has an almost endless supply of ravines. Some are dry and some have wonderful creeks running through them. Others are seasonal. These ravines make for wonderful areas to explore in all seasons.

Here's one such ravine featuring the clean season of winter. I love when snow and ice covers up the ground and simplifies everything. A lot of details, dirt, and other mess just disappears. It makes for great scenes to look at, and of course, photograph.

In the first photograph, I really liked how ice did not take over the whole creek surface yet and the open water zigzagged through. It made paths for our eyes to follow. It's also cool how it is those open areas that I continue scanning with my eyes to find lies beneath.

If you look carefully, the second photo here is a look further down the same scene. With the longer focal length and thus narrower field of view it's even simpler. Gotta love winter for moments like this!

Frozen Creek in Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY. Winter in Western New YorkFrozen CreekChestnut Ridge Park

Frozen Creek in Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY. Winter in Western New York

Thanks to all of you who come back to my blog regularly. The first reader who buys this (or any other) photograph from my site gets 30% off. Yes, only one and only before January  2019 is over. The code to enter at checkout is FIRST30OFF.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Do you like the wonderland winter can create? Head over to my Winter Collection.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2019 Buffalo Chestnut Ridge cold coupon creek. discount ice January landscape nature New York NY Orchard Park outdoors photography snow water Western New York winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/another-creek-in-winter Mon, 14 Jan 2019 12:00:00 GMT Nostalgic Colors https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/nostalgic-colors Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 on a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print - A Drive-Through Nation - A Quiet Moment - Lighthouse Beach - Nostalgic Colors

I know, this week is reversed. We had black and white on Monday so Thursday brings some color. I'm sticking with the analog theme though for the week and would like to share two photographs shot on color negative film.

The first one is from one of my favorite local places, the Orchard Park train depot. Rather than focusing on the platform, this one shows the train parked by the storage shed. I really like the nostalgic film colors with this scene underpinning the fact that for this train station the prime days are over.

Railroad Nostalgia, film photography: Nikon FE, Fuji Fujicolor HQ 200Railroad NostalgiaFilm photography: Nikon FE, Fuji Fujicolor HQ 200

Railroad Nostalgia

Film photography: Nikon FE, Fuji Fujicolor HQ 200
 

The second one is one of those locations I drive by often and always think they're cool and should be photographed but either I don't have the camera on me or am in a hurry or have other excuses. So this was the day to push through the excuses. And not only that but to push through them in a special way. Those colors!

Accounting & Taxes, film photography: Nikon FE, Fuji Fujicolor HQ 200Accounting & TaxesFilm photography: Nikon FE, Fuji Fujicolor HQ 200

Accounting & Taxes

Film photography: Nikon FE, Fuji Fujicolor HQ 200

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy analog cityscape color colors FE film Fuji Hamburg New York Nikon nostalgic NY Orchard Park photography https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/nostalgic-colors Thu, 10 Jan 2019 13:32:40 GMT A New Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/a-new-zine-issue-1-road-trip-2018 Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018, Daniel Novak PhotoZine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018Daniel Novak Photo Zine I have some very exciting news today! I'd like to announce the availability of my first ever photo zine, Issue 1: Road Trip 2018! It's available today and you can easily have it by clicking through the links here.

It's a selection of black and white analog photographs from my 2018 Road Trip covering Route 66, nature, and man-made presence within. The zine is press printed into a 8.5" x 5.5” landscape format booklet. It has 12 inside pages plus the cover and back image and offers the total of 15 black and white photographs. Each photograph is captioned with the location.

All of the included photographs were shot on Nikon FE and Ilford Delta 100 black and white film, and developed using Kodak XTOL developer.

The purpose of this zine is not to make money but to share my photography in a non-digital format. That concept is reflected in the zine's price. It is only $5.00, which includes $2.00 of charitable donations:

I have selected these two organizations based on this project and the photographs included in the zine as my way of giving back.

Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018, Daniel Novak Photo - Open FanZine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018Daniel Novak Photo Zine

Zine Issue 1: Road Trip 2018, Daniel Novak Photo

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

SaveSaveSave

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 analog b&w benefit black and white booklet charitable film magazine photography road trip Route 66 timeless travel zine https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/a-new-zine-issue-1-road-trip-2018 Mon, 07 Jan 2019 12:40:15 GMT Winter Crafts https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/winter-crafts Happy New Year!

Puffed Up Smoke Creek, winter scene in Orchard Park, just south of Buffalo, NY.Puffed Up Smoke CreekOrchard Park, NY

Puffed Up Smoke Creek, a winter scene in Orchard Park, just south of Buffalo, NY.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more winter wonderland photos, you can jump into my Winter Collection of photographs. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

The Earth is Round, An Ice Crack on Frozen Lake Erie in Hamburg near Buffalo, NY at sunsetThe Earth is RoundWinter in WNY Isolated Brave Trees, Upper Niagara River Rapids, The Edge of Niagara Falls in WInterIsolated Brave TreesWinter in WNY Willow Tree in a Wind-Swept Field in Winter, Western New York Landscape PhotographWillow Tree in WinterWinter in WNY Trees Decorated in White Snow and Ice for Christmas / Holidays, Chestnut Ridge, Orchard Park, NY (south of Buffalo)Trees Decorated for HolidaysWinter in WNY Under the Fresh Ice on Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYUnder the IceWinter in WNY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy black and white bright buffalo chilly cold creek landscape monochrome nature New York NY Orchard Park outdoors photography snow Western New York winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2019/1/winter-crafts Tue, 01 Jan 2019 19:10:27 GMT Lighthouse Beach https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/12/lighthouse-beach Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Grosse Point Lighthouse, Film Photography, Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOLGrosse Point LighthouseFilm Photography Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 on a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print - A Drive-Through Nation - A Quiet Moment - Lighthouse Beach

For early November, the morning was thoroughly chilly. It was mostly overcast, temperature hovering around 18ºF, a slight breeze in the air. I stood on the shore of Lake Michigan in a place I had never been to before. I stood in the sand of the Lighthouse Beach just north of Chicago. I was hoping for a wonderful combo: a sunrise over a Great Lake, and a lighthouse. What would be not to like?

The not so favorite part of visiting a new place is assessing the parking situation, especially in the darkness of the morning. Quite often I am left hoping I will be in and out before the wrong people notice my car. Some places have parking reserved for residents, others are officially open dawn to dusk or even less convenient hours.

Lubitel 166B on Lake Michigan shoreLubitel 166BLake Michigan Once that formality is taken care of it's time to leave the car behind and head out to explore. The first thing I noticed along the beach were all the icicles on the rocks and trees. I did not expect those at all bug given the frigid temperature they really should not have been a surprise. I tried to find some angles to capture later but could not shoot them just yet. I actually gave myself too much reserve time for potential traffic and arrived way too early. It was still way too dark.

I walked across the beach to its other side looking for additional photographic opportunities for the morning. Then, I went back to the car for a little while and even turned the engine and heat on as I really was not ready for this level of cold. The sun was still not scheduled to show up for another 15 minutes or so. Since the engine was still warm I did not take too long to thaw and get ready for action.

Frozen Lighthouse Beach, Film Photography, Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOLFrozen Lighthouse BeachFilm Photography My camera of choice for the morning was the Lo-Fi Lubitel 166B from Lomography. Reasons? For a medium format camera It's very lightweight and rather small, which makes it a great piece of equipment to throw in a small briefcase for air travel. Yes, it's got it's problems. It vignettes pretty heavily, as you can see in the full square photographs. It if difficult, almost impossible, to focus on near objects. And the latch keeping it closed if very flimsy. It really should be secured with a rubber band around the door or taped up, as I learned this morning when it opened up on me. Fortunately, the backing paper of the 120 format film fulfilled its role and only the active and still blank frame was ruined, which I suspected and advanced past it.

On the plus side, when focused either at hyperfocal distance or at infinity, the Lubitel can turn out impressively sharp photographs. And since the 120 frame is fairly large (6 x 6 cm; 2¼" x 2¼"), some slight cropping can take care of the vignetting. After all, I believe that was the original idea behind inventing the square format - to allow for either vertical or horizontal crop from a single frame.

But enough technicalities. I have warmed up and the sun should be up any minute now!

Grosse Point Lighthouse & Beach, Film Photography, Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOLGrosse Point Lighthouse & BeachFilm Photography So back to the beach I went. There was not going to really be a sunrise this morning, the cloud layer on the horizon was just too thick. But it looked very promising to get the sunlight later for some wonderfully lit beach and the lighthouse. I focused on the frozen beach at first. I wanted to squeeze the lake, the trees, and the ice into a single frame that would remind me of the ground conditions that morning.

After that, my focus shifted to the lighthouse. I walked to couple spots I picked on my earlier scouting walk.

At spot number one, I really liked the collapsed fence as if opening a path to the lighthouse through the shoreline grass. The light was beautiful as if per order illuminating both the lighthouse as well as the grass. I did not pack any filters but even without those, the sky was actually a notch darker than the foreground making it all work very nicely. I was frozen, but warm inside!

Historic Grosse Point Lighthouse, Film Photography, Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOLHistoric Grosse Point LighthouseFilm Photography Lighthouse spot number two was not too far from number one. What drew my attention there was the different alignment if the lighthouse and the trees as well as the stronger focus on the fence and a whole different feel to it as the fence was all in order here clearly saying "Keep Out". Yet again, I really loved how the sun blasted the whole scene with low light and created some interesting shadows.

I mentioned the opportunity for cropping above. And for printing these in the darkroom, I selected the below 8" x 10" crops. More on the darkroom part at a later post though.

Grosse Point Lighthouse & Beach, Black & White Film Photography, Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOLGrosse Point Lighthouse & BeachBlack & White Film Photography

Black & White Film Photography: Grosse Point Lighthouse & Beach

Historic Grosse Point Lighthouse, Black & White Film Photography, Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 400, Kodak XTOLHistoric Grosse Point LighthouseBlack & White Film Photography

Black & White Film Photography: Historic Grosse Point Lighthouse

Happy New Year to All of You!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more black and white photographs? Visit my World without Color photo collection or the Timeless Buffalo site, which is dedicated to black and white photography (digital, film, and pinhole). Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

SaveSaveSave

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 166b 2018 analog b&w beach black and white chicago evanston film fomapan grosse il illinois lighthouse lubitel monochrome photography point https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/12/lighthouse-beach Mon, 31 Dec 2018 18:41:03 GMT Winter on Buffalo's Water Front https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/12/winter-on-buffalos-water-front Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

I really love having the lake right in my back yard! It provides so much fun and so much inspiration and it does so in all seasons! While most people see the lake shore as a summer destination I love to visit all year long. Thinking about it and reviewing my photographs actually indicates I go there more in winter than summer. In winter, there are fewer people around, which provides the solitude I often seek with photography. And scenes often look so different, so unique, so unexpected. Ice and snow makes everything bright and clean. I like winter on the lake for both natural landscapes and for urban photography and cityscapes.

Here's one such photograph. A hallmark of the Buffalo Outer Harbor, the Cargill Pool grain elevator. It's been my favorite subject for many years. And even though it's been rather over-photographed in the last few years, I still like going back for more. Here it is from the less common South End Marina side on a wonderful winter day.

Frozen & Wind-Swept by the Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, South End Marina, Buffalo, NY in winterFrozen by the CargillSouth End Marina, Buffalo, NY

Frozen & Wind-Swept by the Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, South End Marina, Buffalo, NY
 

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

South End Marina Cargill Pool Elevator, grain elevator by the Gallagher Pier, Outer Harbor, Buffalo Waterfront.South End Marina Cargill Pool ElevatorBuffalo, NY Night over the South End Marina Cargill Pool Elevator, Waterfront Outer Harbor, Buffalo, New York (NY).Night over the South End Marina Cargill Pool ElevatorBuffalo, NY Grain Elevator at Dusk, South End Marina Cargill Pool Elevator / Saskatchewan Cooperative Elevator, Gallagher Pier, Outer Harbor, Buffalo, NY.Grain Elevator at DuskBuffalo, NY Winter Blues at the South End Marina Cargill Pool Elevator, Outer Harbor on Lake Erie, Buffalo, New York (NY).Winter Blues at the South End Marina Cargill Pool ElevatorBuffalo, NY The Old Faithful Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Gallagher Beach, Buffalo, NYThe Old FaithfulBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy bright buffalo chilly cityscape cold frozen ice lake lakeshore landscape marina New York NY outdoors South End urban waterfront winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/12/winter-on-buffalos-water-front Tue, 18 Dec 2018 18:48:24 GMT Colden Falls in Snow and Ice https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/12/colden-falls-in-snow-and-ice Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

Colden Falls in Snow, Winter in Western New YorkColden Falls in SnowWinter in Western New York Waterfall chasing is certainly a summer activity for most people. However, winter can turn waterfalls into a true winter wonderland. With so much water, ice and snow can completely change their character. Another bonus comes in the form of smaller crowds, if any. In most cases, you will actually have the waterfall and the surrounding area all to yourself.

Ice and snow can also simplify the scene quite a bit. I like that with winter photography in general and waterfalls are no exception. All of the ground clutter gets covered up and it's easy to focus on just the key elements.

In the case of Colden Falls, winter also throws in an extra obstacle. The base of the falls if very difficult, if not impossible, to safely access. Yes, maybe I am a chicken, but all of that streaming frigid water actually triggers a lot of respect in me. Thus, this different vantage point for a place I like to return to often. It's a good thing to try something new and look for different angles, but I really like to get close.

From this elevated vantage point, I actually liked the vertical view the most. I especially liked the splash pool area closed off by the ice, only opening where the rushing water prevented freezing.

Winter at Colden Falls, Western New York WinterWinter at Colden FallsWestern New York Winter

Winter at Colden Falls, Western New York Winter

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Do you like the wonderland winter can create? Head over to my Winter Collection.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Colden Falls in Warm Weather:

Colden Falls, Colden, New York (NY), a waterfall on West Branch Cazenovia Creek.Colden FallsColden, NY Colden Falls Head On, a Beautiful Waterfall near Buffalo, New York (NY)Colden Falls Head OnColden, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy Buffalo cold Colden ice nature New York NY outdoors snow water waterfall. Western New York winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/12/colden-falls-in-snow-and-ice Mon, 10 Dec 2018 12:00:00 GMT A Quiet Moment https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/12/a-quiet-moment Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Lubitel 166B at Lake MichiganLubitel 166BLake Michigan Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 in a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print - A Drive-Through Nation - A Quiet Moment

Sitting at the bar of a Mexican Restaurant waiting for my lunch with my travel companion, the Lubitel 166B, at my hand. The objects, the lines, the light and shadows started taking shape. The bar table reflection joined the,, And then the glass full of water, or so I claim.

On Tap, Bar View, Mexican RestaurantOn TapBar View

On Tap, Mexican Restaurant Bar View

 

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more black and white photographs? Visit my World without Color photo collection or the Timeless Buffalo site, which is dedicated to black and white photography (digital, film, and pinhole). If you'd like to see more darkroom work, I currently have to galleries available: Darkroom: Road Trip 2018 and Darkroom: Czech Republic. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 166b 2018 analog b&w bar black and white film fomapan lubitel monochrome photography restaurant still life tap https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/12/a-quiet-moment Thu, 06 Dec 2018 14:45:11 GMT Farmland in the Canyon https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/12/farmland-in-the-canyon Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché - So Peaceful - Some Morning Drama - Farmland in the Canyon

As you start climbing the Waimea Canyon Drive the pullouts offer some wonderful views in all directions. Then, this one comes on the right and the view seems to be endless. It offers a beautiful view along the Waimea River right into the canyon heart. With the clouds zooming by the light is changing by the second and the scene seems to offer a never repeating palette of variations.

What I especially like about this view is that it offers a subtle combination of a pristine natural landscape with a hint of the human presence. Might the combination be so subtle everywhere and for years to come!

Farm in the Canyon, Waimea Canyon, Kauai, HawaiiFarm in the CanyonWaimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii

Farm in the Canyon, Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

References: Hawaii on 50states.com

Would you like to see more seaside photographs? Visit my Seascapes Gallery and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Hawaii became the 50th state to join the United States on August 21, 1959. The capital city is Honolulu (Oahu). The highest point is Mauna Kea at 13,803 feet (4207 meters) (island of Hawaii, aka The Big Island), a dormant volcano last erupting 2460 BC. Mauna Kea is over 33,000 feet (10000 meters) tall, making it the world's tallest mountain measured from its base to the summit; the majority of which is under water. The highest point on Kauai is Kawakini Peak about a mile south of Mt. Waialeale, the volcano that originally built up the island.

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy canyon farm farmland hawaii humanity kauai landscape natural nature outdoors photography scenic valley view waimea wonderful https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/12/farmland-in-the-canyon Mon, 03 Dec 2018 12:24:24 GMT The Drive-Through Nation https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/the-drive-through-nation Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

Lubitel 166BLubitel 166BLake Michigan For today's post I'm sharing a few photos from a one-day personal project. As I was sitting in my hotel room while traveling I was thinking about what to shoot. I wanted to try something different than my favorite early morning sunrises over Lake Michigan. The idea that came to me was something that was all around me.

We are in such a hurry these days, and we have grown so lazy. We can't even park our cars and get our bottoms off the seat. Yes, I am inferring the topic of drive-through food establishments. You see, even there the language takes a lazy toll and they're drive-thrus, not drive-throughs.

That reminds me of what I learned at the Theodore Roosevelt Inagural Site right here in Buffalo, NY. Apparently, he did not like long words with convoluted spelling either and proposed many changes, including shortening "ough". Yes, he preferred thru to through and thus would have preferred drive-thru to drive-through long before they even existed.

All of the photos you see here have been shot on a simple and light-weight twin-lens reflex camera, the Lubitel 166B, on black and white Fomapan 400 film (in 120 square format, or 6x6 cm).

Dunkin' Donuts, Drive-Through Nation, Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100Dunkin' DonutsDrive-Through Nation

Dunkin' Donuts, Drive-Through Nation,
Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100

To go with the photos, I'd like to share some bits and pieces of facts and history related to the topic. All of this info is collected from the Internet so take it for what it's worth. Misinformation spreads quickly. But since this is not a matter of life and death, I am sharing these with this disclaimer.

Starbucks, Drive-Through Nation, Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100StarbucksDrive-Through Nation

Starbucks, Drive-Through Nation,
Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100

The first drive-through food establishment opened in the United States in 1947. It was Red's Giant Hamburg on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri. 

McDonald's Ordering, Drive-Through Nation Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100McDonald's OrderingDrive-Through Nation Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100

McDonald's Ordering, Drive-Through Nation
Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100

The first McDonald's drive-through was established near Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona in 1975.

McDonald's Pick Up, Drive-Through Nation Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100McDonald's Pick UpDrive-Through Nation Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100

McDonald's Pick Up, Drive-Through Nation
Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100

There are some unexpected drive-through places out there, like drive-through viewing at a funeral home, drive-through praying by churches, drive-through art galleries and museums, drive-through law firms, and even a drive through liquor and gun store.

Portillo's Drive-Through, Drive-Through Nation, Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100Portillo'sDrive-Through Nation

Portillo's Drive-Through, Drive-Through Nation,
Lubitel 166B, Fomapan 100
 

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 166B analog black and white busy cityscape drive-through drive-thru film lazy Lubitel monochrome nation one-day photo photography project reflex suburbs TLR twin lens urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/the-drive-through-nation Thu, 29 Nov 2018 13:18:45 GMT Cycling Hamburg https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/cycling-hamburg Previously from the village of Hamburg, NY: Theaters in the Rain - Hamburg Palace, Brick & Mortar Gallery: Matted, Framed, and Ready to Hang, One More White while Appropriate, More Winter in Hamburg, NY, Theaters in the Rain Revisited, and Beyond, Palace in Winter, A Shed, The Village of Hamburg Waking Up, Cycling Hamburg

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or a whole framed and matted ready to hang solution with just a few mouse clicks.

A few years a go, the streets of Hamburg, NY changed quite a bit. The two most notable changes were the conversion of several intersections to traffic circles and the addition of bike lanes and markings to make the village more bicycle friendly. And as far as I can tell it's the only village around that took changes this far.

So for today's post, a bit of cycling theme.

Cycling Hamburg, NYCycling HamburgHamburg, NY

Cycling Hamburg, NY
 

Bicycles store, sunrise cycling theme in Hamburg, NYBicycles StoreA sunrise cycling theme in Hamburg, NY Bicycles Store, a Sunrise Cycling Theme in Hamburg, NY

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

Blue Hour Rain at Cyote Cafe, Hamburg, NYBlue Hour Rain at Cyote CafeHamburg, NY Palace Classic, Hamburg, NYHamburg Palace ClassicHamburg, NY The Palace Theatre of Hamburg, NYThe Palace TheatreHamburg, NY Busy Staub Square & Juicy Burger Bar at dusk, traffic at the main circle, Hamburg, NY, Buffalo SouthtownsBusy Staub SquareHamburg, NY Theater for Rainy Days, Palace Theatre, Hamburg, NY, Buffalo SouthtownsTheater for Rainy DaysHamburg, NY Coyote Cafe Mexican Restaurant at Sunrise, Hamburg, NYCoyote Cafe at SunriseHamburg, NY Hess Brothers Florist at Sunrise, Hamburg, NYHess Brothers Florist at SunriseHamburg, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy Bicycles cityscape colorful colors cycling daybreak Hamburg light morning New York NY photography shadows storefront street sunrise village wake up https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/cycling-hamburg Tue, 27 Nov 2018 12:43:52 GMT Lakes and Ponds and Bogs in the Fall https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/lakes-and-ponds-and-bogs-in-the-fall Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

It's a rainy Monday morning with the world looking a bit gloomy. How about a little delayed fall color to look at? I have always liked the combination of fall color and water. Water can add reflections, brightness, or just a hint of light, like in this moody Western New York photo.

Moody Moss Lake Colors Photograph, Fall in Western New YorkMoss Lake ColorsFall in Western New York

Moody Moss Lake Colors

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Resources: The Nature Conservancy - New York - Moss Lake Preserve

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn colors fall landscape light Moss Lake nature new york ny outdoors photography scenic Western New York https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/lakes-and-ponds-and-bogs-in-the-fall Mon, 26 Nov 2018 13:08:46 GMT Darkroom: A Split Grade Print https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/darkroom-a-split-grade-print Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 in a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 - Darkroom: A Split Grade Print

This was a very exciting darkroom session for me as I was going to try something new. Something I read about quite a bit, something I had briefly tried before without success, something that needed more time to relax and not be rushed. I had two prints in mind and wanted to try split grade printing on them. I read many online articles and several descriptions in books and it seemed like every person had their own process figured out for split grade printing. I tried one method before and was not happy with the results but to be honest, I just did not have enough time to make adjustments and a few more prints. I did not give that method a fair chance. Nevertheless, I was going to try something else this day. As a starting point, I was going to follow an online post by Dave Butcher called split grade printing the ilford way.

What is split grade printing? It provides an answer to printing a negative with high dynamic range that a photo paper cannot handle. Get the highlights right and shadows will be too dark. Get the shadows right and the highlights will be blown out. It relies on multi-grade photo papers that are a commonplace today. Instead of a single exposure with a given contrast filter you make two overlapping exposures at two different grades. The low contrast filter prints the highlights and the high contrast filter fills in the shadows and blacks. Each of the exposures can be adjusted separately and dodging and burning can also be done differently at each of the exposures providing quite a bit of flexibility.

So how did it work for me? The first photo I worked on turned out too flat, too gray, with no real whites or blacks. I studied it for a while, measured the light falling on the easel, and determined that the photo was a bad candidate for the method to begin with. Yes, I could have adjusted the grade for the highlights to provide more punch and extended the exposure for the shadows but understanding that I could in fact fit the original negative's dynamic range on the photo paper led me to a decision to go with a straight print at grade 2.5.

However, making the same measurements on my second print for the day that was a whole different story. Definitely way more stops there! My initial test strip confirmed the theory. One more test strip and one partial test print later, I was ready to expose the 8" x 10" paper. There was another first for me on that front. I was using a satin surface RC paper. Until this time, I had only used glossy or pearl. From the partial test print, I knew that the split grade printing method alone would result in an acceptable result, however, I wanted something more dramatic. For that reason, I also decided to further burn in the sky.

If darkroom technicalities are not your thing, I've probably bored you quite a bit today. I will stop my narrative here and share the print. Of course, it's really difficult to convey the outcome because in order to share the print, I had to scan it and convert it to a digital form, thus really limiting the actual impact of the paper print. While I tried to use my calibrated monitor to get the scan as close to the print, it still is nowhere close to being an exact match. Now all of your monitors or tablets or cell phones will have different brightness, different tonal range, and thus the photo may look totally different. As with a lot of photography, darkroom prints are no exception and look their best viewed in their original form. The Internet and social media and 99% of the way photography is shared and viewed today is unfortunately a pretty sub-par way of enjoying photography. But that's a whole different philosophical topic ...

Boskovice Castle, Silver gelatin darkroom print, 2018Boskovice CastleSilver gelatin darkroom print, 2018

Boskovice Castle, Silver gelatin darkroom print, 2018
 

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more black and white photographs? Visit my World without Color photo collection or the Timeless Buffalo site, which is dedicated to black and white photography (digital, film, and pinhole). If you'd like to see more darkroom work, I currently have to galleries available: Darkroom: Road Trip 2018 and Darkroom: Czech Republic. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 analog b&w black and white contrast control darkroom dynamic range film grade monochrome photography printing process split https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/darkroom-a-split-grade-print Thu, 15 Nov 2018 12:00:00 GMT The Color of Bricks https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/the-color-of-bricks Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

With the first snowflakes flying over the weekend I hope it's alright to post a few photos featuring that white substance. For these two I believe it worked really well to highlight the beautiful colors of the brick building.

I shared a similar photograph with you in the past. It was shot in black and white and with a large format pinhole camera straight on photographic paper. And there was no snow then. You can find and compare that post here: Cobblestone on Pinhole, Buffalo, NY.

The first photograph is all about the color and the texture of the brick facade of this beautiful downtown building. I really liked how the fresh white snow inconspicuously helped the colors stand out, especially in tandem with the white stripe of the painted banner.

 

Cobblestone Bar & Grill Corner in Winter, Buffalo, NYCobblestone CornerBuffalo, NY

Cobblestone Bar & Grill Corner in Winter, Buffalo, NY

On the other hand, by changing my vantage point a bit, I liked how this downtown scene transferred into a moody road trip-style photograph, almost like what you get to see around Route 66 or in some ghost towns. A lone bold building alongside a long road. As with the first photo I believe the snow worked really well here too as did the diffused backlight of the morning sun trying to make it through the clouds.

On the Road in Buffalo, NY - Southpark Avenue and Cobblestone Bar & GrillOn the Road in BuffaloBuffalo, NY

On the Road in Buffalo, NY - Southpark Avenue and Cobblestone Bar & Grill

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy architecture bar brick buffalo city cityscape cobblestone colors downtown grill new york ny photography road southpark textures trip urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/the-color-of-bricks Mon, 12 Nov 2018 13:27:21 GMT Cheap Shots of Sunny 16 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/cheap-shots-of-sunny-16 Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 in a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors - Cheap Shots of Sunny 16

Pionýr Camera, Sunny 16 Podcast Cheap Shots ChallengePionýr CameraCheap Shots Challenge One way I learn more about analog photography is listening to podcasts. One such podcast full of learning opportunities and entertainment is the Sunny 16 Podcast. Just about every two months they run a "Cheap Shots" challenge with a set theme. The premise behind the challenge is taking photographs with cheap cameras. The very loose limit is about 20 pounds (yes, the hosts are from the UK).

I decided to extend that concept of cheap to taking pictures with a truly crappy camera. Solely for that purpose, I bought one such camera on my most recent trip to the Czech Republic. I was hoping that would not only get me a cheap and very crappy camera but also a unique one.

I splurged 150 Czech Crowns for it, or $6.50. Add 65 Czech Crowns, or $2.85, for a roll of 120 Fomapan, and my Cheap Shots investment stood at about $9.50. The camera features a single shutter speed, which is somewhere between 1/30 sec and 1/100 sec, and two aperture options, possibly f/11 and f/16. There is no focusing. The viewfinder shows about 25% of the center portion of the image, probably less.

Needless to say, a camera like this requires a different mindset when taking pictures. It's far from exact science, careful light metering, and other carefully learned skills and habits. It's all guesswork. That however makes for some wonderful freedom once you get over the complete lack of control. You can just focus on expressing yourself with the subject matter.

So what did I decide to shoot for the challenge? The two photos I selected from the roll of 12 pictures in the end were not what I had originally in mind. Since this was only my second roll of film through this camera it took me a while to realize what was and what was not realistic. That drove a change in my intentions as I got about half way through the roll. Here are the pictures:

Solitude, Cheap Shots Challenge: A Double ExposureSolitudeCheap Shots Challenge: A Double Exposure

Solitude - Cheap Shots Challenge: A Double Exposure

Nature's Chaos, Cheap Shots Challenge: Black & white colorNature's ChaosCheap Shots Challenge: Black & white color

Nature's Chaos - Cheap Shots Challenge: Black & White Color

The second photo really surprised me with how sharp it came out. And that played nicely into my intentions of depicting the wild roadside chaos. Originally, colors were what prompted me to stop the car. The various plants were illuminated by a low sun and the variety of warm colors was almost endless. It was as if a painter painted the ditch. And that is what gave me the idea. If it already felt chaotic even with colors, how would it all look with the colors removed?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more black and white photographs? Visit my World without Color photo collection or the Timeless Buffalo site, which is dedicated to black and white photography (digital, film, and pinhole). Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 analog b&w black and white camera challenge Cheap Shots ditch film Fomapan monochrome NY photography Pionyr roadside Sunny 16 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/cheap-shots-of-sunny-16 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 12:38:32 GMT Analog Colors https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/analog-colors Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 in a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print - Analog Colors

Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Folding Rangefinder CameraZeiss Ikon ContessaFolding Rangefinder Camera I really love black and white photography and recently mostly in its analog form as it gives me the opportunity to make darkroom prints, thus going from start to finish without touching the computer. However, all of the colors of the fall season were an encouragement to step out of my comfort zone yet again and try some color. No, I would not be able to take it all the way to an analog print but I could enjoy the different color palette film gives and could also do the final step digitally and still have a print. There was also a new camera I wanted to test drive. I got couple rolls of Kodak color film, one Portra and one Ektar, and headed out several times. It always surprises me how long a roll of 36 frames feels.

Even though I am not set up to do darkroom prints in color I did not want to give up on the home development though. I went ahead and purchased the Cinestill Cs-41 home development KIT of chemicals, mixed them all up and jumped right in with my first roll. As every time, pulling the processed film out of the tank and hanging it to dry was very exciting. It was my first time shooting the camera and I was not sure how well it functioned and whether it had any light leaks. It was also my first home developed color negative. But yes, there were pictures!

Color negatives are tough to judge. Not only do negative colors look goofy but the extra orange layer that's put on them just makes the whole negative look almost monochromatic, until one looks really close. Then the cyan and other colors come out.

Film photography: Custard Lite, Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Portra 400Custard LiteZeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Portra 400
Film photography: Custard Lite, Zeiss Ikon Contessa, Kodak Portra 400
 

Since darkroom is not an option at the moment the film had to go through my scanner and scanning color negatives is not all that straightforward. Yes, the software has some handy presets for a given film and scanner combination but that's really just the start. It feels like it's more art than science. It will be a long learning road ahead but I did get some pictures I liked from this roll. When the scene has a neutral (gray, or white) object the color tweaking becomes much more straightforward.

Since this roll, I have also finished and developed the roll of Ektar, and bought a few more rolls to still catch some of the remaining fall colors. I've enjoyed shooting one in Letchworth yesterday. However, as the colors of nature fade out I really look forward to returning to black and white. Winter is a really great opportunity to be on a lookout for strong monochrome images.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 analog cityscape color contessa film ikon kodak negative NY orchard park photography portra urban zeiss https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/11/analog-colors Mon, 05 Nov 2018 15:28:23 GMT Can you feel the magic? https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/can-you-feel-the-magic Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

I'm struggling to put words down as nothing I say can describe the feeling of standing there at the edge of the cliff waiting for Mother Nature to surprise. And surprise it always does. There is always a new twist to witnessing a sunrise here and even those that seemingly do not work out have their subtle magic. And when they do work out, well, it's easy to get carried away.

Around the Big Bend, Letchworth State Park, New YorkAround the Big BendLetchworth State Park

Around the Big Bend, Letchworth State Park, New York

The suspense always actually starts even before arriving at the park. Already from the distance I watch the sky and try to guess what the morning is going to bring. I watch for patches of fog all along the way trying to confirm the conditions might just be right. Then, as I pass through the park gate my eyes are glued on the gorge ahead. Is there going to be a fog this morning? Is there going to be enough? Is it going to be low enough? What is the sun going to do? And there is only one way to tell. Park, walk up to find that morning's perfect spot, and wait and enjoy!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn big bend bright colorful colors fall fog foggy happy landscape letchworth nature new york ny outdoors photography scenic state park sunrise https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/can-you-feel-the-magic Tue, 30 Oct 2018 12:07:49 GMT Colors on Thursday https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/colors-on-thursday Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or a whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

I know, it's Thursday and it's supposed to be a black and white and preferably film day. But it is also fall and colors are everywhere. As such, let's leave monochrome for another day and pay a quick visit to the Hanging Bog.

Fall Colors of the Hanging Bog, Caneadea, New YorkFall Colors of the Hanging Bog

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn bog bright Caneadea colorful colors fall foliage happy landscape leaves nature new york ny outdoors photography pond scenic season sunny water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/colors-on-thursday Thu, 25 Oct 2018 12:27:36 GMT Too Famous https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/too-famous Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or a whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

Late Fall at Eternal Flame - Panorama, Chestnut Ridge, Orchard Park, NYLate Fall at Eternal FlamePanorama

It's amazing how things can change in just a decade or two. I still remember when this used to be a barely known place. You could go almost any time, including weekends, and not meet anyone along the way. That has definitely changed now! On weekends, the new parking lot on route 277 fills up and the hike can feel like a stroll through a mall, including the coffee cups in people's hands. Weekdays are better based on your choice of time. And I still like the full trail from Seifert Rd. It feels more rewarding when one has to put in a tiny bit more effort :-)

So visit, enjoy, appreciate, and leave it as you found it.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn Buffalo Chestnut Ridge colorful colors creek fall foliage gorge landscape leaves nature new york ny Orchard Park outdoors photography red scenic season water waterfall https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/too-famous Wed, 24 Oct 2018 00:36:53 GMT Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/road-trip-2018-a-new-darkroom-print Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 in a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film - Road Trip 2018: A New Darkroom Print

Infrared series: First Roll of Infrared Film

Camera, Film, Print - An Analog Still LifeCamera, Film, PrintAn Analog Still Life It's Thursday and it's time for my somewhat regular analog post in the digital world. I had a frustrating time in the darkroom last night so it's nice to be able to review a print that worked out to my satisfaction. What happened yesterday? I am not 100% sure yet but I suspect it was due to me being cheap (again) and trying to use a depleted developer. When it happened to me before, it was obvious - everything would come out gray with absolutely no blacks. My first test yesterday seemed ok but looking at it later it was probably borderline. And it got worse from there.

I'll have to mix a new batch and re-try. If they come out as intended with the same settings, that will be my confirmation. And I have quite a few photos I'd like to print from the last few months. Maybe that will be an advantage of the long winter nights that there will be plenty of time to catch up and print out the warm scenes from summer.

Anyway, just a single print today from our summer Road Trip 2018. We made it to Route 66 several times but this was my first time capturing both the decay and the renaissance there the old-fashioned analog way on black and white film. It definitely provides a different feel and it's up to you all to decide which ones you like better.

Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Magnolia Gas, Route 66, Tucumcari, New MexicoRoad Trip 2018: Magnolia GasDarkroom Print

Road Trip 2018 Darkroom Print: Magnolia Gas on Route 66 in Tucumcari, New Mexico

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

To see all of the darkroom prints from Road Trip 2018, please, click over to the Darkroom: Road Trip 2018 gallery. If you are interested in these darkroom prints, please, contact me directly as I do not have them printed through a lab but do it myself.

Are you a fan of black and white photography, whether digital, film, or pinhole? Feel free to explore timelessbuffalo.com then. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 analog b&w black and white darkroom film photography road trip Route 66 timeless traditional travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/road-trip-2018-a-new-darkroom-print Thu, 18 Oct 2018 12:22:01 GMT Valley of Fire in a Painting https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/valley-of-fire-in-a-painting Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire: Road Trip through Mars - Road through Fiery Wonders - Out of This World - Further Out of This World - Driving through Painted Mojave Desert, Valley of Fire in a Painting

A different type of a photograph from the Valley of Fire today. It's a frame filling photo of a tree set against the red rocks of the valley. All that in beautiful subtle colors and in perspective that makes it look like the tree is painted on the cliff wall. At least that was my imagination when looking at the tree and still is now looking at the photo. I can actually get lost this photo and imagine even more abstract subjects, like a birds-eye-view of a river branching out across a landscape.
Painted Tree, Valley of Fire, NevadaPainted TreeValley of Fire, Nevada
 
Painted Tree, Valley of Fire, Nevada
 
Does any of this ring a bell for you? What do you see?

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you (#etbtsy)!

Did you enjoy this post and the included photographs? Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries. Do you love roads running through beautiful landscapes as me? My favorite ones are in the On the Road Photo Collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colors desert las vegas nature nevada outdoors painting photography state park subtle tree valley of fire https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/valley-of-fire-in-a-painting Tue, 16 Oct 2018 12:07:33 GMT Seaside Pinhole Photography III https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/seaside-pinhole-photography-iii Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole of Green Lake, Cobblestone on Pinhole, Buffalo, NY, WPPD 2018, Seaside Pinhole Photography II, Seaside Pinhole Photography III

Zero Image 135 Dual Format Back to Nature SeriesZero Image 135Dual Format Back to Nature Series It's a cold and cloudy and a rainy day today and maybe that is what motivated me to go with a similar mood in today's post. Most often, you will see images from Hanalei Bay and Pier in full vivid color to show off the lush green mountain sides. Let me offer an alternative here. A black and white photo from a 35 mm pinhole camera. No colors, no pinpoint sharpness, but lots of mood.

What is it about pinhole that I find magical? It starts with film and the surprise factor. You don't really know what you're going to get until later. In case of travel photography, often much later. Then add the pinhole factor and the fact that you just approximately point it in a direction with no exact science. And with the tiny pinhole (the Zeroimage is f/138) combined with slow film (ISO 50 in this case) you end up with pretty long exposures further adding the unknown outcome you can only visualize.

The smoothing of the water surface was something I expected as that comes with the long exposures. But the wonderful transition from opaque to a clear reflection with ripples and back to opaque was definitely a surprise and a very pleasant one at that. Not something I can easily recreate or expect again.

 

Hanalei Bay Hawaii on Zero Image 35mm Pinhole Camera, Ilford PANF Plus 50 Black & White FilmHanalei BayZero Image 35mm Pinhole Camera, Ilford PANF Plus 50 Black & White Film

Hanalei Bay on Zero Image 35mm Pinhole Camera, Ilford PANF Plus 50 Black & White Film

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm analog b&w black and white coast film Hanalei Hawaii landscape long exosure moody nature ocean outdoors photography pier pinhole seaside water Zeroimage https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/seaside-pinhole-photography-iii Fri, 12 Oct 2018 13:52:55 GMT Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2018 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/twelve-months-twenty-photos-2018 Hello all of my blog followers! Unlike last year, I got my act together earlier this year giving you the opportunity to pick some of my photographs as presents for your family and friends this year. Since it is just the beginning of October, there is time to select one (or a few), decide on your framing options (you can buy them matted and framed directly from my website, get them framed locally, or do the honors yourselves), buy and receive them, and get them wrapped. And of course, if you just want to decorate your own walls with photographs from Buffalo and Western New York (and beyond), I would be very happy to help you.

Twelve months, twenty photos. 2018 collage of photos from Buffalo, Western New York, and beyond.Twelve months, twenty photos2018

Middle Falls Bright & Clear, Letchworth State ParkMiddle Falls Bright & ClearA frame-filling view of the beautiful Middle Falls of Letchworth State Park illuminated at dusk. Thanks to the illumination, it's quite a different experience to watch the sun set, throwing the gorge into a deep shadow and darkness only for the waterfall to emerge ever so bright!

Letchworth Middle Falls is one of the three major waterfalls right on the Genesee River as it flows through Letchworth State Park, and one of many waterfalls in the park. The waterfall is 107' high and about 285' wide.

Letchworth State Park is about 35 miles south of Rochester, NY and 60 miles from Buffalo, NY. It is along the Genesee River and follows it for about 17 miles. The park is most known for its three major waterfalls - Lower Falls, Middle Falls, and Upper Falls. However, there are many additional waterfalls on the Genesee River tributaries that are well worth exploring, especially for those who have visited the major and most obvious points of interest.

Middle Falls Bright & Clear
 

A frame-filling view of the beautiful Middle Falls of Letchworth State Park illuminated at dusk. Thanks to the illumination, it's quite a different experience to watch the sun set, throwing the gorge into a deep shadow and darkness only for the waterfall to emerge ever so bright!

Get Inspired!


The Letchworth State Park Genesee River gorge at the beginning of a new day. So much to see, natural and man-made. Prominently featured in the center are the Middle Falls, and further back the Upper Falls. There, you can also see the two bridges, the old historical trestle (no longer standing) and the new arch bridge just in front of it. Then the steep rocky cliffs. And it is all surrounded with the bold colors of fall.

 Get Inspired!, Genesee River Gorge, MIddle & Upper Falls, Two Bridges, Letchworth State ParkGet Inspired!The Letchworth State Park Genesee River gorge at the beginning of a new day. So much to see, natural and man-made. Prominently featured in the center are the Middle Falls, and further back the Upper Falls. There, you can also see the two bridges, the old historical trestle and the new arch bridge just in front of it. Then the steep rocky cliffs. And it is all surrounded with the bold colors of fall.

Letchworth Middle Falls is one of the three major waterfalls right on the Genesee River as it flows through Letchworth State Park, and one of many waterfalls in the park. The waterfall is 107' high and about 285' wide.

Letchworth State Park is about 35 miles south of Rochester, NY and 60 miles from Buffalo, NY. It is along the Genesee River and follows it for about 17 miles. The park is most known for its three major waterfalls - Lower Falls, Middle Falls, and Upper Falls. However, there are many additional waterfalls on the Genesee River tributaries that are well worth exploring, especially for those who have visited the major and most obvious points of interest.
Sideview of Kleinhans Music HallSideview of Kleinhans Music HallA black and white sideview of the beautiful Kleinhans Music Hall and its reflection. Illuminated by bright sunlight under a gorgeous summer sky with clouds streaking overhead in this long exposure photograph. Somehow, it reminds me of a whale.

Kleinhans Music Hall opened in 1940 and was designed by Finnish architects Eliel and Eero Saarinen.

Sideview of Kleinhans Music Hall

A black and white side view of the beautiful Kleinhans Music Hall and its reflection. Illuminated by bright sunlight under a gorgeous summer sky with clouds streaking overhead in this long exposure photograph. Somehow, it reminds me of a whale.

Under the Ice
 

A wonderful opportunity to photograph newly forming ice on Green Lake and to get a glimpse into the world below.

 Under the Fresh Ice on Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYUnder the IceA wonderful opportunity to photograph newly forming ice on Green Lake and get a glimpse into the world below.

Green Lake is in the Yates Park, Orchard Park, New York, just a few miles south of Buffalo, NY. The lake, the park, and some surrounding land were donated to Orchard Park by a local businessman Harry Yates at the beginning of the twentieth century.

References: Town of Orchard Park History
The Earth is Round, An Ice Crack on Frozen Lake Erie in Hamburg near Buffalo, NY at sunsetThe Earth is RoundWinter wonder on Lake Erie at sunset. The ice layer was about 10 inches and growing daily with the prevalent cold temperatures. The main feature this evening was the fairly wide and very long crack in the ice leading into the distance.

The Earth is Round
 

Winter wonder on Lake Erie at sunset. The ice layer was about 10 inches and growing daily with the prevalent cold temperatures. The main feature this evening was the fairly wide and very long crack in the ice leading into the distance.

Boulders, Rocks, and Setting Sun
 

A quiet yet wild sunset over Lake Erie with the last bits of sunlight skimming the water and highlighting the shoreline rocks.

 Boulders, Rocks, and Setting Sun, Lake Erie Sunset PhotographBoulders, Rocks, and Setting SunA quiet yet wild sunset over Lake Erie with the last bits of sunlight skimming the water and highlighting the shoreline rocks.
Willow Tree in a Wind-Swept Field in Winter, Western New York Landscape PhotographWillow Tree in WinterA snow covered and wind swept field with a single willow tree taking the center stage on a beautiful sunny winter day.

Willow Tree in Winter
 

A snow covered and wind swept field with a single willow tree taking the center stage on a beautiful sunny winter day.

Shea's Southbound
 

The beautiful Shea's Performing Arts Center on Buffalo's photogenic Main Street, looking south, and captured in black and white for a dramatic cityscape scene.
 

 Shea's Performing Arts Center Theatre Southbound, Main Street, Black and White, Buffalo, NYShea's SouthboundThe beautiful Shea's Performing Arts Center on Buffalo's photogenic Main Street, looking south, and captured in black and white for a dramatic cityscape scene.
Lush Green Ravine, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY (near Buffalo)Lush Green RavineWhen I turned the corner while creek walking this ravine I could not believe my eyes. The green was so intense! And all of those fallen and leaning trees adding mystery! What a sight so close to home.

One of many beautiful creeks and ravines in the Chestnut Ridge county park in Orchard Park, NY.

Lush Green Ravine
 

When I turned the corner while creek walking this ravine I could not believe my eyes. The green was so intense! And all of those fallen and leaning trees adding mystery! What a sight so close to home.

Gold & Purple Peace Bridge
 

Peace Bridge illuminated in purple making this magnificent architectural structure over the mighty Niagara River stand out even more, especially under the darkening dusk sky.

 Golden Niagara River & Purple Peace Bridge at dusk, Buffalo, NYGold & Purple Peace BridgePeace Bridge illuminated in purple making this magnificent architectural structure over the mighty Niagara River stand out even more, especially under the darkening dusk sky.

 

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Visit my galleries to see more of my photographs: Buffalo Cityscapes, Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes, Landscapes Faraway, Seascapes,  Abstracts & Patterns, Nature - Animals & Plants, Travel Photography, and Pinhole Photography. All of these are accessible from the Gallery menu at the top of the site. Alternatively, you can browse my photographs in themed collections: Buffalo in Blue, Bridges of Buffalo, Subway - Buffalo Metro Rail, Autumn, Winter, World without Color, On the Road, Refractography, Darkroom: Road Trip 2018, and aMazing Bookmarks.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2017Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2017A 2017 year-end collage of natural landscapes and cityscapes from around Buffalo, NY. Twelve months, twenty photosTwelve months, twenty photos

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 buffalo cityscape collage gift landscape local mosaic ny photo photography portfolio present selection shopping twelve months western new york year https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/twelve-months-twenty-photos-2018 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 11:00:00 GMT When Things Align https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/when-things-align Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or a whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

I love it when multiple events align. It can be meticulously planned or it can be a total serendipity. The latter is what I was lucky to see and photograph this evening. My plan was to enjoy one of the beautiful sunsets over Lake Erie and hopefully get some good light and colors to photograph. And yes, luck was on my side too. High up in the sky, a crescent moon was also enjoying the colorful show of the setting sun.

 

Crescent Moon at Sunset over Lake ErieCrescent Moon at SunsetA crescent moon high up in the colorful sunset sky over Lake Erie.

Crescent Moon at Sunset over Lake Erie
 

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy Buffalo Chestnut Ridge colorful colors landscape lush nature new york ny Orchard Park outdoors photography scenic summer https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/10/when-things-align Thu, 04 Oct 2018 18:30:00 GMT Crossed Logs Take II https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/crossed-logs-take-ii Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole of Green Lake, Cobblestone on Pinhole, Buffalo, NY, WPPD 2018, Seaside Pinhole Photography II, Pinhole in the Woods, Industrial Decay on Pinhole, Crossed Logs Take II

Couple pinhole posts back I shared my excitement about hitting the woods of Chestnut Ridge with my 4x5 Lensless pinhole camera. Especially the crossed logs scene caught my eye there despite the 40 minutes it required to expose on the positive photo paper.

Crossed Logs, Lensless 4x5 PinholeCrossed LogsLensless 4x5 Pinhole

Crossed Logs, Lensless 4" x 5" Pinhole

I was not done with the scene yet either. A few days later the weather turned cloudy and I immediately had the itch to go back and see what difference the lower contrast would make. Here's the difference.

Crossed Logs - Take 2, Lensless 4x5 PinholeCrossed Logs - Take IILensless 4x5 Pinhole

Crossed Logs - Take II, Lensless 4" x 5" Pinhole
 

With this post, I also took the time to create a new home for my pinhole photographs beyond the city of Buffalo. Those cityscapes have already been living on timelessbuffalo.com for a while but the other ones lived only in my blog with no easy way to find them later and all in one place. That's changed now. You can now see them under Pinhole Photography.

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 4x5 analog b&w black and white crossed large format lensless logs moody outdoors photography pinhole woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/crossed-logs-take-ii Wed, 26 Sep 2018 12:09:00 GMT Road Trip: Gateway Arch https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/road-trip-gateway-arch Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Missouri became the 24th state to join the United States on August 10, 1821. The capital city is Jefferson City. The highest point is Taum Sauk Mountain at 1,772 feet.

Road Trip 2013 - Day 18 - June 28 - Gateway Arch - St. Louis, MO (Previous 2013 Road Trip posts: Indiana Dunes, De Immigrant, Amana Colonies, Des Moines, Madison County Roads, Bridges of Madison County, White Pole Road, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Golden Spike Tower & Union Pacific's Bailey Rail Yard, Loveland Pass, The Resting Day at Powderhorn, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Cimarron, Colorado National Monument, Fruita Rodeo, Grand Mesa, Arches National Park, Grand Junction, Grand Mesa Creek, Arches National Park Add-On, Canyonlands National Park, The Little Big Moments of Road Tripping, Mesa Verde National Park, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Train Depot, Pecos National Historical Park, Route 66 Part I, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part II, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part III, Tucumcari, Route 66 Part IV: Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 Part V: Bug Ranch), Route 66 Part VI: Conoco & Magnolia, Moore, OK after the 2013 Tornado, Route 66 Part VII - Catoosa, OK, Route 66 Part VIII - Largest Totem Pole, Route 66 Part IX - Galena, Kansas, Gateway Arch

Let's bring this one home. After 18 days on the road it's time for the last stop. Five years ago, it was still called the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Now, it goes by the Gateway Arch National Park. And of course, the arch is definitely the main attraction, whether viewed from down below or visited high up by the special tram.

Gateway Arch Park in St. Louis, Missouri (MO)Gateway Arch ParkSt. Louis, Missouri

Gateway Arch Park in St. Louis, Missouri
 

Gateway Arch Rising High, St. Louis, MissouriGateway Arch Rising HighSt. Louis, Missouri

Gateway Arch Rising High, St. Louis, Missouri

 

The EndThe End

 

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

References: Missouri on 50States.com - The Gateway Arch

Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit the Travel Photography gallery or the On the Road photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2013 attraction gateway arch ks missouri national park photography road trip road tripping st. louis the end travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/road-trip-gateway-arch Mon, 24 Sep 2018 11:06:48 GMT First Roll of Infrared Film https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/first-roll-of-infrared-film Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 in a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints - First Roll of Infrared Film

Infrared series: First Roll of Infrared Film (Yes, it's a new one!)

Earlier this year, I reached for another personal first. After shooting black and white film for a while and thoroughly enjoying it, I bought a roll of black and white infrared film. While it may feel gimmicky to some I had always liked the characteristic look where green color gets rendered as bright white, and blue as very dark, almost black at times.

Railroad Bridge over Buffalo River on Infrared Film, Buffalo, NYRailroad Bridge over Buffalo RiverBuffalo, NY

Railroad Bridge over Buffalo River on Infrared Film, Buffalo, NY

With some photos, the look is obvious, with some it is more subtle. It depends on the amount of infrared light "in the air". The sunnier it is, the better for the signature look. And yes, having plenty of greenery around helps too. This is good, because mid-day is traditionally shunned these days as a really bad time for photography - harsh light, lacking shadows. With black and white, I feel the rules are a bit different and with infrared one really has to seek the bright sun. During the morning and evening golden hours the infrared film may not look much different from regular black and white.
 

A Tree by the Fence, Farmland near Buffalo, NYA Tree by the FenceFarmland near Buffalo, NY

A Tree by the Fence, Farmland near Buffalo, NY

To accentuate the infrared look, the daylight has to be filtered out so that only infrared light hits the film. This is done with deep red filters like the Hoya R72 or similar. These filters cut the light down by about 5 stops. When I use the meter in the camera, I meter without the filter and to get the right exposure I adjust the ISO by 5 stops. Since these photos were shot on the Rollei 400 Infrared film, I set the ISO to 12. Once metered and focused, the filter goes on and exposure off. For the exact focus, the lens has to be slightly refocused since the infrared focus varies slightly from visible light. The older manual lenses usually have an infrared marking to move the desired focal distance to. When focusing using the hyperfocal distance, I usually don't adjust.

In the future, I would like to try infrared photography with one of my TLR cameras. Their advantage is that the viewing lens and the taking lens are separate, thus, the filter could stay attached making the workflow easier.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Are you a fan of black and white photography, whether digital, film, or pinhole? Feel free to explore timelessbuffalo.com then. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 analog b&w black and white Buffalo film infrared landscape light New York NY photography rollei timeless timelessbuffalo https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/first-roll-of-infrared-film Wed, 19 Sep 2018 12:46:40 GMT Shenandoah: More Waterfall Wonders along the Rose River Falls Trail https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/shenandoah-more-waterfall-wonders-along-the-rose-river-falls-trail Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from Shenandoah: Trouble with Color - The Details or the Wide and Grand? - The Skyline Drive View in Autumn - The Lonely Tree - Dark Hollow Falls - Cozy at Shenandoah - Skyline Drive of Shenandoah - Shenandoah Sunset - Different Look of Shenandoah at Big Meadow - Shenandoah is Waking Up - On Skyline Drive - Colorful Flashback - Luray Caverns - Luray Valley Museum - Fox Hollow Trail - The Treasures of Shenandoah - Distant Sunset Views - Hiking - Rose River Falls Trail - Still on the Rose River Falls Trail - More Waterfall Wonders along the Rose River Falls Trail

There's no denying it, the colors are coming. Showing up in high elevations first, slowly to fill the mountain sides and spill down to the valleys. I've always found the colors of the fall a great combination with waterfalls. That pure white of the water surrounded with such a colorful palette just draws me in to stare, to enjoy, and to photograph.

Since the colors did not burst yet in the Buffalo, NY area I am taking you a few years back in today's post. We're heading on a truly beautiful hike in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia that will take us along two humming creeks with many small and larger cascades and waterfalls. Enjoy the hike!

Swirl under the Fall, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia in the Fall / AutumnSwirl under the FallShenandoah National Park

Swirl under the Fall, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia in the Fall

Rushing Down the Rocks, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia in the Fall / AutumnRushing Down the RocksShenandoah National Park
Rushing Down the Rocks, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia in the Fall

 

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Did you enjoy this post and the enclosed photographs? Visit the Landscapes Faraway gallery for natural landscape beyond Western New York to see more. Please, let me know if you have any questions about photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs. You can see the photo and product offering on the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Would you like to see my photographs printed, matted, and framed? Visit Picture Your Walls in Hamburg, NY (184 Buffalo St, Hamburg, NY 14075).

 

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn colors creek fall hiking landscape national park nature outdoors photography rose river shenandoah trail virginia water waterfall https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/shenandoah-more-waterfall-wonders-along-the-rose-river-falls-trail Wed, 12 Sep 2018 12:30:00 GMT Thank you for the thank you! https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/thank-you Color Splash Reflection under Peace Bridge over Niagara River, Buffalo, New York (NY)Color Splash Reflection under Peace BridgeBuffalo, NY Golden Niagara River & Purple Peace Bridge at dusk, Buffalo, NYGold & Purple Peace BridgeBuffalo, NY Peace Bridge Dressed in Blue, with Hints of Green, Red, and Yellow. Bird Island Pier, Buffalo, New York (NY).Peace Bridge Dressed in Lavender and BlueBuffalo, NY Illuminated Peace Bridge at Dusk with a reflection of the bridge and lights in the Niagara River below. Connects Buffalo, NY, USA and Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada.Illuminated Peace Bridge at DuskBuffalo, NY Illuminated Peace Bridge against Sunset Sky connecting Buffalo, NY, USA and Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada over the Niagara River.Illuminated Peace Bridge against Sunset SkyBuffalo, NY

Nothing pleases me more than a happy customer, a customer that had a vision for the decoration of their home or work place and that vision came together by getting some of my photographs matted, framed, and hung on their walls. That is why I do what I do - to show the beauty of the places to allow others to enjoy it. Thus, getting e-mails like the one below is definitely a day brightener:

The print of the Peace Bridge - Color Splash Reflection under Peace Bridge, Buffalo, NY – arrived last Friday. I had it framed with a very light lavender mat and a black frame, and it’s hanging in my home. The photograph is absolutely gorgeous and I LOVE it! A truly wonderful addition to my home décor, a vibrant image from my hometown that makes me smile every time I look at it.

Thank you very much, and please accept my sincere compliments on your magnificent photography.

Catherine P., Los Angeles, CA

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you. I appreciate all of you very much, whether you buy my prints, click on my advertising links, or just follow my blog and photographs regularly.

Thank you!

DanDanWhite on Black

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy appreciation photography testimonial thank you https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/thank-you Tue, 11 Sep 2018 12:41:01 GMT Deep in the Rock City https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/deep-in-the-rock-city Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from the Czech Republic: Of Trains & Stations, A Stroll through Moravian Countryside, Sunset Stroll through Southern Moravian Countryside, Rolling Hills and Poppy Fields, There are as many pubs as there are poppy seeds ..., More Travel Treasures, Drying Garlic, Treasures of Travels, The Power of Simplicity (of the iPhone), Take Me Home, Country Road ..., Sound of Music Induced Moment of Nostalgia, Travel in Space & Time, Of Trains & Stations, Rock Cities, Mills, History, and More, All About the Rolling Hills, An Irresistible Urge to Stop, Czech Countryside, Trains through the Moravian Countryside, A Tourist in Prague, Back to the Land of Poppy Seed, Rock City of Teplice Rocks, Deep in the Rock City

A beautiful hike through the woods with rock formations every step of the way, cool and fresh air, the occasional chirp of a bird. What a set up! Then, the path squeezes between two skyscrapers and does not emerge for a while. High rises lining the winding path on both sides creating a wonderfully mysterious mood. Unlike a man-made city, it's all peaceful and quiet. I will take this any day ...

Teplické skály, Rock City, Czech RepublicTeplické skályRock City

Rock City of Teplice Rocks, Czech Republic

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy city czech republic czechia europe evropa gap landscape narrow nature outdoors passage photography rock teplice travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/deep-in-the-rock-city Mon, 10 Sep 2018 12:31:19 GMT Some Morning Drama https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/some-morning-drama Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché - So Peaceful - Some Morning Drama

When a major cold front leaves a lot of heavy rain clouds behind it makes for some rather dramatic daybreaks. Sure, it is hard to catch the actual sun rising but it sure provides for some nice drama. It also creates an unusual contrast of the bright foaming surf spilling over dark lava with dark skies overhead.

Stormy Pacific Daybreak, Kauai, HawaiiStormy Pacific DaybreakKauai, Hawaii

Stormy Pacific Daybreak, Kauai, Hawaii
 

And then, as the morning rainstorms leave the area and the sun tries to make it through to brighten everyone's mood up it creates this wonderful soft light diffused through the remaining clouds and water in the air.

Lava & Water, Kauai, HawaiiLava & WaterKauai, Hawaii

Lava & Water, Kauai, Hawaii
 

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

References: Hawaii on 50states.com

Would you like to see more seaside photographs? Visit my Seascapes Gallery and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Hawaii became the 50th state to join the United States on August 21, 1959. The capital city is Honolulu (Oahu). The highest point is Mauna Kea at 13,803 feet (4207 meters) (island of Hawaii, aka The Big Island), a dormant volcano last erupting 2460 BC. Mauna Kea is over 33,000 feet (10000 meters) tall, making it the world's tallest mountain measured from its base to the summit; the majority of which is under water. The highest point on Kauai is Kawakini Peak about a mile south of Mt. Waialeale, the volcano that originally built up the island.

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy coast coastline daybreak dramatic hawaii island kauai landscape lava morning nature ocean outdoors pacific paradise photography seascape stormy travel tropical https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/9/some-morning-drama Wed, 05 Sep 2018 11:24:07 GMT Driving through Painted Mojave Desert https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/driving-through-painted-mojave-desert Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire: Road Trip through Mars - Road through Fiery Wonders - Out of This World - Further Out of This World - Driving through Painted Mojave Desert

If you follow my blog and have read my previous posts about my experience in the Valley of Fire you already know how exciting it was for me. Rock formations, textures, and colors were everywhere. I thoroughly enjoyed looking for more and more the nature had to offer. And I also liked the juxtaposition of the warm earth tones against the blue sky.

Painted Desert, Valley of Fire, NevadaPainted DesertValley of Fire

Painted Desert, Valley of Fire, Nevada

The other thing you probably know about me by now is that not only do I like pristine landscapes but I also like to find interesting interactions of humanity and the landscape. Yes, humans most certainly often negatively interfere with nature's beauty. But here and there, the man-made objects just fit in, even enhance the look. And roads are one such structure. Sometimes, they're unbelievably straight disappearing in the distance, other times, they are winding and moving with the land.

Down & Up, Valley of Fire, NevadaDown & UpValley of Fire

Down & Up, Valley of Fire, Nevada
 

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you (#etbtsy)!

Did you enjoy this post and the included photographs? Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries. Do you love roads running through beautiful landscapes as me? My favorite ones are in the On the Road Photo Collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy bold colors desert formation landscape las vegas manmade mojave nature nevada outdoors photography road rock state park valley of fire vivid https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/driving-through-painted-mojave-desert Mon, 27 Aug 2018 11:50:04 GMT Industrial Decay on Pinhole https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/industrial-decay-on-pinhole Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole of Green Lake, Cobblestone on Pinhole, Buffalo, NY, WPPD 2018, Seaside Pinhole Photography II, Pinhole in the Woods, Industrial Decay on Pinhole

From the woods to some wonderful decay subjects. I’m not sure what took me so long to realize this but in my opinion, this destination is perfect for pinhole photography and the feel one gets out of it. And even more so with the large format pinhole straight on the high contrast direct positive photo paper.

A large flywheel is the subject of the first photograph here. While the lettering is not prominent here reaching into the high-end of the exposure scale here it's still a hint about the capture of the photograph. I like including text in pinhole photographs and enjoy how it gets horizontally flipped. Well, it would have also been upside down but it's easy to turn the paper around and put it right side up. It's actually this turning that flips the left and right.

Flywheel, Lensless 4" x 5" PinholeFlywheelLensless 4" x 5" Pinhole

Flywheel, Lensless 4" x 5" Pinhole

The old tram car proved to be a wonderful subject for a pinhole photograph too. Here, the angled corner shot takes advantage of the unlimited depth of field of a pinhole photograph. I also feel that the lack of perfect sharpness combined with the high contrast black and white paper worked really well with the transportation decay here.

Tram, Lensless 4" x 5" PinholeTramLensless 4" x 5" Pinhole

Tram, Lensless 4" x 5" Pinhole

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 4x5 analog b&w black and white decay industrial large format lensless moody photography pinhole vintage https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/industrial-decay-on-pinhole Thu, 23 Aug 2018 12:10:08 GMT Road Trip: Route 66 Part IX - Galena, Kansas https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/road-trip-route-66-part-ix-galena-kansas Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Kansas became the 34th state to join the United States on January 29, 1861. The capital city is Topeka. The highest point is Mount Sunflower at 4,039 feet.

Road Trip 2013 - Day 17 - June 27 - Route 66 - Galena, KS (Previous 2013 Road Trip posts: Indiana Dunes, De Immigrant, Amana Colonies, Des Moines, Madison County Roads, Bridges of Madison County, White Pole Road, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Golden Spike Tower & Union Pacific's Bailey Rail Yard, Loveland Pass, The Resting Day at Powderhorn, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Cimarron, Colorado National Monument, Fruita Rodeo, Grand Mesa, Arches National Park, Grand Junction, Grand Mesa Creek, Arches National Park Add-On, Canyonlands National Park, The Little Big Moments of Road Tripping, Mesa Verde National Park, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Train Depot, Pecos National Historical Park, Route 66 Part I, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part II, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part III, Tucumcari, Route 66 Part IV: Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 Part V: Bug Ranch), Route 66 Part VI: Conoco & Magnolia, Moore, OK after the 2013 Tornado, Route 66 Part VII - Catoosa, OK, Route 66 Part VIII - Largest Totem Pole, Route 66 Part IX - Galena, Kansas

Baxter Springs, Oklahoma, Phillips Gas on Route 66Baxter Springs, OklahomaPhillips Gas on Route 66 Would you believe it? After over 5 years this 2013 road trip photo blog is finding its way to the finish line. To help it along, a we are making a double hop today from the previous stop at the largest totem pole at Foyil, OK. First, the northbound track takes us across the state border from Oklahoma to Kansas and the town of Baxter Springs.

And from there, Galena, KS is right around the corner. This was our first time tracking Route 66 through there but at the risk of a spoiler alert I will admit that since that first 2013 visit we made it back two more times and had fun each time. It's nice to see how things are going, witness the changes, and also be able to feel almost at home so far away from home. And with all of this road tripping talk guess where I'd love to be now?

Galena Railroad Depot, Kansas, Route 66Galena Railroad Depot, KansasRoute 66 The first Galena stop is at the old railroad depot, which now houses the Galena Mining and Historical Museum. The tie to the building's railroad days is hard to miss.

And from there it's right to Cars on the Route 66, a very cool stop on the Mother Road. It's themed after the Disney Cars movie with a nice Route 66 gift shop and some refreshments. The main character of the 2013 stop certainly was the original Mater standing outside with a wonderfully rusty look. No wonder it inspired such a charismatic character!

The vintage looking gas station is also an eye-catcher and provides a super backdrop for memorable road trip photos.

There are also a few more vintage cars across the street that provide for great photo ops, especially if you happen to visit either early in the morning to have them lit up or when the day is ending with the sun setting behind the cars.

The Original Mater at Cars on the Route 66, Galena, KSThe Original Mater at Cars on the Route 66Galena, KS

The Original Mater at Cars on the Route 66, Galena, Kansas

Cars on the Route 66, Galena, KansasCars on the Route 66Galena, Kansas

Cars on the Route 66, Galena, Kansas

Then, on the way out of town, this ghost town like view opened up. Probably never the favorite view of the locals but so full of character and mood. These views can be found anywhere, even in busy cities. This one happens to be in Galena, Kansas along Route 66.

The Ghost Town Look along Route 66, Galena, KSThe Ghost Town LookRoute 66

The Ghost Town Look along Route 66, Galena, KS

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

References: Kansas on 50States.com - Cars on the Route 66

Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit the Travel Photography gallery or the On the Road photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2013 attraction cars colors galena kansas ks mater mother road photography road road trip road tripping roadside route 66 travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/road-trip-route-66-part-ix-galena-kansas Mon, 20 Aug 2018 12:11:17 GMT Black and White Main Street, Buffalo, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/black-and-white-main-street-buffalo-ny Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Sometimes the coveted golden hours of the morning or evening just don't cut it. During these hours city streets running north to south are half buried in deep shadows. Only mid-day really shines the light on the scene! For color photographs, the warm light of the edges of the day is also more pleasing. For black and white photographs, colors matter little. Yes, the light may be harsh but maybe that's just what the scene is calling for!

Shea's Performing Arts Center, Southbound on Main Street, Black and White, Buffalo, NYShea's SouthboundBuffalo, NY

Shea's Southbound, Buffalo, New York

Buffalo Theatre District & Plaza of Stars, Black and White, Buffalo, NYBuffalo Theatre DistrictBuffalo, NY

Buffalo Theatre District & Plaza of Stars, Buffalo, NY

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs you may enjoy the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy architecture b&w black and white buffalo city cityscape district main ny photography Shea's street theater theatre urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/black-and-white-main-street-buffalo-ny Tue, 14 Aug 2018 11:00:00 GMT What a wonderful surprise (in a ditch)! https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/what-a-wonderful-surprise-in-a-ditch Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or a whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

Alright, not a ditch but a ravine, but a ditch sounded more dramatic for a headline. In my previous post I described my search for inspiration with a pinhole camera in the Chestnut Ridge park. And I also mentioned that the original reason to go to the park was finding a new access path to a place I had not visited for a long time. So two pinhole exposures and an hour later I resumed that original mission eventually ending at the bottom of a deep ravine.

I started creek walking towards the place I vaguely remembered. The water level definitely was not a problem compliments of the summer heat and limited precipitation. However, the wet rocks were totally unpredictable. On some, my shoes held traction well while on others I came close to wiping out.

As soon as I turned the first corner I stood in awe! The lush green I was faced with literally took my breath away. It reminded me of jungle scenes, or some of the gorgeous photographs from the Columbia River Gorge. However, it was no material for a black and white paper in a pinhole camera.

Lush Green Ravine, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NYLush Green RavineChestnut Ridge Park

Lush Green Ravine, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY

I took a quick phone snap as a reminder and headed on, eventually finding the little cascade I had seen once before. Not much water there now but the colors were again beautiful. Here, I actually thought a pinhole photo would look great. While the color would be gone, the texture of the shale rock and its cascade up the hill would certainly render beautifully. A reading with a light meter would not have it though with 240 minutes! I thought the 40-minute exposure I just took above the ravine was fairly long setting my new exposure length record. I was not going to hang around for 4 hours.

Creek Colors, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NYCreek ColorsChestnut Ridge Park

Creek Colors, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY

It would not even be 4 hours anyway. It was about 90 minutes before sunset and I'd run out of any light about half way through. As a result, this idea got tabled and I would have to return in different lighting conditions.

Again, the phone came out for a few scene studies and that was it, only a track back remaining.

So where did these photos come from? Nope, they're not the cell phone snaps. While I returned home tired and really anxious to get the pinhole prints developed I also knew that could wait until darkness. But I could grab my digital camera and return immediately rather than risking the disappearance of that intense green. I had seen it too many times before where saying "next time" just did not cut it. I swapped my equipment and headed for a redo of the expedition. And I am glad I did!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy Buffalo Chestnut Ridge colorful colors landscape lush nature new york ny Orchard Park outdoors photography scenic summer https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/what-a-wonderful-surprise-in-a-ditch Fri, 10 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMT Pinhole in the Woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/pinhole-in-the-woods Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole of Green Lake, Cobblestone on Pinhole, Buffalo, NY, WPPD 2018, Seaside Pinhole Photography II, Pinhole in the Woods

Let's attempt a timely blog post today, only going back to this past Saturday. I really got the itch to take my large format pinhole camera out. For a while I was sitting on the couch desperately trying to come up with a location to take it to. All places I could think of I've shot previously and I really wanted something new. In the end, I just grabbed the camera and headed for the car making sure I at least headed somewhere.

I headed for the village of Orchard Park with no clear target in mind. I parked on the street, pulled the camera and the tripod out, got everything ready, threw it over my shoulder and walked. Couple locations that caught my eye were in too much of a shadow. Then, the bright white police station door jumped out! Add the stairs, railings, and a pinhole photo was taking shape in my mind.

Police Station, Lensless 4x5" Pinhole, Orchard Park, NYPolice StationLensless 4x5" Pinhole

Police Station, Lensless 4x5" Pinhole, Orchard Park, NY

I know, I know, the headline promised woods and not police stations. After this photograph nothing else caught my eye and I figured a change of scenery was necessary. I turned the car around and headed for the Chestnut Ridge park. While living so close I do not really have too many photographs from there. This was the time for at least a partial correction.

I had a location in mind but needed to scout for a new access path. And as soon as I started heading down a narrow path I've never been down before I ran into a beautiful chaotic scene of fallen trees. I metered the light and was discouraged at first. The photo paper I had in the camera had very low sensitivity to light, and the tiny pinhole makes for an f/154. Bottom line? A 45-minute exposure needed. In the end, I could not resist though, set the camera at an angle I liked, opened the shutter, tripped the stop watch, and hoped crowds would not be passing through.

While the pinhole camera was doing its thing I wandered about a bit looking for other woodsy subjects. I actually found one very near and it was in beautiful light at the moment - too bad the pinhole was busy at the moment, about half way through its exposure. There was no way I'd abort that mission. So I grabbed a cell phone snapshot as a possible future reminder, searched some more, and went back to attend to the busy camera. Light changed a bit with the sun coming out and back behind clouds, changing the required exposure time to almost half. Knowing the direct positive paper tends to render dark scenes with high contrast I only adjusted down to 40 minutes though. To stop boring you with a narrative, here is the outcome.

Crossed Logs, Lensless 4x5" Pinhole, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NYCrossed LogsLensless 4x5" Pinhole

Crossed Logs, Lensless 4x5" Pinhole, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY

And luck did not run out on me completely, the other location I had picked in the meantime still had decent light. The camera went to work again, this time on a brisk exposure of 8 minutes.

Stump, Lensless 4x5" Pinhole, Chestnut Ridge, Orchard Park, NYStumpLensless 4x5" Pinhole

Stump, Lensless 4x5" Pinhole, Chestnut Ridge, Orchard Park, NY

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 4x5 analog b&w black and white Chestnut Ridge lensless moody nature Orchard Park outdoors photography pinhole https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/pinhole-in-the-woods Wed, 08 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMT Some Color for This Page: Rocks & Boulders at Sunset https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/color-rocks-boulders-sunset Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or a whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

Let's bring back some color for today's post! And a good dose of it too, compliments of a beautiful sunset over Lake Erie. One of the great advantages of being on the southeast side of the lake is getting a good supply of these. We just need to go shopping for them often enough!

Sharing two sunset stages with you today. In the first photograph the sun approached the horizon and the cloud layer hovering there, the colors peaked, the excitement at its maximum. There were a few people around but not nearly enough given the show. But that was just fine by me. No people required for these moments, the fewer, the better.

Boulders, Rocks, and Setting Sun, Lake Erie SunsetBoulders, Rocks, and Setting SunLake Erie Sunset

Boulders, Rocks, and Setting Sun, Lake Erie Sunset

In the second photograph, the landscape is already going to sleep. And everyone has left. It's now only me, a handful of gadgets, and an onset of darkness. The difference is striking! Everything is calmer, quieter. I don't want to move being afraid to disturb it. Just sit and stare.

When the Sun Goes to Sleep, Lake Erie SunsetWhen the Sun Goes to SleepLake Erie Sunset

When the Sun Goes to Sleep, Lake Erie Sunset

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy Buffalo colors Erie lake landscape nature New York NY outdoors peaceful photography scenic shore shoreline sunset https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/8/color-rocks-boulders-sunset Mon, 06 Aug 2018 23:59:20 GMT Black and White Architecture, Buffalo, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/7/black-and-white-architecture-buffalo-ny Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

A wonderful morning by a wonderful building in Buffalo, NY, the Kleinhans Music Hall. The sun was beautifully illuminating the hall while the sky was decorated with white puffy clouds that were drifting along at a fairly fast clip, and that was just fine with me. A perfect recipe for some long exposure photography.

Kleinhans Music Hall Symmetry, Black and White Reflection, Buffalo, NYKleinhans SymmetryBlack and White Reflection

Kleinhans Music Hall Symmetry, Buffalo, NY

Now for the following photo, I apologize to the architectural purists, but since I have first seen the building from this angle, it reminded me of a whale. So to me, this will always be the "Kleinhans whale".

Sideview of Kleinhans Music Hall, Black and White Whale, Buffalo, NYSideview of Kleinhans Music HallBlack and White Whale

The Kleinhans Whale, Buffalo, NY

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more black and white photographs you may enjoy the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy architecture b&w black and white buffalo cityscape light long exposure ny photography reflection sunrise urban water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/7/black-and-white-architecture-buffalo-ny Mon, 30 Jul 2018 11:30:00 GMT Never To Be Seen Again https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/7/never-to-be-seen-again Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or a whole framed and matted ready to hang solutions with just a few mouse clicks.

Photography helps me realize how much the world around us is changing. It is so because I pay more attention to my surroundings when I am out with a camera and then I also get a second chance to relive the moment when either seeing the photo on my computer or when making prints in the darkroom. And all of the images also give me archives to go back to and compare. With the passage of time this library is growing bigger reaching further and further back and maybe that's why I've observed more and more changes recently. Sometimes, the changes are quite subtle, other times they're quite striking. And that was the case this day.

I had a color photo from a few years back that I thought would look really great on black and white film. The day was excellent with blue sunny skies and some nice white clouds wandering about. So I jumped in the car and headed out.

I drove slowly looking around and finding a few other rural photo stops. Then, I finally arrived, pulled over, and just starred into the distance. This was not what I expected! Yes, the road was there leading into the valley, even the barn and the house were down there. The sky was also where I left it. But where's the tree? I walked down a bit and found the unfortunate answer to the mystery when my eyes spotted the stump. Yes, a beautiful large tree reduced to a stump.

So today instead of sharing a fresh new photo I am instead sharing what I had the wonderful opportunity to see six years ago! Yes, the few years I thought it was turned out to be six as the timestamp on the photo clearly states 2012. I hope you enjoy this preserved moment from the past.

Rural Countryside at Sunset, Western New YorkCountryside at SunsetRural Western New York

Rural Countryside at Sunset, Western New York

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy barn colors countryside green landscape light New York NY outdoors photography road rural summer sunset tree https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/7/never-to-be-seen-again Thu, 26 Jul 2018 14:53:17 GMT Seaside Pinhole Photography II https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/7/seaside-pinhole-photography-ii Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole of Green Lake, Cobblestone on Pinhole, Buffalo, NY, WPPD 2018, Seaside Pinhole Photography II

Zero Image 135 Dual Format Back to Nature SeriesZero Image 135Dual Format Back to Nature Series Today I am jumping two years back to continue a story I had started then and believed to have finished. However, while reviewing my pinhole photographs today I realized I have not. I really struggle with this one as I remember posting at least three of my most favorite photographs from that roll of film shot on my 35mm Zero Image pinhole camera. There is no evidence though to support that memory.

Anyway, let's work on correcting that today with a few more seaside pinhole photos. The 35mm film does not give the pinhole photographs all of their signature features. Yes, there is an overall lack of sharpness but there is no distortion and light fall off. But the tiny pinhole combined with a slow film land themselves really well to long exposure photography. And you know what else lands itself really well to long exposures? Yep, you guessed it, a beautiful coastline with wild surf.

Makawehi Lithified Cliffs, Hawaii - Zero Image 35mm Pinhole Camera, Ilford PANF Plus 50 Black & White FilmMakawehi Lithified CliffsZero Image 35mm Pinhole Camera, Ilford PANF Plus 50 Black & White Film

Makawehi Lithified Cliffs in Kauai, Hawaii on Zero Image 35mm Pinhole Camera, Ilford PAN F Plus 50 Black & White Film

Ke'e Beach, Kauai, Hawaii - Zero Image 35mm Pinhole Camera, Ilford PANF Plus 50 Black & White FilmKe'e BeachZero Image 35mm Pinhole Camera, Ilford PANF Plus 50 Black & White Film

Ke'e Beach, Hawaii on Zero Image 35mm Pinhole Camera, Ilford PAN F Plus 50 Black & White Film

It turns out I am not crazy after all, or at least not for the reason mentioned at the top of this post. Apparently, it was not a blog post where I shared these photos but my April 2016 newsletter. What a relief!

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 35mm analog b&w beautiful black and white coast film Image landscape long exosure moody nature ocean outdoors photography pinhole water Zero https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/7/seaside-pinhole-photography-ii Mon, 23 Jul 2018 11:30:00 GMT The Village of Hamburg Waking Up https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/6/the-village-of-hamburg-waking-up Previously from the village of Hamburg, NY: Theaters in the Rain - Hamburg Palace, Brick & Mortar Gallery: Matted, Framed, and Ready to Hang, One More White while Appropriate, More Winter in Hamburg, NY, Theaters in the Rain Revisited, and Beyond, Palace in Winter, A Shed, The Village of Hamburg Waking Up

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And by all means, if you buy a photograph, that is the best reward and I appreciate it very much! You can get prints or a whole framed and matted ready to hang solution with just a few mouse clicks.

Catching a sunrise is always wonderful and somehow more rewarding than a sunset. I usually run away from civilization to enjoy the special moment on my own, away from people and the noises of every day life. This morning, however, I got up early to see the village of Hamburg, NY wake up. It was a weekend and I arrived very early around 5:30 a.m. The sun was nowhere to be seen, yet, there were definitely signs of life already - the occasional pedestrian, a car passing by. All still very quiet but waking up. And that was wonderful to observe as the change was obvious with more and more life showing up every minute.

I am really glad I arrived before the sun lit up the streets as that was another great experience. Not only does the sun need to rise rather high to send its rays into the streets it needs to clear various other obstacles too. There are trees to rise above, and buildings of different height lining the street. Finally, as the sun rises a bit more north in summer its rise also repositions it more to the east clearing the way to enter streets running east to west without obstacles. And since my focus this morning was on Main Street which runs in this direction, the morning time was definitely a time of change.

I'd like to show two pairs of side by side photographs from this morning where the first photo was taken before the sun illuminated the street and the buildings and the second right after the sun made its entrance.

Coyote Cafe Mexican Restaurant at Daybreak, Hamburg, NYCoyote Cafe at DaybreakHamburg, NY

Coyote Cafe Mexican Restaurant at Daybreak, Hamburg, NY

Coyote Cafe Mexican Restaurant at Sunrise, Hamburg, NYCoyote Cafe at SunriseHamburg, NY

Coyote Cafe Mexican Restaurant at Sunrise, Hamburg, NY

Hess Brothers Florist at Daybreak, Hamburg, NYHess Brothers Florist at DaybreakHamburg, NY

Hess Brothers Florist at Daybreak, Hamburg, NY

Hess Brothers Florist at Sunrise, Hamburg, NYHess Brothers Florist at SunriseHamburg, NY

Hess Brothers Florist at Sunrise, Hamburg, NY

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

Blue Hour Rain at Cyote Cafe, Hamburg, NYBlue Hour Rain at Cyote CafeHamburg, NY Palace Classic, Hamburg, NYHamburg Palace ClassicHamburg, NY The Palace Theatre of Hamburg, NYThe Palace TheatreHamburg, NY Busy Staub Square & Juicy Burger Bar at dusk, traffic at the main circle, Hamburg, NY, Buffalo SouthtownsBusy Staub SquareHamburg, NY Theater for Rainy Days, Palace Theatre, Hamburg, NY, Buffalo SouthtownsTheater for Rainy DaysHamburg, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy cityscape colorful colors Coyote Cafe daybreak Hamburg Hess Brothers light morning NY photography shadows storefront street sunrise village wake up https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/6/the-village-of-hamburg-waking-up Tue, 26 Jun 2018 11:00:00 GMT At Peace Bridge after a While https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/6/at-peace-bridge-after-a-while Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

My return to film photography and darkroom photo printing has an interesting side effect. I want to go back and photograph some of my favorite places again on film so that I can make my own black and white prints. I have always liked revisiting places and even have several posts here in the blog on that topic, however, this puts a whole new spin on the topic. I prefer to take only one camera with me on my photo outings, any more seems to distract me. Too many gadgets and not enough focus on what's around me. However, sometimes I at least throw some extras in the trunk.

So for today's post, here are two fresh color photos from one of my favorite locations, the Bird Island Pier, or Nowak Pier, with the camera pointed at Peace Bridge. As I entered the pier I noticed the "new" dedication plaque to Henry J Nowak. Yes, I have probably not been here for longer than I thought. I doubt anyone will start calling the pier by that name just because of the plaque but who knows. I guess renaming things there is popular as the island itself saw its name go from Squaw Island to Unity Island.

As soon as I started walking down the pier I noticed something I had never seen here before. There was so much water and the water level in the Black Rock Canal was so high that the overflow pipes going under the pier were very busy. Water was rushing through all of them with force making for quite a unique sight and also generating quite a bit of noise! It also immediately captivated my attention and I knew I wanted that to be the differentiating element from my past photos.

Water Rush under Peace Bridge, Buffalo, NYWater Rush under Peace BridgeBuffalo, NY

I found myself an interesting overflow with a branch and a pretty large log and started working on the camera position and angles. I went lower and lower until the camera was about a foot over the flowing water. The log, however, proved to be an unexpected challenge. Despite being large and heavy it wobbled around in the strong water flow. It was bumping against one of my tripod legs interfering with the long exposures I had in mind. That was easily fixed by repositioning the tripod though.

The second challenge was not so easily solvable. As the log moved back and forth couple inches it was getting blurred and that was not good. In long exposures, I like the blurred water flow to be clearly contrasted with sharply rendered objects like rocks or wood in this case. Solution? I pushed the log off a bit with my foot and lodged it underneath the log to prevent the rocking. In the end, I thought it worked alright despite making for an uncomfortable picture taking position.

I took the first photo shortly after sunset as the sky retained some nice colors. Unfortunately, all of the clouds from an earlier rain floated away about two hours too early.I liked this angle not only because it combined the overflow water rush from Black Rock Canal to the Niagara River but it also showed both the river and Lake Erie in the background.

For the next photo, I had to wait another 45 minutes.

Gold & Purple Peace Bridge, Buffalo, NYGold & Purple Peace BridgeBuffalo, NY

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more bridges feel free to explore the Bridges of Buffalo photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

Color Splash Reflection under Peace Bridge over Niagara River, Buffalo, New York (NY)Color Splash Reflection under Peace BridgeBuffalo, NY Peace Bridge from Buffalo, NY to Fort Erie, Canada over he NIagara River after Sunset.Peace Bridge at SunsetBuffalo, NY Peace Bridge Dressed in Blue, with Hints of Green, Red, and Yellow. Bird Island Pier, Buffalo, New York (NY).Peace Bridge Dressed in Lavender and BlueBuffalo, NY Illuminated Peace Bridge at Dusk with a reflection of the bridge and lights in the Niagara River below. Connects Buffalo, NY, USA and Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada.Illuminated Peace Bridge at DuskBuffalo, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy architecture bird island broderick park buffalo cityscape colors dusk illumination long exposure niagara nowak ny outdoors photography pier river rush squaw island sunset unity island urban water https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/6/at-peace-bridge-after-a-while Fri, 15 Jun 2018 12:51:40 GMT Road Trip: Route 66 Part VIII - Largest Totem Pole https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/6/road-trip-route-66-part-viii-largest-totem-pole Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Oklahoma became the 46th state to join the United States on November 16, 1907. The capital city is Oklahoma City. The highest point is Black Mesa at 4,973 feet.

Ed Galloway's World's Largest Concrete Totem Pole, Route 66, Foyil, OKEd Galloway's World's Largest Concrete Totem PoleRoute 66, Foyil, OK Road Trip 2013 - Day 17 - June 27 - Route 66 - Foyil, OK (Previous 2013 Road Trip posts: Indiana Dunes, De Immigrant, Amana Colonies, Des Moines, Madison County Roads, Bridges of Madison County, White Pole Road, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Golden Spike Tower & Union Pacific's Bailey Rail Yard, Loveland Pass, The Resting Day at Powderhorn, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Cimarron, Colorado National Monument, Fruita Rodeo, Grand Mesa, Arches National Park, Grand Junction, Grand Mesa Creek, Arches National Park Add-On, Canyonlands National Park, The Little Big Moments of Road Tripping, Mesa Verde National Park, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Train Depot, Pecos National Historical Park, Route 66 Part I, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part II, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part III, Tucumcari, Route 66 Part IV: Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 Part V: Bug Ranch), Route 66 Part VI: Conoco & Magnolia, Moore, OK after the 2013 Tornado, Route 66 Part VII - Catoosa, OK, Road Trip: Route 66 Part VIII - Largest Totem Pole

On the road again moving just over 30 miles north-east since our last stop in Catoosa, Oklahoma and stopping 4 miles east of Route 66 in Foyil, OK to check out Ed Galloway's "playground", including the largest concrete totem pole in the world. I guess it used to be the largest totem pole but now with competing totem poles made of other materials the word concrete had to be added to solidify the claim.

Lizard on the Largest Totem Pole, Route 66, Foyil, OKLizard on the Largest Totem PoleRoute 66, Foyil, OK There are other sculptures on the property, including the turtle the totem pole is built on top of. There's also a Fiddle House where Ed's home made fiddles used to be, and still are on display.

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

References: Oklahoma on 50States.com - Roadside America - nps.gov - Legends of America

Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit the Travel Photography gallery or the On the Road photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2013 attraction colors foiyl largest mother road ok oklahoma photography pole road road trip road tripping roadside route 66 totem travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/6/road-trip-route-66-part-viii-largest-totem-pole Thu, 07 Jun 2018 11:00:00 GMT Further Out of This World https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/6/further-out-of-this-world Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Rock Textures, Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, not far from Las Vegas.Rock TexturesValley of Fire State Park Previously from Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire: Road Trip through Mars - Road through Fiery Wonders - Out of This World - Further Out of This World

Moving further into the Valley of Fire, one finds more and more unbelievable rock formations with a never-ending variety of textures and colors. Those colors! What struck me the most in this park were not the individual colors as much, even though they were certainly striking, but the juxtaposition of their variety. Red rocks right next to yellow and white as if nature was not sure what color to use in that particular layer. And the blue and white colors of the sky provided a beautiful backdrop for the warm colors on the ground.

The biggest challenge at a place like this? Picking and choosing the best views and curbing one's enthusiasm. I found it very rewarding looking around, selecting a formation, and then spending time with it trying to find the best vantage point and perspective. Another advantage? I got to see all of the other rock formations that I originally did not select from different angles, often finding one that was not obvious at first but literally screamed for attention once identified!

Nature's Colorful Palette, Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada near Las VegasNature's Colorful PaletteValley of Fire State Park

Nature's Colorful Palette, Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada near Las Vegas

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you (#etbtsy)!

Did you enjoy this post and the included photographs? Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy bold colors desert formation landscape las vegas mojave nevada outdoors palette photography rock state park valley of fire vivid https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/6/further-out-of-this-world Tue, 05 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMT 17th Annual Letchworth Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, 2018 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/17th-annual-letchworth-red-white-blue-balloon-festival-2018 Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from Letchworth Balloon Rallies: Balloon Festivals, ... Third Time was The Charm, 13th Annual Letchworth Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, 13th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, Letchworth State Park 2014, 14th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, Letchworth State Park 2015, 15th Annual Letchworth Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, 16th Annual Letchworth Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, 2017, 17th Annual Letchworth Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival, 2018

Alright, another year under our belts and another tough year for the balloonists. While the weather seemed great to the general public it did not meet the safety standards for ballooning. As a result, there was only one successful launch during the 17th annual Red, White, and Blue Hot Air Balloon Festival in Letchworth State Park. Winds and storms in the area forced cancellations of the other 5 scheduled launches.

Knowing the uncertainty very well from the previous years we did not want to miss out and headed for Letchworth right on Friday night, also hoping for smaller crowds. Saturday and Sunday nights are pretty packed and the crowds seem to be growing every year. It was a great evening by the gorge but the launch had to be cancelled due to high winds in higher altitudes.

Next came another annual tradition and that was setting the alarm for 3:50 a.m. to make it to the gorge early enough to enjoy the start of a new day. And we sure made it!

Letchworth Sunrise Wonder. Letchworth State Park, New York (NY), 2018Letchworth Sunrise WonderLetchworth State Park

Letchworth Sunrise Wonder. Letchworth State Park, New York

Even here the times they are a changin', though. I have been visiting this spot for sunrises for many years mostly having it to myself. So for the mornings of the balloon festivals I started taking my family here and enjoying the sunrise just with them. It made for a nice special moment and it really was the only opportunity for me to convince them all to get up that early and be somewhere for a sunrise with me.

The last few years though, the spot gets crowded by other photographers as excited about the beauty as us and it starts to remind me of the lines at some famous spots of some of the national parks. Is that the price of social media and the ever prevalent imagery from all of these beautiful spots? Will these places suffer as a result of their fame? I've just read an article about tourism becoming a problem in many areas of the world and this was kind of a showcase for me. Is humanity going to find a healthy balance of tourism providing funding for the areas without ruining them?

Then we heard the horn calling pilots to the pilot meeting. The sun cleared the horizon and the clouds and we were off to the Archery Field to get the verdict. While everything seemed promising to the laymen the decision was to cancel the launch. After a quick visit to the Middle Falls we headed back home to recharge for attempt #3 in the evening.

As expected, the area around Archery Field was packed. Saturday night, there was actually another reason to show up. In the afternoon, there was a skydiving show. We skipped that and arrived to see a beautiful balloon launch. And this time around, luck was on our side and I am sure all of the balloon crews were very happy too! It was a go!

I did not spend as much time in the launch area as in other years and headed across the road to find myself a different vantage point to get different photos than in the past. Enjoy the show!

Fred B Rabbit over Letchworth State Park, 17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018Fred B Rabbit over Letchworth17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival

Fred B Rabbit over Letchworth State Park, 17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018

Balloon Crowd at the Letchworth State Park Gorge, 17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018Balloon Crowd at the Gorge17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival

Balloon Crowd at the Letchworth State Park Gorge, 17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018

Descending into the Letchworth Gorge, Balloon Crowd at the Letchworth State Park Gorge, 17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018Descending into the Gorge17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018 It's always impressive to watch the pilots' skills at this location. They have to launch from the Archery Field meadow, climb high enough to clear the tree line lining the road on both sides, let the wind take them over the Genesee River gorge, and then let the balloons dip into the gorge. It always happens so quickly! They go up, zoom, and they go down.

Some enjoy hovering in the gorge area, some go really low, sometimes even for a dip in the river then creating a waterfall as the bucket loaded with water empties during their ascend. Some years, the balloons remain fairly static in the gorge, other years breeze pushes them up or down the river.

Balloon Parade, 17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018Balloon Parade17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018 This year, wind was taking them all north-north-east for an unusual route. After dipping down by the Big Bend of the Genesee River they were blown north alongside the western side of the park, not across towards Nunda, NY as usual. The winds were also very calm and kept most of the balloons together for quite the parade upon one's exit from the park.

For us, the show never ends with the balloons leaving the park. We always go for a chase to see at least one of them land. Along the way, we have had a chance to meet some of the balloon crews and even help them put the balloons away. It's a great way to learn more about this hobby and better understand what is happening behind the scenes. This year, thanks to the balloons staying close together, it was easy to see many of them look for a suitable landing spot and land. However, many landed further away from public roads and we did not want to follow their chase vehicles to private property and thus did not have an opportunity to say hi to some of our favorite crews from the past. Hopefully next year!

Searching for a Landing Spot, 17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018Searching for a Landing Spot17th annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival.

Searching for a Landing Spot, 17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018

Aloft Horizons on Landing Approach, 17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018Aloft Horizons on Landing Approach17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018

Aloft Horizons on Landing Approach, 17th Annual Red, White, and Blue Balloon Festival 2018

Oh, and if you happen to know the team names associated with the various balloons I would love to hear from you. In the past, I attempted to create a balloon registry to properly tag my photographs but I never really pulled it off all the way.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

References: Balloon Events Calendar on Balloon Federation of America - Letchworth State Park Map (South) - Balloons over Letchworth

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Would you like to see my photographs printed, matted, and framed? Visit Picture Your Walls in Hamburg, NY (184 Buffalo St, Hamburg, NY 14075).

12th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Rally, Memorial Day Weekend, Letchworth State Park, Western New York. Hot Air Balloon over Great Bend.Balloon over Big Bend of LetchworthLetchworth 2013 Bright and Happy Abstract Colors of Hot Air Balloons, Letchworth State ParkBright and Happy ColorsLetchworth 2015 15th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Rally Festival, Letchworth State Park, Castile, NYSky Riders at 15th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon RallyLetchworth 2016

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 17th 2018 annual archery field balloon big bend colors event festival hot air landscape letchworth outdoors photography rally red state park white & blue https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/17th-annual-letchworth-red-white-blue-balloon-festival-2018 Thu, 31 May 2018 15:00:00 GMT The Doors of Silo City https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/the-doors-of-silo-city Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from Silo City: Up Close and Personal with Concrete Giants, The Doors of Silo City

Alright, I have something out of the sequence for you today, an unfinished story from 2016. Yes, while unfinished that one is rather young compared to others. Anyway, I was looking through my files yesterday looking for some photos from Buffalo that I have not shared yet and stumbled upon this folder of interior photographs from Silo City, the concrete giants lining the Buffalo River. As I was going through all of the photos I had an idea for a theme for today's post. So here it is, The Doors of Silo City.

Double Door of Perot, Perot Grain Elevator in Silo City, Buffalo, NYDouble Door of PerotPerot Grain Elevator in Silo City, Buffalo, NY

Double Door of Perot, Perot Grain Elevator in Silo City, Buffalo, NY

Open Door at Perot Grain Elevator, Silo City, Buffalo, NYOpen Door at Perot Grain ElevatorSilo City, Buffalo, NY

Open Door at Perot Grain Elevator, Silo City, Buffalo, NY

Peeking through a Perot Door, Perot Grain Elevator, Silo City, Buffalo, NYPeeking through a Perot DoorPerot Grain Elevator, Silo City, Buffalo, NY

Peeking through a Perot Door, Perot Grain Elevator, Silo City, Buffalo, NY

Chemical Storage Door, Perot Grain Elevator, Silo City, Buffalo, NYChemical Storage DoorPerot Grain Elevator, Silo City, Buffalo, NY

Chemical Storage Door, Perot Grain Elevator, Silo City, Buffalo, NY

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Are you a fan of black and white photography? Feel free to explore the World without Color photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

References: Silo City Vertical by Explore Buffalo

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy alley american buffalo cityscape doors elevator grain historical new york ny perot photography river silo city urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/the-doors-of-silo-city Tue, 22 May 2018 12:56:22 GMT Rock City of Teplice Rocks https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/rock-city-teplice-rocks Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from the Czech Republic: A Stroll through Moravian Countryside, Sunset Stroll through Southern Moravian Countryside, Rolling Hills and Poppy Fields, There are as many pubs as there are poppy seeds ..., More Travel Treasures, Drying Garlic, Treasures of Travels, The Power of Simplicity (of the iPhone), Take Me Home, Country Road ..., Sound of Music Induced Moment of Nostalgia, Travel in Space & Time, Of Trains & Stations, Rock Cities, Mills, History, and More, All About the Rolling Hills, An Irresistible Urge to Stop, Through Czech Countryside, Trains through the Moravian Countryside, A Tourist in Prague, Back to the Land of Poppy Seed, Rock City of Teplice Rocks

From the Moravian fields we're off to the rocky north of Bohemia. Right at the beginning of the Teplice Rocks hike one disappears in the forest and does not emerge back until the end. And despite this area being rather well known and advertised and attracting crowds of tourists, they mostly flood the neighboring Adršpach Rocks. Here, you will mostly spend time with your own group and only meet people here and there. To me, that is just about perfect.

Shortly after the start you get an opportunity to climb high on some steep ladders to the top of the surrounding rocks where a sentry castle Střmen used to be. Now it is a wonderful vantage point to get a bird's eye view of the area you're about to hike.

Střmen Castle View, Teplice Rocks, Czech RepublicStřmen Castle ViewTeplice Rocks

Střmen Castle View, Teplice Rocks, Czech Republic

Then, it is time to come down and fully immerse yourself in a true rock city experience. Teplice Rocks do not just have a lot of beautiful rock formations all around, they offer many areas with narrow passages and gaps through towering rock walls around you truly giving you the feeling of a city with high rises around you. Only here. they're not man-made skyscrapers but rocky wonders of nature. And you don't have a bustling noisy city around you but beautiful quiet nature, lots of greenery, fresh air smelling great, birds chirping, slight breeze zipping past you, and lots of time to get lost in thoughts. And yes, it's all rather overwhelming for a photographer trying to take it all in personally, and in camera.

High Walls, Teplice Rocks (Teplické skály), Czech RepublicHigh WallsTeplice Rocks

High Walls, Teplice Rocks (Teplické skály), Czech Republic

Rising High, Teplice Rocks (Teplické skály), Czech RepublicRising HighTeplice Rocks

Rising High, Teplice Rocks (Teplické skály), Czech Republic

Needless to say, I hope to be back soon for another chance to get lost in this rock city.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Travel Photography gallery and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy city czech republic czechia europe evropa gap landscape narrow nature outdoors passage photography rock teplice travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/rock-city-teplice-rocks Thu, 17 May 2018 14:54:52 GMT Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/road-trip-2018-the-first-few-darkroom-prints Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 in a Page - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints

Previous typewriter blog posts: Large Format Pinhole - Typewriter - Road Trip 2018: The First Few Darkroom Prints

The First Few Darkroom Prints, Typewriter BlogThe First Few Darkroom PrintsTypewriter Blog

Road Trip 2018: Darkroom Prints - Test StripsTest stripsDarkroom Prints

Road Trip 2018: Darkroom Prints - Test Strips

Road Trip 2018: Darkroom Prints - Organ Mountains Desert PeaksOrgan Mountains Desert PeaksDarkroom Prints

Road Trip 2018: Darkroom Prints - Organ Mountains Desert Peaks

Road Trip 2018: Darkroom Prints - The LiveryThe LiveryDarkroom Prints

Road Trip 2018: Darkroom Prints - The Livery

Road Trip 2018: Darkroom Prints - Van Patten's Mountain CampVan Patten's Mountain CampDarkroom Prints

Road Trip 2018: Darkroom Prints - Van Patten's Mountain Camp

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Are you a fan of black and white photography, whether digital, film, or pinhole? Feel free to explore timelessbuffalo.com then. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 b&w black and white blog classic darkroom desert peaks film ilford landscape mountain camp organ mountains outdoors photography road trip test strips the livery timeless typewriter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/road-trip-2018-the-first-few-darkroom-prints Mon, 14 May 2018 13:29:58 GMT So Peaceful https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/so-peaceful Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché - So Peaceful

People gather to watch the sunset on the south shore of Kaua`i, sun performs its daily show, darkness starts rolling in, people leave. Then, the real colorful show begins as day turns into night. All you can hear is the repeated crashing of waves against the black ʻaʻā filled shore (the rough sharp type of lava as opposed to the smooth flows of pāhoehoe) and the buzzing of the evening breeze. Just close your eyes and be there. All of the problems of this world are gone, even if just for the brief moment.

Night Settling In, Kauai, HawaiiNight Settling InKauai, Hawaii

Night Settling In, Kauai, Hawaii

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

References: Hawaii on 50states.com

Would you like to see more seaside photographs? Visit my Seascapes Gallery and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

Hawaii became the 50th state to join the United States on August 21, 1959. The capital city is Honolulu (Oahu). The highest point is Mauna Kea at 13,803 feet (4207 meters) (island of Hawaii, aka The Big Island), a dormant volcano last erupting 2460 BC. Mauna Kea is over 33,000 feet (10000 meters) tall, making it the world's tallest mountain measured from its base to the summit; the majority of which is under water. The highest point on Kauai is Kawakini Peak about a mile south of Mt. Waialeale, the volcano that originally built up the island.

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy blue hour coast coastline dusk hawaii kauai landscape lava long exposure nature ocean outdoors pacific paradise peaceful photography seascape serene travel tropical https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/so-peaceful Thu, 10 May 2018 12:27:47 GMT Road Trip: Route 66 Part VII - Catoosa, OK https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/road-trip-route-66-part-vii-catoosa-ok Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Oklahoma became the 46th state to join the United States on November 16, 1907. The capital city is Oklahoma City. The highest point is Black Mesa at 4,973 feet.

Caboose on Route 66 in Catoosa, OklahomaCabooseRoute 66: Catoosa, OK Road Trip 2013 - Day 17 - June 27 - Route 66 - Catoosa, OK (Previous 2013 Road Trip posts: Indiana Dunes, De Immigrant, Amana Colonies, Des Moines, Madison County Roads, Bridges of Madison County, White Pole Road, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Golden Spike Tower & Union Pacific's Bailey Rail Yard, Loveland Pass, The Resting Day at Powderhorn, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Cimarron, Colorado National Monument, Fruita Rodeo, Grand Mesa, Arches National Park, Grand Junction, Grand Mesa Creek, Arches National Park Add-On, Canyonlands National Park, The Little Big Moments of Road Tripping, Mesa Verde National Park, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Train Depot, Pecos National Historical Park, Route 66 Part I, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part II, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part III, Tucumcari, Route 66 Part IV: Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 Part V: Bug Ranch), Route 66 Part VI: Conoco & Magnolia, Moore, OK after the 2013 Tornado, Route 66 Part VII - Catoosa, OK

This Route 66 post is a bit special. Yes, we're still going back to 2013 when our family road trip adventures started but it happens to follow shortly after our most recent Road Trip 2018 on which we had the opportunity to visit Catoosa, Oklahoma again. So in a way, this is also a sneak peak into that road trip.

These road side attractions provide a glimpse into the past of each location as well as a welcome stop on the way to climb out of the car, walk around, relax, and learn a bit thanks to often present info boards. For me, they later also provide a reason to fire up a search engine and find even more background information to share here and link to. Are you curious what's behind the Blue Whale? See the links below to read about the whale's role not only in one family but also the whole community.

Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma on Route 66Blue WhaleRoute 66 in Catoosa, OK

Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma on Route 66

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

References: Oklahoma on 50States.com - Caboose - BN 12252 as SL-SF 1882 - The Route 66 - The Blue Whale 66

Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit the Travel Photography gallery or the On the Road photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2013 attraction blue whale caboose catoosa mother road ok oklahoma photography road road trip road tripping roadside route 66 travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/road-trip-route-66-part-vii-catoosa-ok Tue, 08 May 2018 12:39:23 GMT Hello, Spring! https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/hello-spring Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Spring took its time this year but it has arrived. The bright mornings with a hint of chill in the air developing into beautiful warm sunny days. Birds chirping like an orchestra. And colors, colors everywhere! The gray period is over and happy colors abound. Strange coming from me you say after flooding my blog with black and white photographs? Possibly, but I do love colors.

After quite a while I set the alarm to 5 a.m. and headed out to chase the morning light. I had couple locations in mind I had not photographed before. I was on site by the first one by 5:30, well ahead of sunrise. Location one, location two, and what now? On my way home I decided to make a left instead of a right and headed for a third and unplanned destination.

I arrived at Knox Farm shortly after sunrise as the sun was clearing the treetops and starting to bathe the meadows, barns, and fences in a wonderful golden glow. It was still a bit cool but so refreshing. What really surprised me was the single other car at the parking lot. It appeared I beat the dog walkers too, which I did not mind. Indeed, they did not show up until an hour later.

The low light was wonderful and I had a lot of fun playing with the fence shadows thrown way to the side and being quite a bit wider than the fence height. I enjoyed some very well known scenes and also kept on a lookout for new ones. And both were plentiful. This one just jumped at me as I was framing a wide angle shot with a fence. As I scanned the edges of my frame confirming my composition there it was, a little ways in the background. And I knew I had to have it and now I can share the moment with you.

Spring at Knox Farm, Willow Tree at SunriseSpring at Knox FarmWillow Tree at Sunrise

Spring at Knox Farm

Such a great inspiration to set the alarm early again and go searching for more morning wonders. Somehow, nature seems to look its best in the early morning.

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo colors countryside east aurora farm fence knox farm land landscape light meadow outdoors photography rural sunrise tree warm willow https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/hello-spring Mon, 07 May 2018 13:01:10 GMT Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2018 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2018 Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Lensless 4x5 Pinhole CameraLensless 4x5Pinhole Camera Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole of Green Lake, Cobblestone on Pinhole, Buffalo, NY, WPPD 2018

This year was the second year I have participated in the Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (see Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017 for my results from last year). Last year, my camera of choice was the 35mm Zero Image that I used to shoot a roll of black and white film. This year, I mixed things up a bit and opted solely for the Lensless 4x5 large format pinhole camera loaded with Ilford Harman direct positive paper. Indeed, my obsession with that method continues! Shooting large format really limits the number of shots you bring back, especially since I still own only one film / paper holder. With that, two shots is all one gets.

First, I struggled deciding on a location. Then, they hit me and the choice was clear. First, I headed to Knox Farm in East Aurora with one shot clearly in my mind, leaving the other one to a chance.

Pinhole Photography: Country House, Knox Farm, East Aurora - Buffalo, NYCountry HouseLensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera

Pinhole Photography: Country House, Knox Farm, East Aurora, NY

Later, after I developed the two photos at home, I was still hungry for more, especially since the second photo did not work out due to multiple problems (possibly a light leak, followed by under-development). I headed towards downtown Buffalo with no idea what I was after. The next two locations spoke to me and became part of this wonderful annual event.

Pinhole Photography: Riverworks, Buffalo, NYRiverworksLensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera

Pinhole Photography: Riverworks, Buffalo, NY

Pinhole Photography: Buffalo X-Ray Co & Fairmont Creamery; A Ghost Town in Buffalo, NYBuffalo X-Ray CoLensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera

Pinhole Photography: A Ghost Town in Buffalo, NY (Buffalo X-Ray Co & Fairmont Creamery)

I already look forward to WPPD 2019 and yes, I am pretty sure you'll see some pinhole photographs on paper well ahead of the event.

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 4 x 5 annual art b&w black and white buffalo cityscape day event large format ny paper photography pinhole timeless timelessbuffalo urban worldwide wppd https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/5/worldwide-pinhole-photography-day-wppd-2018 Wed, 02 May 2018 11:30:00 GMT Road Trip 2018 on a Page https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/4/road-trip-2018-on-a-page Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney - Road Trip 2018 in a Page

Film Photography: Nikon FE, Loaded with Black & White Ilford Delta 100 FilmNikon FELoaded w/Black & White Film Just couple weeks ago we returned from another wonderful family road trip, this one being the Road Trip 2018. I know, what an original name! But I've been titling them that way since 2013 when we launched the series. This one was a repeat in a way but a total original in so many other ways! We headed back to southern New Mexico again, as we had done back in 2014. Parts of the journey were shared between the two trips, other parts were brand new. It's always an interesting balance to keep - to revisit our favorite places from the past while making enough time to explore new ones.

One thing that was different on this trip was my photo equipment. And it was not the digital camera that was the change I mean. It was my Nikon FE and a roll of black and white Ilford film. And I loved every minute of using it along the way. I looked for opportunities to use it beyond my experience with it so far. I tried to mix it up among architecture, road side attractions, especially on Route 66, and natural landscapes.

Do you know what the coolest thing about the film camera was? It was so simple. Just the camera, loaded with a roll of film, and one red filter. That's it! Not even batteries to charge every day.

My excitement definitely did not fade upon return. Just the opposite, if it's even possible. As soon as I had an opportunity, I mixed a new batch of XTOL developer and got my film developed. Pulling it out of the tank was so exciting! And seeing the images! I was really happy about the tonality of all of the frames.

The first time in about 25 years, I have decided to make contact prints of that single roll of film. And I am so glad I did. I plan on doing them for all of my film going forward and will possibly even go back. It's just easier to look at the positive images rather than studying the negatives. And I will tell you, those negatives can mess with your head! But more on that another day.

Road Trip 2018 on Black & White Film, Contact PrintRoad Trip 2018On Black & White Film

Road Trip 2018 - Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100 Black & White Film

See how there are pretty much 2 exposure levels on this film? That became part of the learning experience for me. The darker ones are shot with the red filter and the lighter ones without. As simple as that. Both groups are perfectly printable with good results . They just look so obviously different here as the whole contact print received the same exposure. Seeing the results and knowing right away what the one variable was I researched the topic and found my answer. Apparently, it all comes down to differences between the film sensitivity to different wave lengths of light and the sensitivity of the light meter in the Nikon FE. The light meter does not fully compensate for the darkening filter factor and thus the images end up underexposed. On the flip side, the filter free photos could use a little dampening.

The plan? I will shoot the filter free photos on the Ilford Delta with a -1/3 and all photos with the red filter +2/3. I'll report back.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Are you a fan of black and white photography, whether digital, film, or pinhole? Feel free to explore timelessbuffalo.com then. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 b&w black and white classic contact print film ilford photography road trip https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/4/road-trip-2018-on-a-page Mon, 30 Apr 2018 12:56:26 GMT Cobblestone on Pinhole, Buffalo, NY https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/4/cobblestone-on-pinhole-buffalo-ny Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole of Green Lake, Cobblestone on Pinhole, Buffalo, NY

Behind the Scenes at Cobblestone Bar & Grill with a Lensless 4x5 Pinhole CameraCobblestone Bar & GrillBehind the Scenes I have previously shared with you my excitement about shooting pinhole on photo paper and the charm of getting a single original photo. But since I am still very new to it I am still finding my way around its challenges with framing, with exposure, with contrast, and more. So when I developed this particular photo I was, and still am, very excited.

Since I had little idea what would make it into the frame I was first surprised that the building corner did not fit in, then perplexed about how the white banner peaks at the top of the frame with all of the lettering in, and eventually rather pleased with all four sides of the photo. In fact I ended up liking this composition so much that I went back to capture it on digital too.

The next challenge was how to present this original print online. Drying the photo on a laundry line did not work out. While it's usually ok with RC paper this fiber based paper crinkled up and did not look appealing nor was it in a shape to be scanned or photographed. It went back in the water for a second drying attempt when I weighed it down under a stack of books. The outcome was better but still not satisfactory. Only yesterday was I able to make the third time a charm, using an old photo dryer. In couple minutes, drying the print face up to keep it mostly matte, it came out beautifully.

I had to work on the scanned image though to get it as close to the actual print as possible. With the default settings, it came out too bright. Also, the photo paper itself has just a tiny bit of a warm tone to it which got lost in my black and white scan. Still, the original looks the best, and that is the whole point.

Cobblestone Bar & Grill Matted, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Fiber Based PaperCobblestone Bar & GrillLensless 4" x 5" Pinhole Camera, Ilford Harman Direct Positive Fiber Based Paper

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 4 x 5 art b&w bar & grill black and white buffalo cityscape cobblestone large format ny paper photography pinhole timeless timelessbuffalo urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/4/cobblestone-on-pinhole-buffalo-ny Mon, 16 Apr 2018 12:00:00 GMT Road Trip 2018 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/4/road-trip-2018 Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Road Trip 2018 - GPS TrackRoad Trip 2018GPS Track I'm back! If you follow my blog regularly you have probably noticed that I've gone quiet for an unusually long time. Indeed I have! The good news? The last two weeks or so have been due to a new adventure, a new source of photographic material. We've made another road trip happen! Yes,  Road Trip 2018 is now in the history books and in photographs.

I am very excited about the photos this time as this was the first road trip that I took both of my digital camera with me as well as my Nikon FE loaded with black and white film. I still have 2 frames left to shoot and hope to develop the film and possibly do a contact print over the weekend. Then, I'll share the results here with you.

As a teaser, I am sharing a still life photograph I set up for an online photo contest.

Film Photography, Still Life, Camera, film, photo paperFilm PhotographyStill Life

¡Hasta luego!

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

PS: 2013 Road Trip posts: Indiana Dunes, De Immigrant, Amana Colonies, Des Moines, Madison County Roads, Bridges of Madison County, White Pole Road, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Golden Spike Tower & Union Pacific's Bailey Rail Yard, Loveland Pass, The Resting Day at Powderhorn, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Cimarron, Colorado National Monument, Fruita Rodeo, Grand Mesa, Arches National Park, Grand Junction, Grand Mesa Creek, Arches National Park Add-On, Canyonlands National Park, The Little Big Moments of Road Tripping, Mesa Verde National Park, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Train Depot, Pecos National Historical Park, Route 66 Part I, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part II, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part III, Tucumcari, Route 66 Part IV: Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 Part V: Bug Ranch), Route 66 Part VI: Conoco & Magnolia, Moore, OK after the 2013 Tornado

Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit the Travel Photography gallery or the On the Road photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2018 announcement photography road trip road tripping teaser travel. https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/4/road-trip-2018 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 12:41:43 GMT Out of This World https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/3/out-of-this-world Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire: Road Trip through Mars - Road through Fiery Wonders - Out of This World

The last post from Valley of Fire was "on the road" and so is the one today. Quite often, photographers go to great lengths to exclude any signs of civilization from their landscape photographs. And that often includes me. However, I also find myself intrigued by the interplay of man-made structures and natural wonders. And roads are one particular obsession of mine, whether leading through forests, tracking the slopes of mountain sides, passing through deserts, or as in this case, winding through the landscape of Mars. Not literally of course, but I felt pretty sure the views all around me were out of this world. Such a sensory overload! Colors, textures, and then the path of the road winding through it all!

Winding through Mars, Valley of Fire State Park, NevadaWinding through MarsValley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Winding through Mars, Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you (#etbtsy)!

Did you enjoy this post and the included photographs? Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries or the On the Road photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colors desert interplay landscape las vegas nevada on the road outdoors photography road road trip state park valley of fire https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/3/out-of-this-world Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMT Living against the Odds II https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/living-against-the-odds-ii A sequel to Living against the Odds ...

Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Just a few posts back I shared my captivation with the trees living at the edge of Niagara Falls with you. For the post I selected a photograph that showed a little bit of the frozen river bank at the trees in the mist in the background. Then later, I was selecting photographs for a photo contest with a theme of minimalism and I liked a different take on the Niagara River scene. After coming back to both photographs I now like that simpler one with less context better. I feel it is moodier and better captures what it felt like standing on the river bank staring into the frigid mist floating over the rapids and obscuring the trees.

Isolated Brave Trees, Upper Niagara Rapids, Niagara Falls in WinterIsolated Brave TreesUpper Niagara Rapids

Isolated Brave Trees, Upper Niagara River Rapids in Winter

Which one do you like better?

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of white winter, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo cold fog freezing frozen ice landscape mist nature new york niagara ny outdoors photography rapids river water white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/living-against-the-odds-ii Tue, 27 Feb 2018 13:39:33 GMT The Chimney https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/the-chimney Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed - The Chimney

It's late but it is still a Thursday so let's take a look at another black and white photo captured on film. What chimney do you ask? The chimney that's begging for attention every time you pass by on I-190 south of Buffalo, NY. After years of putting it on my mental shot list the time finally came when I had my Nikon FE with me and black and white film just seemed like the perfect medium for this cityscape.

Len*Co Lumber, Black and White Film Photography, Buffalo, NYLen*Co LumberFilm Photography

The Chimney of Len*Co Lumber, Buffalo, NY - Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100 Film

 

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Are you a fan of black and white photography, whether digital, film, or pinhole? Feel free to explore timelessbuffalo.com then. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w black and white buffalo building chimney cityscape classic film ilford lenco new york ny photography timelessbuffalo urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/the-chimney Fri, 23 Feb 2018 03:06:38 GMT Shenandoah: Still on the Rose River Falls Trail https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/shenandoah-still-on-the-rose-river-falls-trail Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from Shenandoah: Trouble with Color - The Details or the Wide and Grand? - The Skyline Drive View in Autumn - The Lonely Tree - Dark Hollow Falls - Cozy at Shenandoah - Skyline Drive of Shenandoah - Shenandoah Sunset - Different Look of Shenandoah at Big Meadow - Shenandoah is Waking Up - On Skyline Drive - Colorful Flashback - Luray Caverns - Luray Valley Museum - Fox Hollow Trail - The Treasures of Shenandoah - Distant Sunset Views - Hiking - Rose River Falls Trail - Still on the Rose River Falls Trail

Rocks, Leaves, and Falling Water, Rose River Falls, Shenandoah National Park, VirginiaRocks, Leaves, and Falling WaterShenandoah National Park After a few beautiful hikes in Shenandoah National Park, expectations were high for every hike involving a waterfall. Still, this trail managed to shatter them all. There were breathtaking images all around me prompting me to get stuck in a single spot for long periods of time. And then when I finally moved it was only a few feet before spotting my next perfect picture. It was just overwhelming.

Maybe I am just too easily pleased or maybe I pay attention to details many just walk right by but I will admit I am not a good hiking partner for those that want to get their miles or steps in. A 5-mile hike can easily be a whole day endeavor with me.

I dare you though, try it at least once. Pick a waterfall or any other place for that matter, take your pictures, but then instead of leaving look again. And again. Really look. How does the foreground relate to the background.? What's along the edges of your frame? What if you move a foot or two to the left or right? Up or down? Back and forth? Look, and take another picture.

Then, in the comfort of your couch, go through the photos a few times and pick your winner. Possibly repeat the review process a week later. Which photo did you like the most? Was it the first or second? Was it one of the later photos as you started the photo dance? Or was it possibly the very last one you took?

Waterfall Cascading Down, Shenandoah National Park, VirginiaCascading DownShenandoah National Park

Cascading Down, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Did you enjoy this post and the enclosed photographs? Visit the Landscapes Faraway gallery for natural landscape beyond Western New York to see more. Please, let me know if you have any questions about photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs. You can see the photo and product offering on the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Would you like to see my photographs printed, matted, and framed? Visit Picture Your Walls in Hamburg, NY (184 Buffalo St, Hamburg, NY 14075).

 

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn colors creek fall hiking landscape national park nature outdoors photography rose river shenandoah trail virginia water waterfall https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/shenandoah-still-on-the-rose-river-falls-trail Mon, 19 Feb 2018 14:22:01 GMT Living against the Odds https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/living-against-the-odds Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Since my very first visit to the Niagara Falls many years ago I've been captivated by the trees living literally on the edge in the most inhospitable conditions I can imagine. A tiny island barely accommodating a handful of trees by the edge of the Horseshoe Falls seems like a tough place to live even in summer being constantly attacked by the Upper Rapids of the Niagara River as well as the moisture of the ever present mist. Then in winter, it seems simply impossible. Yet, they are there, year after year wearing a frozen white coat. Is it that combination that makes it possible? The ice coating the trees head to toe protecting them from the inhospitable cold?

Brave Trees, Upper Niagara River Rapids, Niagara Falls in WinterBrave TreesUpper Niagara Rapids

Brave Trees, Upper Niagara River Rapids in Winter

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of white winter, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo cold fog freezing frozen ice landscape mist nature new york niagara ny outdoors photography rapids river water white winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/living-against-the-odds Mon, 12 Feb 2018 13:22:29 GMT A Shed https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/a-shed Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter - A Shed

For this black and white Thursday on film, I have a simple scene for you. A bright spring day, sun in my eyes, and a beautiful rock shed.

Film Photography: Hilbert College Shed, Hamburg, NYShedHilbert College

A Shed - Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100 Film

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Are you a fan of black and white photography, whether digital, film, or pinhole? Feel free to explore timelessbuffalo.com then. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w black and white cityscape classic film hamburg ilford new york ny photography shed spring timelessbuffalo urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/a-shed Thu, 08 Feb 2018 13:37:47 GMT Back to the Land of Poppy Seed https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/back-to-the-land-of-poppy-seed Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from the Czech Republic: A Stroll through Moravian Countryside, Sunset Stroll through Southern Moravian Countryside, Rolling Hills and Poppy Fields, There are as many pubs as there are poppy seeds ..., More Travel Treasures, Drying Garlic, Treasures of Travels, The Power of Simplicity (of the iPhone), Take Me Home, Country Road ..., Sound of Music Induced Moment of Nostalgia, Travel in Space & Time, Of Trains & Stations, Rock Cities, Mills, History, and More, All About the Rolling Hills, An Irresistible Urge to Stop, Through Czech Countryside, Trains through the Moravian Countryside, A Tourist in Prague, Back to the Land of Poppy Seed

Last time we left the Czech Republic after visiting some tourist spots of Prague. This time we're back and in the countryside of Moravia wondering through beautiful vast poppy seed fields. When you catch them in the bloom it's quite a sight easily competing with sunflowers in my opinion. The charm of these fields comes in different forms. They're usually wide sweeping over some picturesque rolling hills setting up a typical European countryside landscape. But there's a lot to see even from up close and often it's the things that do not belong there that make up the complete picture.

Standing Out, Red Wild Poppy Flower, Moravia, Czech RepublicStanding OutRed Wild Poppy Flower

Standing Out, Red Wild Poppy Flower, Moravia, Czech Republic

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Travel Photography gallery and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy countryside czech republic czechia europe evropa field light morava moravia photography poppy poppy seed red travel warm wild https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/back-to-the-land-of-poppy-seed Wed, 07 Feb 2018 14:04:40 GMT Sunset on Ice https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/sunset-on-ice Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

The Crack at Sunset, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg - Buffalo, NYThe Crack at SunsetFrozen Lake Erie

I had briefly mentioned this sunset outing to the frozen lake a couple posts back (Inside an Ice Crack). In that post, I shared my closing photo of that night. Today, I'll roll back a bit to the moment I came to catch. Having arrived about half an hour before sunset I had time to wonder around and take advantage of the solidly frozen Lake Erie. What do I mean by that?

Without the ice, my movement is limited to the shoreline. With the ice, that restraint is lifted and all of a sudden I am free to wonder in all directions limited just by an initial hesitation before realizing how thick the ice is.

At first, the cracks are an area to avoid but soon I come to realize that's what this sunset is all about. A cold frozen lake, a warm sunset, and a crack in the ice connecting the two.

And then? The confirmation that the Earth is round indeed!

The Earth is Round, Frozen Lake Erie, Hamburg - Buffalo, NYThe Earth is RoundFrozen Lake Erie

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of white winter, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

  

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo cold colors crack erie freezing frozen ice lake landscape new york ny outdoors photography sunset western winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/sunset-on-ice Mon, 05 Feb 2018 12:00:00 GMT Palace in Winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/palace-in-winter Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Palace Theatre Decorated for Winter, Hamburg, NYPalace Theatre Decorated for WinterHamburg, NY Previously captured on film: Analog (Film) Photography - Film Pinhole Photography - Winter Jinx - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Theatre District at Sunrise, Buffalo, NY - On Main Street, Buffalo, NY - On the Road around Buffalo - Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole - Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole - From Ohio Street - As the Names Change - Buffalo Classic on Classic Medium - One More White while Appropriate - More Winter in Hamburg, NY - Palace in Winter

Back to the idea of black and white Thursdays, preferably on film. There's something that draws me back to these old theaters no matter what camera is in my hand. But with a 35mm camera loaded with black and white film, how could I not go there?

Further, this day was like made for black and white. A gentle sprinkling of snow on the streets, puffy snowflakes in the air, snow clouds floating overhead, simply a perfect black and white scene!

Palace Theatre Winter Sprinkling, Hamburg, NYPalace Theatre Winter SprinklingHamburg, NY

Nikon FE, Ilford Delta 100 Film

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! Are you a fan of black and white photography, whether digital, film, or pinhole? Feel free to explore timelessbuffalo.com then. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy b&w black and white cityscape classic film hamburg new york ny palace photography snow theatre timelessbuffalo urban winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/2/palace-in-winter Thu, 01 Feb 2018 14:54:50 GMT Inside an Ice Crack https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/inside-an-ice-crack Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

In the afternoon I took Route 5 on my way back from downtown Buffalo, NY and enjoyed the views of the frozen lake. Despite the warm days the ice layer seemed endless and ice fishing was in full swing at the Outer Harbor. I thought the fishermen must be nuts being on the ice after such a dramatic warm up. But it was not just one or two. They were everywhere, like mushrooms after rain.

A quick stop at home, tripod and camera to the car, and off I headed to the lake to see it all for myself. After a short walk on the shore I quickly realized I had underestimated the power of cold temperatures. Yes, we've had a recent warm up but the deep freeze before that did its magic. I could not see the end of the ice layer as it stretched all the way to the horizon. And as the day was nearing its end there were many people returning back on their snowmobiles. The ice was not only all around but still very thick. I did not dig a hole and measure but found a few see-through cracks and would guess at least 8 - 10 inches.

I spent most of the time looking for a new and unique sunset composition at a place I've been to many times. While walking on the ice I stayed away from the large cracks. Then, on the way back I had a different idea. Instead of staying away I went right to one of the long and wide cracks thinking of how to best capture it. I followed it for maybe a 100 feet as it was winding left and right when it finally turned in a way that allowed my to take a photo with the post-sunset sky in the background.

For this photo, I laid the camera down right into the crack for the lowest possible point of view. I like how angles like that skew the perspective.

In an Ice Crack, Frozen Lake Erie, Western New York Winter SunsetIn a CrackInside a large crack in the ice on Lake Erie at sunset. Getting close, skewing the perception of size, and showing you what most simply step over. Inside an Ice Crack, Lake Erie

I will admit though, by this point I had wet and frozen pants as the ice was wet on the surface from the warm and sunny day, my knees were frozen to their bones, and I did not have the patience needed to tinker with the camera for the best possible shot. So this was it, the final photo of the night. After that, I packed up, rushed to the car, started the engine and cranked up the heat!

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of white winter, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

  

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy cold colors crack erie freezing frozen ice lake landscape new york ny outdoors photography sunset western winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/inside-an-ice-crack Mon, 29 Jan 2018 14:28:15 GMT A beautiful winter day https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/a-beautiful-winter-day Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

When winter turns on its magic it can be, well, magical. One day, you get up and find the mercury of your thermometer in the basement and the sun shining at you. What a combo! There's only one direction to go in a situation like this and that is out!

Covered Bridge of Winter's Pond, Western New York Winter Landscape PhotographyCovered BridgeWinter's Pond

Covered Bridge of Winter's Pond

Willow Tree in Winter, Winter's Pond, Western New York Winter Landscape PhotographyWillow Tree in WinterWinter's Pond

Willow Tree in Winter

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of white winter, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

  

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy cold freezing frozen ice landscape new york ny outdoors photography snow western winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/a-beautiful-winter-day Thu, 25 Jan 2018 13:39:45 GMT Not Your Sunrise Cliché https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/not-your-sunrise-cliche Hawaii became the 50th state to join the United States on August 21, 1959. The capital city is Honolulu (Oahu). The highest point is Mauna Kea at 13,803 feet (4207 meters) (island of Hawaii, aka The Big Island), a dormant volcano last erupting 2460 BC. Mauna Kea is over 33,000 feet (10000 meters) tall, making it the world's tallest mountain measured from its base to the summit; the majority of which is under water. The highest point on Kauai is Kawakini Peak about a mile south of Mt. Waialeale, the volcano that originally built up the island.

Previously from Hawaii: The Beginning - Seaside Pinhole Photography - Tropical Clichés - Windy Drama of a Tropical Morning - Quite an Ad - Searching for Sun and Warmth - Not Your Sunrise Cliché

With the cold front leaving the area only very painfully slowly, there was a benefit of plentiful dramatic clouds in the sky at all times of the day. While those did not provide for your typical island idyll they provided for constantly changing conditions, for more drama, and for different takes on previously photographed subjects.

Getting up for a sunrise is always both exciting and difficult. Then, once outside, it's always just the excitement that remains. Well, not all. Sometimes, doubts prevail for a few more minutes like on this morning. I ask myself questions like why bother getting up for a sunrise when chances of seeing the sun are pretty much at zero. Then, I reach the selected destination and the doubts are quickly gone, rendered absolutely irrelevant.

Instead, my eyes and mind are fully occupied with searching for the perfect spot, the perfect angle, the perfect timing. With waves spilling over the lava rocks it becomes a question of a long exposure vs. action freezing shutter speed, then a process of fine-tuning the exposure length, and an exercise in patience in waiting for the perfect action. Also, do you click the shutter on the way in or out? There number of combinations seems to be endless and the action keeps developing with the day progressing from sunrise to full daylight.

Poipu Daybreak Rush, Kauai, HawaiiPoipu Daybreak RushKauai, Hawaii

Poipu Daybreak Rush, Kauai, Hawaii

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

References: Hawaii on 50states.com

Would you like to see more seaside photographs? Visit my Seascapes Gallery and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy beach cloudy coast coastline daybreak hawaii kauai landscape lava nature ocean outdoors pacific paradise photography polihale seascape spill travel tropical https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/not-your-sunrise-cliche Wed, 17 Jan 2018 13:00:00 GMT The Beginning of Winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/the-beginning-of-winter Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Over Frozen Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYOver Frozen Green LakeYates Park, Orchard Park, NY We are returning a tiny bit backwards here to December when winter was just finding its way to Western New York. As seasons transition I am always on a lookout to capture that in photographs. It's not easy and one has to be ready and go with nature's schedule. It's impossible to negotiate your way out of it, believe me, I tried. Saying "I'll come back here tomorrow with a camera" just absolutely does not work. If you see a magical transition in progress, you either have the camera with you or you better go get it right then and there, not tomorrow.

As I drive by Green Lake once or twice a day I always give it a careful look to see what's going on. As such, I caught it as the initial film of ice was forming one day, had fun capturing it in pictures, and knew I had to keep returning to witness the initial blanket of solid ice, with the camera ready.

And I did. I walked along the shore looking for ways to show the lake transforming from fall into winter. First, I found an area with a broken sheet of ice, which looked wonderful and captivated me for at least 20 minutes. But I did not feel like that was The Image of the day and kept walking.

Once the next scene showed in front of me I knew that was it. The only question that remained was how to best capture it in a still photograph. I kept getting closer and closer and lower and lower with the camera until this photo was possible.

Under the Ice, Green Lake, Yates Park, Orchard Park, NYUnder the IceGreen Lake, Yates Park

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of white winter, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

  

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo cold freezing frozen ice landscape new york ny orchard park outdoors park photography water winter wonderland yates park https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/the-beginning-of-winter Mon, 15 Jan 2018 14:22:33 GMT Typewriter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/typewriter Previous Typewriter Blogs: Large Format Pinhole - Typewriter

Blogging on a typewriter? Crazy, right?Blogging on a typewriter?Crazy, right?

Back in September I shared with you my double excitement. The first one I only brushed by while the second one I spent a whole post on. I promised to get back to the first one and so here you have it.

The substantial sound as the typebars hits the page, the ring when you approach the end of the line, and another as you push the lever to advance to the beginning of the next line.

Typewriter Blog, Part ITypewriterPart I

Underwood TypewriterUnderwood Typewriter

Typewriter Blog Part IITypewriterPart II

In Front Of A TypewriterIn Front Of A TypewriterUnderwood Typewriter

Typewriter Blog Part IIITypewriterPart III

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see low-tech pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy! Come back often as that gallery will grow over time. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2017 blog drunken funny memories pig retro story typewriter underwood vintage https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/typewriter Mon, 08 Jan 2018 12:42:04 GMT Winter on Lakeshore https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/winter-on-lakeshore Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Sunny but not Warm, Buffalo Main Light Lighthouse in Winter, Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo, NYSunny but not WarmBuffalo Main Light in Winter Winter can do wonders along the shore of Lake Erie, especially when the temperatures dip into single digits or even below 0°F. The wind usually coming from the west, thus blowing over the lake and picking up moisture, can become quite an artist and create ice sculptures on anything that comes in its way after making landfall. Rocks, shelters, cars, even grass and sidewalks can turn into picturesque scenes. And fences are no exception.

And that was my theme this morning finding this beauty at the Erie Basin Marina in Buffalo, NY. Strangely, I was alone at the place upon arrival, which contributed to my thorough enjoyment of the scene in front of me. That is what I like about early mornings, or as in this case, freezing mornings when nobody wants to stick their nose out. I had spent about an hour there and the whole time I counted three cars driving by with not a single person getting out. Not even me crawling around in the ice and snow attracted enough attention to get them out!

Frozen Fence Artwork, Erie Basin Marina in Winter, Buffalo, NYFrozen ArtworkErie Basin Marina in Winter

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of white winter, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

  

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy bone-chilling buffalo cityscape cold fence freezing frozen ice ny outdoors photography urban winter wonderland https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/winter-on-lakeshore Wed, 03 Jan 2018 14:22:10 GMT Happy New Year! https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/happy-new-year Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead with an abstract by Mother Nature. While looking for frozen wonders around the Buffalo, NY waterfront I almost stepped on this beauty. At first, I tried to incorporate it into a wide composition of a more traditional shot at the location but eventually got closer, zoomed in, and filled the frame with this winter arrangement.

Boiling Ice Winter Abstract, Buffalo, NYBoiling IceBuffalo, NY

What does it remind you of? To me, it looked like boiling water that instantly froze. Well, given the temperature, that was rather feasible.

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of white winter, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

  

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy abstract boiling buffalo cold frozen ice imagination nature ny outdoors winter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2018/1/happy-new-year Mon, 01 Jan 2018 19:55:55 GMT Twelve Months, Twenty Photos 2017 https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/twelve-months-twenty-photos-2017 Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

With this blog photo #131 I am closing off the 2017 blogging year. 2017 was the fifth full year of publishing my blog, mostly introducing new photographs, sharing the behind the scenes stories, and going on tangents in all directions. Some of you end up on my pages through search, others follow the blog regularly. Some of you buy photographs from me, some use my Amazon links to do your shopping, and others simply visit to see my photographs from Western New York, from travels throughout the United States, and beyond.

To all of you, I want to say a huge thank you! I hope I will have more interesting photography and blog content to bring you back in 2018. Thank you!

Twelve months, twenty photos. 2017 collage of photos from Buffalo, Western New York, and beyond.Twelve months, twenty photos2017

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy

Visit my galleries to see more of my photographs: Buffalo Cityscapes, Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes, Landscapes Faraway, Seascapes,  Abstracts & Patterns, Nature - Animals & Plants, and Travel Photography. All of these are accessible from the Gallery menu at the top of the site. Alternatively, you can browse my photographs in themed collections: Buffalo in Blue, Bridges of Buffalo, Subway - Buffalo Metro Rail, Autumn, Winter, World without Color, On the Road, Refractography, and aMazing Bookmarks.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2017 buffalo cityscape collage landscape mosaic ny photo photography portfolio selection twelve months western new york year https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/twelve-months-twenty-photos-2017 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 19:58:16 GMT Dressed for the Holidays https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/dressed-for-the-holidays Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

White Winter Tree, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park - Buffalo, NYWinter TreeChestnut Ridge Park Sometimes, you just don't have a choice and have to go. At least that is what it feels like. And that certainly was the case this Christmas Eve. The day before, warm temperatures have given to a cold front, melting stopped, and the precipitation first turned from rain into a mix of rain and snow, and eventually into snow completely. And this transition, while certainly very unpleasant for driving, worked its magic on the landscape all around. The wintery mix attached itself to all trees, both coniferous and deciduous equally. Within a short while, everything looked like a magical winter wonderland. Later, when it was just snow it added to the decoration with a bit of fluff for an increased dose of festivity.

I watched this carefully and excitedly but with the fading light did not convince myself to rush out and act immediately. Usually, snowy decorations like this to not survive long. One can be lucky and catch nature dressed like this early in the morning but then the slightest wind shakes the snow off and the magic is gone. On this occasion however, since most of the coating was frozen to the trees, it had a little bit more endurance. Even around noon the next day, everything looked wonderful, with a few inches of snow added as a bonus.

And that I could no longer resist. Snow pants, coat, hat, gloves, camera bag, and a tripod and off I was to the nearby Chestnut Ridge Park to see it all first hand. All in all, I only wandered about for an hour or so and found what I came for, even with a little bonus.

First, I went for a wide angle photograph taking in trees on both sides of the path, the snow-covered ground, and the sky above with winter clouds carrying more snow from the lake. Add in the crisp air and it was a perfect winter moment. I liked how I was given the opportunity to capture the different looks of the deciduous and coniferous trees, each prevalent on one side of the path.

Happy with that scene and on the way out of the park, the old tree peeked my interest again. I looked at it a bit on the way in and tried to work it into an overall composition I'd like but could not. Now, approaching it from the opposite direction I did not have to search for a composition, it was right in front of me. All I had to do was move a bit to the left for an improved background and click, the tree was captured.

Trees Decorated for Holidays, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park - Buffalo, NYTrees Decorated for HolidaysChestnut Ridge Park

And yes, I have reversed the order of the two photos here. It just seemed to work better for the flow and for the sizes I wanted to include with this post.

May you all have a wonderful rest of 2017! Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of white winter, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

  

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy frozen landscape magic mood nature new york ny orchard park outdoors park photography season snow western new york white winter woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/dressed-for-the-holidays Tue, 26 Dec 2017 20:57:35 GMT A Tourist in Prague https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/a-tourist-in-prague Previously from the Czech Republic: A Stroll through Moravian Countryside, Sunset Stroll through Southern Moravian Countryside, Rolling Hills and Poppy Fields, There are as many pubs as there are poppy seeds ..., More Travel Treasures, Drying Garlic, Treasures of Travels, The Power of Simplicity (of the iPhone), Take Me Home, Country Road ..., Sound of Music Induced Moment of Nostalgia, Travel in Space & Time, Of Trains & Stations, Rock Cities, Mills, History, and More, All About the Rolling Hills, An Irresistible Urge to Stop, Czech Countryside, Trains through the Moravian Countryside, A Tourist in Prague

A while back, I had lived in Prague for about six years and enjoyed every day of it. And even all the years did not come close to me seeing and experiencing everything that the capital of the Czech Republic had to offer. Now I only have a chance to visit once every few years and for a very limited amount of time, which is always painful. So many places to see! The old, the new, all of it!

It is also always very exciting! Landing in the Prague airport and stepping out of the terminal is very special and so is the bus ride into the heart of the city, even if it is just a brief initial tour on the way to the train or bus terminal for a connection. Still!

On this occasion I only had a day to wander the streets of Prague and opted for the Tourist in Prague approach hitting the top touristy spots. And of course, that would be all on foot, a part of the deal and the magic of this ancient city.

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech RepublicCharles BridgePrague, Czech Republic

Prague Castle over Vltava River, Czech RepublicPrague Castle over Vltava RiverCzech Republic Pražský Orloj - Astronomical Clock, Prague, Czech RepublicPražský OrlojPrague, Czech Republic

 

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Travel Photography gallery and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy capital cityscape czech republic czechia europe evropa photography prague praha tourist travel urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/a-tourist-in-prague Mon, 18 Dec 2017 14:13:21 GMT Goodbye colors! Welcome, white winter! https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/goodbye-colors-welcome-white-winter Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

First 2017 SnowChestnut Ridge Park When nature turned on the lake effect snow machine for the first time for the 2017 winter season only one place came to mind. I had fun with the same event there last year and it was like a magnet. So rather then trying to come up with an alternative I headed to the Chestnut Ridge park to see the winter wonderland in the woods and by that cottage hiding among the trees.

I got lucky as the snow was coming down pretty hard and that was what I came for.. The conditions were just about perfect! Well at least I thought so. But judging by the empty parking lot maybe others had a different opinion about perfect conditions. I certainly did not struggle with crowds getting in my shot.

I've been trying to accompany my photographs with the occasional video. And once I felt I've captured the mood in a still photograph I've recorded one here too, and I was happy I timed it right. You will see why. I left the original sound in the video. If you can't have sound turned on or if you don't like the sounds of wind, please, mute your speakers. The video did not seem right without the sound though.

Cottage in Snow, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NYCottage in SnowChestnut Ridge Park

And with the posting of the first white photo of this winter it's also time for changes to the home page. So long, colors!

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of white winter, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs.

Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

  

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy cottage forest landscape magic mood ny orchard park outdoors photography season snow snowfall snowstorm white winter woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/goodbye-colors-welcome-white-winter Mon, 11 Dec 2017 14:35:51 GMT Road Trip: Moore, OK after the 2013 Tornado https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/road-trip-moore-ok-after-the-2013-tornado Support this blog during this shopping season: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Oklahoma became the 46th state to join the United States on November 16, 1907. The capital city is Oklahoma City. The highest point is Black Mesa at 4,973 feet.

Survived the 2013 Moore, OK TornadoSurvived the 2013 TornadoMoore, OK Tornado Road Trip 2013 - Day 16 - June 26 - Moore, OK after the 2013 Tornado (Previous 2013 Road Trip posts: Indiana Dunes, De Immigrant, Amana Colonies, Des Moines, Madison County Roads, Bridges of Madison County, White Pole Road, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Golden Spike Tower & Union Pacific's Bailey Rail Yard, Loveland Pass, The Resting Day at Powderhorn, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Cimarron, Colorado National Monument, Fruita Rodeo, Grand Mesa, Arches National Park, Grand Junction, Grand Mesa Creek, Arches National Park Add-On, Canyonlands National Park, The Little Big Moments of Road Tripping, Mesa Verde National Park, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Train Depot, Pecos National Historical Park, Route 66 Part I, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part II, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part III, Tucumcari, Route 66 Part IV: Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 Part V: Bug Ranch), Route 66 Part VI: Conoco & Magnolia, Moore, OK after the 2013 Tornado

It was an intense experience. You can only be prepared for something like this so much. Despite all of the news coverage things become more real when you're standing on the spot yourself. Standing on the spot where a whole neighborhood stood just a month ago and now it's been turned into rubble.

The whole scene left behind the May 2013 twister in Moore, OK was really hard to take in. The way one could clearly tell the path was unsettling. A large path of devastation with clear and abrupt edges. One side of the street razed to the ground, the other with some damage but houses still standing. What a phenomenon!

Destruction, After the 2013 Moore, OK TornadoTornado DestructionAfter the 2013 Moore, OK Tornado

It's still terrifying even four years later, and even more so as tornadoes and their severity seems to be more prevalent and more widespread outside of tornado alley, and now even close to home with the EF2 rolling through Orchard Park on July 20, 2017, mere 2 miles from home.

This post prompted me to read more about what happened four years ago now that a lot of the collected data has been processed. And also about the area and the human point of view. Just look at how many tornadoes have been recorded in the Moore, OK vicinity since 1890! I've listed some of that reading below in references.

A pause, a moment of silence.

References: Oklahoma on 50States.com - 2013 Moore tornado - Why Wasn't This Town Prepared When the Big Tornado Hit? - The Mercy of the Sky: The Story of a Tornado - Moore, Oklahoma Tornadoes (1890-Present) - Moore, Oklahoma, Tornado 3 Years Later: What Turned It Violent? - Moore bounces back after 2013 tornado - Black Mesa: Oklahoma’s high point on the high plains

Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit the Travel Photography gallery or the On the Road photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2013 aftermath destruction devastation ef5 intense moore ok oklahoma photography road road trip road tripping serious tornado travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/road-trip-moore-ok-after-the-2013-tornado Thu, 07 Dec 2017 14:20:30 GMT Craft Patterns https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/craft-patterns Support this blog during this shopping season: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Buttons in Color, Clay Button PatternButtons in ColorClay Button Pattern Something a little different today as I am presenting the artwork of someone else. Sure, the photographs were taken by me but the objects depicted are clay buttons made by my daughter and therefore it's her deserving the credit.

If you are familiar with my website you know I have a gallery dedicated to Abstracts and Patterns. I am always on a lookout for some cool textures or patterns, whether man-made or natural. So when I saw all of these buttons I knew a photo shoot was coming.

Later on the computer, I also wondered how to further put more focus on the pattern. As many times in the past, removing color accomplished that very well in my opinion. For a comparison, you can see the black and white version below. Clicking on either of the two photos gets you in a large view and you can slide between the two back and forth (with your left and right keyboard arrows) to see which version you like better. Feel free to add a comment in that regard too.

Button Pattern in Black & WhiteButton Pattern in Black & White

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more abstract photographs? Visit my Abstracts & Patterns photo gallery and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links (or the Amazon banner on the right) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

More Patterns:

Fall Abstract Reflection at Moss Lake, Autumn Nature in Western New YorkFall Abstract at Moss Lake Photographic Painting of Fall,, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NYPhotographic Painting of Fall Colorful Abstract Layers of a Glass, Corning Museum, New York (NY).Colorful Layers

Bright and Happy Abstract Colors of Hot Air Balloons, Letchworth State ParkBright and Happy Colors Water AbstractWater Abstract

 

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy abstract b&w black and white buttons color crafts pattern photograph. https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/12/craft-patterns Mon, 04 Dec 2017 20:17:52 GMT Theaters in the Rain Revisited, and Beyond https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/theaters-in-the-rain-revisited Support this blog during this shopping season: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

Previous theaters in the rain: Elements Getting in the Way?, The Long Planned Aurora Theatre in Rain, Sticking with the Theater Theme, Blue Hour over Shea's, Theaters in the Rain Revisited

Theater for Rainy Days, Palace Theatre, Hamburg, NYTheater for Rainy DaysPalace Theatre It's raining and the end of the daylight is fast approaching. What to do? It's been a while since I went out chasing theater neons and their reflections in the wet pavement. A quick decision and I was headed for Hamburg to see if I could come up with a new take on the Palace Theatre.

I stayed with the same concept from the last visit adding light trails of the passing traffic to the blue hour scene. But this time, I went across the street to make the streaks more dominant and to get more wet surface between me and the theater. I stayed around for about half an hour trying to catch just the right traffic pattern getting cars in both directions to have both red tail light and white head light trails for variety.

When the blue in the sky faded to black I did not pack my gear yet but went on a stroll through the village instead to scout for future opportunities. And I did not get far before finding one. Right at the main circle on Main and Buffalo Streets I found my next theme. It just had to wait for another day since it was too dark by then. So I let couple days pass and came right back, repeating the game of looking around and trying to time my exposure when cars were coming from all directions. The more directions cars came from and the bigger the variety of their circling around the better the pictures looked.

Busy Staub Square & Juicy Burger Bar, Hamburg, NYBusy Staub SquareHamburg, NY

Busy Staub Square & Juicy Burger Bar, Hamburg, NY

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more cityscapes from Buffalo and its suburbs? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes photo gallery and enjoy! If you like the above blue hour photographs you might enjoy the Buffalo in Blue collection dedicated to that time of day when daylight and artificial lighting balance for a colorful magic. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links (or the Amazon banner on the right) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

More Theaters in the Rain:

Shea's Performing Arts Center, downtown Buffalo theater.Shea's in the RainBuffalo, NY Aurora Theatre Colors in Blue Hour Rain Shower, East Aurora, New York (NY)Aurora Theatre ColorsEast Aurora, NY The Palace Theatre of Hamburg, NYThe Palace TheatreHamburg, NY

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy blue hour circle cityscape colors dusk hamburg light marquee neon new york ny palace photography rain scene square staub street theater theatre traffic trails urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/theaters-in-the-rain-revisited Wed, 29 Nov 2017 13:52:55 GMT Fall's Nine https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/falls-nine Support this blog during this shopping season: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. Thank you!

The calendar moved past mid-November, Thanksgiving is here, the colors have faded, and we have entered what I call the Gray Period ℠. The period will now last until snow covers the ground and trees and adds brightness and cleanliness to the landscape around us. It's during this period that I enjoy looking at colorful views preserved in photographs. Print them large, hang them on the wall, and the grayness can't get to you!

Today. I'm sharing the Top 9 most viewed photographs from my Autumn Photo Collection over the last 12 months. Enjoy the view here or click through to get a "hard copy" (may I suggest a large canvas gallery wrap).

Colors of Fall
Fall At Watkins GlenFall At Watkins Glen Photographic Painting of Fall,, Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NYPhotographic Painting of Fall The Music of Fall at Birdsong, Path between Colorful Trees, Autumn in Orchard Park, New York (NY).The Music of FallBirdsong
A fence-lined path to misty red barns, Knox Farm, East Aurora, NYMisty BarnsKnox Farm The Birdsong Swamp, Creek through the Woods, Orchard Park - Buffalo, New York (NY).The Birdsong Swamp Shenandoah National Park Sunset View from Skyline Drive, Virginia (VA)Shenandoah SunsetSkyline Drive
Water Veils in the Fall, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park, VIrginia (VA)Water Veils in the FallShenandoah Colorful Fall Skyline Drive View, Shenandoah National Park, VirginiaColorful Skyline DriveShenandoah Cloudy Daybreak at Hog's BackCloudy DaybreakHog's Back

Metal Prints provide a modern alternative to the classic canvas. You can also check out my complete online offering on the About > Products page.

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of fall colors, click through to my Autumn Collection of photographs. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links (or the Amazon banner on the right) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2017 autumn collection color colors fall gallery home decor interior design landscape national park nature new york ny office outdoors photography season shenandoah wall art wall decor western new york wny https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/falls-nine Wed, 22 Nov 2017 17:00:00 GMT Greeting a New Day https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/greeting-a-new-day Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Previously from Letchworth State Park: It's the season of color - Letchworth is getting very colorful! - Autumn vs. Summer, Great Bend at Letchworth - Two Birds with One Stone at Letchworth - Letchworth Off The Beaten Path - The Seasons They Are a-Changin' - Watching Time Pass - The Mystery of Papermill Falls - Back at Great Bend for More, Letchworth State Park - Could not Resist - Back for More at Letchworth - Letchworth Icon: Portageville Bridge to Be Replaced - Waterfalling Off the Beaten Path in Letchworth - Nickel Plate Road Engine No. 765 on Letchworth's Trestle, Middle Falls Blues, Fall Colors & Setting Sun, Greeting a New Day ... and more posts about the Annual Letchworth Balloon Festival.

Colorful Fall Morning Inspiration, Middle & Upper Falls, Letchworth State ParkColorful Morning InspirationLetchworth State Park I am not a fan of the daylight savings time. Let me clarify, I am not a fan of the changes that come along with it. If I had my choice, I'd just switch to daylight savings time permanently as I like the long summer days and am less concerned about darkness in the morning. But don't worry, I am not going to bore you with the benefits, or the lack of, of DST. I will admit though that the changes sometimes come with benefits.

Like this time. As the clock rolled back it put enough time between sunrise and the start of a business day, all of a sudden allowing me to enjoy a daybreak at a wonderful place away from people with mostly just birds sharing the moment with me. And it did not even require the crazy wake up time of 4 a.m. that's needed at the peak of daylight savings time.

Well, I could not exactly sleep in either as I wanted to turn this into a truly relaxing morning. Too many times in the past did I try to save every minute of sleep arriving either just in time or couple minutes too late for the best show. So this time, the alarm announced a new day at 5 a.m. and I was enjoying the fresh air and the dim view of the gorge by 6:30. On weekends, there's a pretty good chance a few people will be around even this early as some of the viewpoints are now too famous for their sunrise views. But on weekdays, that's rare.

And as you can see this is not a typical sunrise photograph. Not only was it very cloudy but you're looking south here, even slightly to the west. As I set up my tripod and started thinking about my composition I saw a very deep and bold red in the sky to my left, even doubting my decision to come here this morning. But each time I refocused knowing that I had previously photographed the sunrise and this was the location that deserved a new look in my photo collection. And the heavy clouds were perfect, diffusing the light and illuminating the whole gorge while providing a nice dramatic backdrop for the colorful foliage. Really, one could not wish for much more.

Now as I am writing this, guess where I'd rather be than in front of the computer screen?

Get Inspired!, Middle & Upper Falls of Letchworth State ParkGet Inspired!Letchworth State Park

Get Inspired!, Middle & Upper Falls of Letchworth State Park

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of fall colors, click through to my Autumn Collection of photographs. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

An early morning pre-sunrise foggy morning at Big Bend of Letchworth State Park, New York (NY).Foggy Fall Morning Big Bend of Letchworth Cloudy Daybreak at Hog's Back, Letchworth State ParkCloudy DaybreakHog's Back Middle Falls Bright & Clear, Letchworth State ParkMiddle FallsBright & Clear Upper Papermill Falls Waterfall, Silver Lake Outlet, Letchworth State Park, New York StateUpper Papermill FallsLetchworth Papermill Falls Sidekick Waterfall, Silver Lake Outlet, Letchworth State Park, New York StatePapermill Falls SidekickLetchworth Frozen Winter Wonderland under Letchworth State Park's Upper Falls Trestle BridgeUpper Falls WinterTrestle Bridge

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn bold buffalo cloudy. colorful colors dawn daybreak dramatic falls inspiration landscape letchworth middle falls nature new york ny outdoors park photography rochester scenic serene water waterfall western new york wny https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/greeting-a-new-day Mon, 20 Nov 2017 14:14:54 GMT The Broadway Theatre of Buffalo https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/the-broadway-theatre-of-buffalo Support this blog: Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them.

Broadway - Sattler Theatre, Buffalo, NYBroadway TheatreBuffalo, NY The Broadway Theatre, Buffalo, NY established as the Sattler Theatre in 1914. It was renamed to Broadway Theatre in 1920. The building was purchased by the Western New York Minority Media Professionals (WNYMMP) in 2008. Fundraising has been ongoing since but I have not been able to get any recent info on the fundraising status or plans as of 2017.

It's a beautiful historic building that was on the city demolition list for a while. Will it make it in the end? With so much positive happening in Buffalo, will it reach all the way here?

On this beautiful blue sky day I wanted to insure the building's preservation in a photograph of mine. Out of the possible angles and given the surroundings I opted for the straight head on shot here carefully leveling the camera and aligning all of my verticals to insure I would not cause a premature leaning of the building forward or backward.

Once I was happy with the single shot version I took this opportunity one step further and worked to create a series of shots to stitch into one large resolution image. There are several advantages to this. First, one could print a photo really large with an amazing level of detail even upon close inspection. And second, it allows for zooming in and studying the architectural details as if standing right by the facade despite being across the street.

In the end, I captured 13 vertical and overlapping photographs to provide a 134 megapixel photograph of the Broadway Theatre. It's hard to show how large it could print here so instead I will show the detail captured:

134 Megapixel Close Up, Broadway Theatre, Buffalo, NY134 Megapixel Close UpBroadway Theatre

134 Megapixel Close Up, Broadway Theatre, Buffalo, NY

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

References: The Broadway Theatre - The Sattler Theatre - Broadway Theatre “Board and Paint” with BYP

Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo, NY? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes gallery and enjoy! For a more moody taste of the city, head over to the Buffalo in Blue collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links (Amazon) to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Would you like to see my photographs printed, matted, and framed? Visit Picture Your Walls in Hamburg, NY (184 Buffalo St, Hamburg, NY 14075) and tell Eric or Linda I sent you.

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 716 architecture broadway buffalo cityscape decay historic new york ny photography sattler theater theatre urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/the-broadway-theatre-of-buffalo Thu, 16 Nov 2017 14:03:57 GMT Thessaloniki Photo Exhibition https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/thessaloniki-photo-exhibition An unplanned Tuesday post for you today. If you find yourself in Greece between November 23 and 26, specifically in or near Thessaloniki, you can see my Gallagher Pier Pointed at Sunset photograph digitally featured as part of the GuruShots exhibition at Art Thessaloniki International Art Fair.

Gallagher Pier Pointed at Sunset, Outer Harbor - Waterfront, Buffalo, New York (NY).Gallagher Pier Pointed at SunsetBuffalo, NY

Gallagher Pier Pointed at Sunset, Outer Harbor - Waterfront, Buffalo, New York (NY).

For this photo, the atmospheric conditions were just right and I was given a bonus solar pillar. DO you see it shooting upwards from the sun?

Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You (#etbtsy)!

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of fall colors, click through to my Autumn Collection of photographs. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy art buffalo exhibition fair gallagher greece gurushots international new york ny photo pier thessaloniki https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/thessaloniki-photo-exhibition Tue, 14 Nov 2017 13:00:00 GMT Fall Colors & Setting Sun https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/fall-colors-setting-sun Previously from Letchworth State Park: It's the season of color - Letchworth is getting very colorful! - Autumn vs. Summer, Great Bend at Letchworth - Two Birds with One Stone at Letchworth - Letchworth Off The Beaten Path - The Seasons They Are a-Changin' - Watching Time Pass - The Mystery of Papermill Falls - Back at Great Bend for More, Letchworth State Park - Could not Resist - Back for More at Letchworth - Letchworth Icon: Portageville Bridge to Be Replaced - Waterfalling Off the Beaten Path in Letchworth - Nickel Plate Road Engine No. 765 on Letchworth's Trestle, Middle Falls Blues, Fall Colors & Setting Sun ... and more posts about the Annual Letchworth Balloon Festival.

Gorge of Colors, Middle Falls, Letchworth State ParkGorge of ColorsLetchworth State Park After a short break we're returning to the wonderful Letchworth State Park to witness another day's end. This time I arrived sooner gaining more time to experience the magic of a bright day turning into dusk for a few brief moments only to disappear in the darkness of the night.

We take these transitions for granted. Indeed, they're there to witness twice a day so why pay attention, right? Did you ever take the time to slow down or stop and actually really pay attention? Isn't it amazing how quickly it happens? As the sun approaches the horizon, or a mountain ridge, its speed of movement becomes so obvious and so incredibly fast!

Such was this evening too. Just couple minutes after this photo the cliffs on the left lost the sunshine, and then I could watch the line of the light as it climbed the trees up the the treetops and above. And that was it, another evening to remember!

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of fall colors, click through to my Autumn Collection of photographs. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

An early morning pre-sunrise foggy morning at Big Bend of Letchworth State Park, New York (NY).Foggy Fall Morning Big Bend of Letchworth Cloudy Daybreak at Hog's Back, Letchworth State ParkCloudy DaybreakHog's Back Middle Falls Bright & Clear, Letchworth State ParkMiddle FallsBright & Clear Upper Papermill Falls Waterfall, Silver Lake Outlet, Letchworth State Park, New York StateUpper Papermill FallsLetchworth Papermill Falls Sidekick Waterfall, Silver Lake Outlet, Letchworth State Park, New York StatePapermill Falls SidekickLetchworth Frozen Winter Wonderland under Letchworth State Park's Upper Falls Trestle BridgeUpper Falls WinterTrestle Bridge

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo colors falls landscape letchworth light long exposure middle falls nature new york ny outdoors park photography rochester scenic serene sunset water waterfall western new york wny https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/fall-colors-setting-sun Mon, 13 Nov 2017 12:30:00 GMT Large Format Pinhole of Green Lake https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/large-format-pinhole-of-green-lake Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot, Large Format Pinhole of Green Lake

Green Lake, Lensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford PaperGreen LakeLensless 4x5 Pinhole Camera, Ilford Paper Let's continue this black and white Thursday theme for another week while staying in Orchard Park and not far from the scene of the previous Train Depot photo.

If you are interested in learning more about the behind the scenes of shooting straight on an old fashioned photo paper, feel free to hop back to my previous post (Orchard Park Train Depot).

The one thing I am still getting used to is the lack of a viewfinder. I can either guess where the front of the camera is pointed and how wide of a view the camera will capture, or try to approximate things with my regular camera and then replace it in the tripod with the large format pinhole. Unfortunately, I do not have a lens wide enough for this exercise as the Lensless Pinhole I selected is 50 mm. 50 mm on a 4x5" format is equivalent to 15 mm on a 35 mm (full frame) format.

Of course, I can also do some math and create a viewfinder but I am on the fence with that idea as it would take some of the crudeness out of the experience. Maybe I will just rely on practice and learn what fits in and what does not.

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2017 4 x 5 art b&w black and white buffalo cityscape large format ny paper photography pinhole timeless timelessbuffalo train depot urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/large-format-pinhole-of-green-lake Thu, 09 Nov 2017 15:49:15 GMT Road Trip: Route 66 Part VI: Shamrock, TX https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/road-trip-route-66-part-vi-shamrock-texas Texas became the 28th state to join the United States on December 29, 1845. The capital city is Austin. The highest point is Guadalupe Peak at 8,749 feet.

Route 66: Conoco in Shamrock, TXRoute 66: ConocoShamrock, TX Road Trip 2013 - Day 16 - June 26 - Route 66 Part V, VW Slug Bug Ranch, Conway, TX (Previous 2013 Road Trip posts: Indiana Dunes, De Immigrant, Amana Colonies, Des Moines, Madison County Roads, Bridges of Madison County, White Pole Road, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Golden Spike Tower & Union Pacific's Bailey Rail Yard, Loveland Pass, The Resting Day at Powderhorn, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Cimarron, Colorado National Monument, Fruita Rodeo, Grand Mesa, Arches National Park, Grand Junction, Grand Mesa Creek, Arches National Park Add-On, Canyonlands National Park, The Little Big Moments of Road Tripping, Mesa Verde National Park, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Train Depot, Pecos National Historical Park, Route 66 Part I, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part II, Santa Rosa, NM, Route 66 Part III, Tucumcari, Route 66 Part IV: Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 Part V: Bug Ranch), Route 66 Part VI: Conoco & Magnolia

Alright, we're back on the road today rolling east on Route 66 through Texas and arriving at Shamrock, the last stop on the Mother Road before leaving the Lone Star State. What's to look at here? Two wonderful historic gas stations.

First, the Conoco Tower, an art deco gas station and cafe from the 1930s, yet, with Tesla charging stations in the back! This was the inspiration for Ramone's in the movie Cars.

Second, a beautifully refurbished Magnolia service station with its vintage gravity feed gas pumps.

Route 66: Magnolia Gas in Shamrock, TXRoute 66: Magnolia GasShamrock, TX

Route 66: Magnolia Gas in Shamrock, TX

With this stop behind us, let's hit the road and we'll be in Oklahoma in no time!

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you (#etbtsy)!

References: Texas on 50States.com - Conoco Tower - Route 66 Art Deco - Magnolia Gas Station - Route 66: Shamrock, Texas

Did you enjoy this post and the included photographs? Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit the Travel Photography gallery or the On the Road photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2013 conoco magnolia mother road photography road road trip road tripping roadside route 66 shamrock texas travel tx https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/road-trip-route-66-part-vi-shamrock-texas Mon, 06 Nov 2017 14:08:46 GMT Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/large-format-pinhole-of-orchard-park-train-depot Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator, Large Format Pinhole of Orchard Park Train Depot

A black and white theme for this rainy Thursday showing my progress with the large format pinhole camera I introduced in the last couple posts on the topic (see links above). To help with the strong contrast I experimented with pre-flashing the photo paper. What's pre-flashing? I briefly exposed the paper to diffused dim light from a flashlight. I metered the light falling on the photo paper and cut the exposure down to a 1/3 of the metered exposure time. Then, on location, I subtracted that third from that reading to insure I would not overexpose.

Orchard Park Train DepotOrchard Park Train DepotLensless 4x5" Pinhole Camera, Ilford Paper This method allows the dim light from shadows to register on the photo paper where there would not be enough light otherwise thus revealing more of the dark areas. Retaining detail in highlights becomes more challenging thus the need to lower the scene exposure based on the pre-flash.

Alright, one more technical detail I'd like to share today, even though that one is more for fun. Why can photo paper be developed in a darkroom illuminated by a dim red light (or green in some instances too)? Because it is only sensitive to blue light. So, what happens when you try to use a red filter to darken blue skies as one would do with a black and white film? Yep, you guessed it, you'll get a blank image.

I feel a bit silly telling you but I actually did this. I was standing there by the Orchard Park train depot thinking of creative ways to further improve the photo, pulled out the filter, opened up the shutter of the pinhole camera, and thought, "what am I doing? This can't work, Can it?" I completed the exposure adding time for the filter factor and later developed the paper with the expected result :-) Rules of physics prevailed.

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy! Come back often as that gallery will grow over time. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2017 4 x 5 art b&w black and white buffalo cityscape large format ny paper photography pinhole timeless timelessbuffalo train depot urban https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/11/large-format-pinhole-of-orchard-park-train-depot Thu, 02 Nov 2017 15:26:17 GMT Middle Falls Blues https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/10/middle-falls-blues Previously from Letchworth State Park: It's the season of color - Letchworth is getting very colorful! - Autumn vs. Summer, Great Bend at Letchworth - Two Birds with One Stone at Letchworth - Letchworth Off The Beaten Path - The Seasons They Are a-Changin' - Watching Time Pass - The Mystery of Papermill Falls - Back at Great Bend for More, Letchworth State Park - Could not Resist - Back for More at Letchworth - Letchworth Icon: Portageville Bridge to Be Replaced - Waterfalling Off the Beaten Path in Letchworth - Nickel Plate Road Engine No. 765 on Letchworth's Trestle, Middle Falls Blues ... and more posts about the Annual Letchworth Balloon Festival.

Two Bridges - Two Waterfalls, The Old & The New Bridge and Upper and Lower Falls, Letchworth State Park at DuskTwo Bridges - Two WaterfallsLetchworth at Dusk There are so many beautiful areas in Letchworth State Park and they all look their best at different times of day and in different weather. As I continue returning to the park I always try to focus on a specific area and see if I can unlock its secret.

Today, I'm happy to share a view I have not shared before. The sun has set and the Genesee River gorge plunged into a deep shadow, the colors of the fall foliage gradually fading with the light. You can see the Middle Falls and further up the river the mist from the Upper Falls.

Look carefully (or click the first photo to see it large) and you will see the two bridges over the Upper Falls. The historic trestle bridge is still there and just in front of it the arch of the new one. It's not always you can witness a transformation like this and so far, I like the outcome. The new bridge will look great over the gorge as the old one has done for so long!

As the light continues to fade the Middle Falls come alive as the illumination kicks in between April and October. That led me to the next photo. Rather than appreciating and showing the whole beautiful gorge I zoomed in for a tight photo of just the waterfall lined with the deep steep rocky cliffs. I also liked the deep blue reflection of the dusk sky up above the falls.

Enjoy the view!

Middle Falls Bright & Clear, Letchworth State ParkMiddle Falls Bright & ClearLetchworth State Park

Middle Falls Bright & Clear, Letchworth State Park

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of winter whiteness, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

An early morning pre-sunrise foggy morning at Big Bend of Letchworth State Park, New York (NY).Foggy Fall Morning Big Bend of Letchworth Cloudy Daybreak at Hog's Back, Letchworth State ParkCloudy DaybreakHog's Back Upper Papermill Falls Waterfall, Silver Lake Outlet, Letchworth State Park, New York StateUpper Papermill FallsLetchworth Papermill Falls Sidekick Waterfall, Silver Lake Outlet, Letchworth State Park, New York StatePapermill Falls SidekickLetchworth Frozen Winter Wonderland under Letchworth State Park's Upper Falls Trestle BridgeUpper Falls WinterTrestle Bridge

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy buffalo colors dusk falls illumination landscape letchworth light long exposure middle falls nature new york ny outdoors park photography rochester scenic serene water waterfall western new york wny https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/10/middle-falls-blues Mon, 30 Oct 2017 14:38:01 GMT Struggle & Magic https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/10/struggle-magic To Paul

Sunset Light, Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point near Buffalo, New York (NY)Sunset LightLake Erie at Sturgeon Point Previously from Sturgeon Point: And Still in White - Back at the Lakeshore for More Moody Photographs - Two Faces of One Lake - Same Lake, Different Beach - Struggle & Magic

This quiet sunset on Lake Erie turned into a detective story for me. It's amazing how puzzling photography can be!

It was a beautiful warm fall evening and the lake was a bit rough compliments of the winds and rain of the previous couple days. But not too bad, just right for my taste to experiment with different exposure times and just having lots of fun with the water.

The sky cleared too much not leaving enough clouds behind to catch the color of the setting sun. Also, I had visited this area of Lake Erie shore several times recently and was looking for something new. Something that would create a whole different photograph that put side by side with another from the same place would not be recognizable as such.

The first photograph you see above was an early one that evening, an establishing frame in my desperate search for something special. I liked the long exposure effect combined with the rocks being lit up like bulbs by the setting sun. And yes, I was able to show this was at sunset with the sunny blast of light on the left but drama was missing. Afterwards, I moved about quite a bit looking for different rocks, different perspectives. I came up empty handed and when the light was pretty much gone I started packing.

iPhone Sunset Action, Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point near Buffalo, New York (NY)iPhone Sunset ActionLake Erie at Sturgeon Point Then, I remembered I did not grab a photo for my Instagram photo stream. I pulled out my phone, positioned it just about where my camera was last but even lower to the ground, waited for an incoming wave, I snapped the second photo you see here.

I will admit, I did not even pay too much attention to what I got. Unfortunately, I felt a bit disappointed and really was in a packing mood already thinking about what was next. It was not the first time I allowed that to happen and I am sure not the last but it is never good and does not help. As I know very well, it is not over until its over!

Once I collected all of my gear in the semi-darkness and make it back to the car, I sat down and checked the photo out. I got both excited and disappointed yet again! This was what I wanted! Something completely different, yet still a sunset photograph. But I only had it on my cell phone, not on the real camera in higher quality.

It just shows how flexible those little devices are. It was so easy to position it pretty much down on the sand of the beach, point it in the right direction while watching a sufficiently bright image on the LCD allowing for easy composition, selecting a focus and exposure point, and clicking as the wave crashed into the rocks near the shore. Don't let the brightness mislead you, it was pretty dark at that point and only because the exposure was set based on the dark water in the foreground did the sky ending up looking this bright. But that is the trick, to make a photograph rather than take one, to make it look like one wants.

The decision was clear. I had to come back another day and attempt to recreate this shot in the camera. But that is always easier in theory, not in practice as I knew from the past and would re-learn on the shores of Lake Erie again. I could not come back the very next day as weather was completely off what I needed to get the strong back-light. But I made it back couple days later.

What happened? Who moved my rocks? I literally spent at lest half an hour crawling on the beach (observed by other sunset lovers who asked me about my crazy activity when I was leaving) trying to find the same angle and just could not. Sounds strange? You bet! I know, but I am not making that up. Those fairly large rocks seemed to have rearranged themselves. Or maybe they were Trolls?

The lake was also too calm for the desired shot. While there were some waves they were about half the size compared to the first night that started this pursuit. While planning is good I had to accept what I was given (Trolls on a quiet lake) and try to turn this evening's photography into something different yet again.

All the while I was crawling in the sand I also suspected that even if I found the lost angle and if a random larger wave found its way to my frame I would still not have gotten my photograph. There just was no light. Heavy low clouds were completely obstructing the horizon and I could barely tell where the lake ended and the sky started.

I got lucky on that front though! As I was losing the last bits of hope seeing that sunset came and went strictly on my watch without any hints of it in the distance, it happened. The heavy clouds broke up quite a bit, an opening was created, the sky turned dramatic, and my camera and I were ready.

Water & Rocks at Sunset, Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point near Buffalo, New York (NY)Water & Rocks at SunsetLake Erie at Sturgeon Point

Water & Rocks at Sunset, Lake Erie at Sturgeon Point near Buffalo, New York

I will be back, looking for my rocks, my angle, and my sunset action photo!

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! To get a dose of winter whiteness, click through to my Winter Collection of photographs. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

 

Bone Chilling Winter Cold at Sturgeon Point Marina, Derby, - Evans near Buffalo, NYBone Chilling ColdSturgeon Point Rocky Shore at Sunset, Lake ErieRocky Shore at Sunset, Lake ErieSturgeon Point Sunset Hum of Lake Erie, Sturgeon Point, Derby, New York (NY)Sunset Hum of Lake ErieSturgeon Point All Quiet on Lake Erie, a peaceful sunset at Sturgeon Point, Derby, New York (NY)All Quiet on Lake ErieSturgeon Point Lake Erie on the Rocks after SunsetLake Erie on the RocksSturgeon Point

Sunset Awe at Sturgeon Point, Derby, NY near Buffalo, NYSunset AweSturgeon Point

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 716 buffalo cloudy erie fall lake landscape light long exposure nature new york ny outdoors photography serene sturgeon point sunset water western new york wny https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/10/struggle-magic Mon, 16 Oct 2017 11:00:00 GMT Shenandoah: Rose River Falls Trail https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/10/shenandoah-rose-river-falls-trail Waterfall in Fall, Rose River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park, VirginiaWaterfall in FallShenandoah National Park Previously from Shenandoah: Trouble with Color - The Details or the Wide and Grand? - The Skyline Drive View in Autumn - The Lonely Tree - Dark Hollow Falls - Cozy at Shenandoah - Skyline Drive of Shenandoah - Shenandoah Sunset - Different Look of Shenandoah at Big Meadow - Shenandoah is Waking Up - On Skyline Drive - Colorful Flashback - Luray Caverns - Luray Valley Museum - Fox Hollow Trail - The Treasures of Shenandoah - Distant Sunset Views - Hiking - Rose River Falls Trail

It's been a while since this hike, three years, but I still remember it quite well. Even after hiking other trails to beautiful waterfalls this hike impressed me all along the way. I actually struggled to make hiking progress as there were treasures on each step. If you find yourself in Shenandoah National Park, Rose River Falls trail should be on your list. I know, so many trails, such wonderful nature, rarely enough time!

It's been a while for us too. After several back to back annual visits to see Shenandoah during the wonderfully colorful season we have had a long break. It's time to go back, revisit a few favorite places, and find some new ones. This trail will be on the list!

Traditionally, cloudy weather is considered the best for waterfall photography and in general any photography in the woods. The lower contrast is easier to manage and things look more dreamy on their own. Add the smooth flowing water in a long exposure photograph and things can get magical. However, I often struggle with the concept of "great light". Why should something be photographed only during the golden hour of the morning or evening? Why should other things be limited to cloudy weather? We all live during all times of day and all weather. So why not challenge ourselves a bit more and try to capture the wonders in the light many people will actually see it in?

Falling Water of Fall, Rose River Falls, Shenandoah National Park, VirginiaFalling Water of FallShenandoah National Park

Falling Water of Fall, Rose River Falls, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Did you enjoy this post and the enclosed photographs? Visit the Landscapes Faraway gallery for natural landscape beyond Western New York to see more. Please, let me know if you have any questions about photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs. You can see the photo and product offering on the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Would you like to see my photographs printed, matted, and framed? Visit Picture Your Walls in Hamburg, NY (184 Buffalo St, Hamburg, NY 14075).

Colden Falls Head On, a Beautiful Waterfall near Buffalo, New York (NY)Colden FallsHead On Fall At Watkins Glen, Autumn ColorsFall At Watkins GlenAutumn Colors Papermill Falls Sidekick Waterfall, Silver Lake Outlet, Letchworth State Park, New York StatePapermill FallsSidekick

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy autumn colors creek fall hiking landscape national park nature outdoors photography rose river shenandoah trail virginia water waterfall https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/10/shenandoah-rose-river-falls-trail Thu, 12 Oct 2017 11:00:00 GMT Road through Fiery Wonders https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/10/road-through-fiery-wonders Rock Skyline Road, Valley of Fire State Park, NevadaRock Skyline RoadValley of Fire Previously from Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire: Road Trip through Mars - Road through Fiery Wonders

So what was my destination #2 from the previous post? While not a national park nor a National Recreational Area like Lake Mead, don't let its status of a State Park make you think that it's of a subpar quality. Not at all! And I think it's named appropriately - The Valley of Fire. An amazing collection of natural red rock formations and a spectacular road winding through it all. Whether you are an avid hiker and spend most of your time on foot there or just enjoy a cruise through a wonderful landscape you will find something for yourself here. My humble opinion? If you find yourself in Las Vegas, leave the Strip behind and set your GPS for this state park. Just stop at a store to load up on at least a gallon of water and some snacks, hit the gas, and don't look back.

You will not regret your drive time nor the admission fee and you will know that even as you approach the park. And once in, the views seem to get better by the minute too. It's like a good movie with the plot getting more and more intense, a surprise here and there, and the best left for the end. And on that note, let me do that with my blog post too. Let this be just a small teaser and a step towards what's yet to come!

The Double Yellow, Valley of Fire State Park, NevadaThe Double YellowValley of FIre

The Double Yellow, Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you (#etbtsy)!

Did you enjoy this post and the included photographs? Would you like to see more of my travel photographs? Visit my Landscapes Faraway or Travel Photography galleries or the On the Road photo collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I also offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Road to The Organ, Arches National Park, Utah (UT).Destination: The OrganArches National Park Happy on the Road at Lake Mead National Recreational Area, Nevada.Happy on the RoadValley of Fire Yellow Alley at Emery Park, New York (NY) near East Aurora and Buffalo in the Fall - Autumn.Yellow AlleyEmery Park

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy colors desert landscape las vegas nature nevada on the road outdoors road road trip state park valley of fire https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/10/road-through-fiery-wonders Mon, 09 Oct 2017 14:00:00 GMT Colorful Great Lakes Sunrise https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/10/colorful-great-lakes-sunrise From the shores of Lake Michigan: Lake Shore Grass at Sunrise

Tree at Dawn, North Dunes Nature Preserve, Lake Michigan, Zion - Chicago, ILTree at DawnNorth Dunes Nature Preserve You find yourself on the western shore of Lake Michigan. What do you do? You go catch yourself a sunrise! Living in Buffalo, NY provides for beautiful sunsets over Lake Erie. However, no sun rising from the wet bed of a Great Lake.

And I am very partial to sunrises over sunsets. While I am sure I have more reasons for that than I can think of right now, I believe it is mostly due to the quiet solitude a sunrise can offer. Sunsets just can't match that. Sunsets at beautiful locations are heavily attended and heavily photographed, which for me takes some of the magic away.

Getting up early in the morning during the spring, summer, and fall months is not something too many people are willing to do. And that buys an advantage to those that do, and that is perfectly fine with me.

And so it was this morning. Alarm clock set for 5:45 a.m., which actually was not bad at all compliments of the late September. The sky was still pitch black and the ground was wet indicating it recently stopped raining. Not the best confidence builder. As I drove north the sky started to brighten up ever so slightly in the east. And when it showed enough light to actually illuminate the sky it was covered with a heavy cloud layer instilling even more doubts, and hope. That dual feeling that clouds before sunrise and sunset brings. Without clouds the events can easily lose most of their magic. With clouds, the sky can be on fire with a one of a kind show. With too many clouds, there may be no sunset or sunrise.

Saluting the Sunrise, North Dunes Nature Preserve, Lake Michigan, Zion - Chicago, ILSaluting the SunriseNorth Dunes Nature Preserve

Saluting the Sunrise, North Dunes Nature Preserve, Lake Michigan, Zion - Chicago, IL

At this point there was no more decision making though. My decision was made when the alarm went off and I got up. At this point it was just a matter of what I'd witness and whether or not I'd be able to capture some natural magic in photographs.

Western Glow of Sunrise, North Dunes Nature Preserve, Lake Michigan, Zion - Chicago, ILWestern Glow of SunriseNorth Dunes Nature Preserve Another thing I was wondering was whether I'd even make it to my location of choice. North Dunes Nature Preserve is open sunrise to sunset. Would the gate be open? Or would I be stuck finding a risky parking spot and walking further than planned possibly running out of time for being in the right place at the right time?

As I headed east on the final leg of my approach I had first one reason to smile, and a few minutes later a second one. The clouds on the horizon parted and the sky started showing some beautiful subtle glow. And yes, the gate was open! Not by much but it was open. The ranger was just a little past the   gate at the first parking lot working on opening the whole preserve. 

After parking, I set up my tripod by a little marsh pond and worked on the intended shot. Once I ran out of compositional ideas I looked around and as often happens to me when I keep my eyes open, several photographs presented themselves. I really liked the trees of the preserve standing tall against the colorful dawn sky!

Couple of them stood as stark silhouettes agains the eastern sky and I tried to find the best angle to do their beauty justice. Then, I turned around to see what the sun was up to in the other direction. And look, there were those beautiful pastel colors in the sky and another tree calling my name. The colors were more subtle and the tree was not a silhouette as I stood where the light was coming from. I did my tripod dance and settled on what you see in the last photo here, a low perspective, with the grass also reaching for the sky. As a final tweak of the scene I played with the aperture always keeping the tree in a sharp focus but varying the depth of field rendering the grass more or less out of focus.

And there you have it, a photographic trio of trees from a gorgeous morning on Lake Michigan. A memorable morning undisturbed by others, moments I had to myself. Another photographer showed up shortly after sunrise and and another moments later but that did not matter to me. For the magic moments of the daybreak it was me with my thoughts and the nature putting on a show. Thank you!

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Travel Photography gallery and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy chicago colors dawn daybreak il illinois landscape nature north dunes photograph preserve silhouette sky sunrise trees zion https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/10/colorful-great-lakes-sunrise Mon, 02 Oct 2017 11:00:00 GMT Trains through the Moravian Countryside https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/9/trains-through-the-moravian-countryside Local Train in Moravian Wilderness, Brno - Uhersky Brod route near the village of Nemotice in Southern Moravia, Czech RepublicLocal Train in Moravian WildernessThe Brno - Uhersky Brod route near the village of Nemotice Previously from the Czech Republic: Of Trains & Stations, A Stroll through Moravian Countryside, Sunset Stroll through Southern Moravian Countryside, Rolling Hills and Poppy Fields, There are as many pubs as there are poppy seeds ..., More Travel Treasures, Drying Garlic, Treasures of Travels, The Power of Simplicity (of the iPhone), Take Me Home, Country Road ..., Sound of Music Induced Moment of Nostalgia, Travel in Space & Time, Of Trains & Stations, Rock Cities, Mills, History, and More, All About the Rolling Hills, An Irresistible Urge to Stop, Czech Countryside, Trains through the Moravian Countryside

Transportation makes for interesting photo subjects for me, whether it comes to planes, ships, or trains. And trains are the subject of today's post. This particular day, there were several benefits to the train chasing. I had an opportunity to spend time with my dad on a really long walk, we both had a chance to enjoy the rolling hills of the Southern Moravian countryside, and yes, we both tried to catch a train or two in our photographs.

Entering the S-Curve, local train entering a beautiful Curve on the Brno - Uhersky Brod route near the village of Nemotice in Southern Moravia, Czech RepublicEntering the S-CurveThe Brno - Uhersky Brod route near the village of Nemotice Banking through the Turn, local train in a banked curve on the Brno - Uhersky Brod route near the village of Nemotice in Southern Moravia, Czech RepublicBanking through the TurnThe Brno - Uhersky Brod route near the village of Nemotice

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more landscape photographs from places beyond Western New York? Visit my Travel Photography gallery and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy czech republic czechia europe evropa hills kopečky krajina landscape morava moravia photography railroad tracks train travel https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/9/trains-through-the-moravian-countryside Tue, 19 Sep 2017 12:00:00 GMT Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/9/large-format-pinhole-by-cargill-pool-grain-elevator Lensless 4"x5" by Cargill,Behind the Scenes, Outer Harbor, Buffalo, NYLensless 4"x5" by CargillBehind the Scenes Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole, Large Format Pinhole by Cargill Pool Grain Elevator

I wanted to squeeze another test in before updating my technique. And what better place to take the new large format pinhole camera to than the iconic Cargill Pool Grain Elevator on Buffalo's outer harbor?

Despite shooting black and white I timed my visit for sunset. I did not intend to include the sunset itself in the photo but wanted to take advantage of the beautiful intense light  the grain elevator is bathed in by the setting sun. I wow, did the sun put on a show!

The pair of images here is also a great study of the angle of view of different devices. As you can see, the iPhone struggled fitting the scene in and I would have had to back up from my selected spot to make sure the elevator roof fit it. The 24mm lens on my DSLR fit things in nicely, and you can see the effect of the super wide angle of the 4"x5" pinhole (its focal length is equal to a 50mm lens on a large format 4"x5" camera, equivalent to about 14mm on the 35mm / full frame format).

Cargill Grain Elevator on Lensless 4"x5", Gallagher Beach, Buffalo, NYCargill on Lensless 4"x5"Gallagher Beach, Buffalo, NY

Cargill Pool Grain Elevator on Lensless 4"x5" Pinhole Camera, Gallagher Beach, Buffalo, NY

For this photo, I scanned it in, inverted from the paper negative, and had to use a bit of rotation to correct the tilted horizon as I was not careful enough and kicked the tripod just as I was opening the shutter.

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy! Come back often as that gallery will grow over time. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2017 4 x 5 art b&w black and white buffalo grain elevator large format ny paper photography pinhole https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/9/large-format-pinhole-by-cargill-pool-grain-elevator Mon, 18 Sep 2017 11:00:00 GMT Mossy Wonderland of Spring at Murder Creek https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/9/mossy-wonderland-of-spring-at-murder-creek Previously from Akron Falls: Variety: Follow the Grand Vistas with Detail Shots - Morning on Murder Creek - Going for the Details Again - Western New York Winter Wonderland at Akron Falls - As Winter Fades Away ... - An Abstract Dose - Not the usual suspects at Akron Falls - Violators will be prosecuted! - Mossy Wonderland of Spring at Murder Creek

High Water at Murder Creek, Akron Falls County Park near Buffalo, NYHigh Water at Murder CreekAkron Falls County Park How about some greenery today? Green foliage, green moss-covered rocks, and a beautiful stream rushing by. What could be more pleasing? And rushing the creek was! Compliments of the heavy rains of the spring, Murder Creek was swelling and spilling on the banks into areas that don't see water much. Was it trying to live up to its name?

I am opening today's post with a composition I usually gravitate towards. With water in the photo, it should have prominent space in the frame, right? Add a long exposure to it allowing the rushing water to blur and there's one more reason to fill the frame with it.

But this morning was different. I did my usual tripod dance working the composition for this photo arriving at what you see here. But as I continued looking around the rocks started talking to me louder and louder. Their number, them being in a flooded area that's normally dry, them covered with some wonderful moss adding to the overall green look. It all screamed spring! Green, green, and more green everywhere.

I stood up and turned more to the right looking more into the woods than towards the creek and then the scene revealed itself.

Murder Creek Greens, Akron Falls County Park near Buffalo, NYMurder Creek GreensAkron Falls County Park near Buffalo, NY

Murder Creek Greens, Akron Falls Park near Buffalo, NY

What do you think? Which one do you like more?

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Western New York? Visit my Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy!  Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Murder Creek, Blue on the Rocks, Akron Falls Park near Buffalo, NYMurder CreekBlue on the Rocks Murder Creek Flow, Mossy Rocks, Akron Falls Park near Buffalo, NYMurder Creek FlowMossy Rocks Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Would you like to see my photographs printed, matted, and framed? Visit Picture Your Walls in Hamburg, NY (184 Buffalo St, Hamburg, NY 14075).

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]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2017 akron buffalo creek forest green greenery home decor landscape moss murder nature new york ny outdoors photography rocks spring wall art wall decor woods https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/9/mossy-wonderland-of-spring-at-murder-creek Thu, 14 Sep 2017 14:34:02 GMT Large Format Pinhole https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/9/large-format-pinhole Previously on pinhole photography: A New Chapter, a New Book - Pinhole Photography, Film Pinhole Photography, Seaside Pinhole Photography, Lake Erie Lakeshore on Pinhole, Erie Basin Marina on Pinhole, Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day 2017, The Final Six, Large Format Pinhole

 

Blogging on a typewriter? Crazy, right?Blogging on a typewriter?Crazy, right? Typewriter Blog, Paragraph 1Typewriter BlogParagraph 1 Typewriter Blog, Behind the ScenesTypewriter BlogBehind the Scenes

Typewriter Blog, Paragraphs 2 and 3Typewriter BlogParagraphs 2 and 3

Typewriter Blog, Darkroom in RedTypewriter BlogDarkroom in Red

Typewriter Blog, Paragraph 4Typewriter BlogParagraph 4 Typewriter Blog, Negative ImagesTypewriter BlogNegative Images

Typewriter Blog, Paragraph 5Typewriter BlogParagraph 5

Typewriter Blog, 4"x5" Pinhole Photo, Inverted PositiveTypewriter Blog4"x5" Pinhole Photo

Typewriter Blog, Paragraph 6Typewriter BlogParagraph 6

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy! Come back often as that gallery will grow over time. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 2017 4 x 5 art blog large format paper photography pinhole shed typewriter https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/9/large-format-pinhole Mon, 11 Sep 2017 11:00:00 GMT Moody Niagara https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/9/moody-niagara A moody photo from the banks of the Niagara River. As I was staring into the glare of the sun reflected from the surface and my eyes lost focus I thought of trying to capture that in this photograph:

The Mood of Niagara River, Dreamy Glare Reflection, Buffalo, NYThe Mood of NiagaraDreamy Glare

Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)

Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo, NY? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes gallery and enjoy! For a more moody taste of the city, head over to the Buffalo in Blue collection. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.

Do you like my free content but are not ready to buy a photograph for your walls yet? Using my links to do your shopping helps me share more photographs and write the stories behind them. And it costs you nothing. You just need to start your shopping by clicking on an advertised product or use the Amazon search box in bottom left. It does not matter what you eventually buy as long as you start here. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how small. Thank you!

Would you like to see my photographs printed, matted, and framed? Visit Picture Your Walls in Hamburg, NY (184 Buffalo St, Hamburg, NY 14075) and tell Eric or Linda I sent you.

]]> [email protected] (Daniel Novak Photo) #etbtsy 716 buffalo glare landscape long exposure moody. new york niagara ny outdoors reflection river silhouette tree https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/9/moody-niagara Fri, 08 Sep 2017 14:22:18 GMT Tripod Repair https://www.danielnovakphoto.com/blog/2017/9/tripod-repair 055MF3 Manfrotto Tripod RepairTripod RepairManfrotto 055MF3 The Manfrotto 055MF3 carbon fiber tripod has been the workhorse tripod for me for many years. It has seen and been through a lot, including desert sand, beach sand, and salt water in both Atlantic and Pacific oceans. In recent years, I've "downgraded" to a smaller travel tripod but this one still goes everywhere locally as it is superior in its sturdiness.

With all of the use it's seen I have not really done any maintenance and it's possible it caught up with me. On one of the legs, a plastic tube collar broke and that section would now come completely off the larger tube, and became wiggly while sliding it. I must say though, those collars are a really flimsy piece of plastic. Still, it's possible a grain of sand got where it should not have and contributed to the parts demise.

Today, I spent several hour figuring out how to disassemble the tripod and am happy to report the first phase is done. As I took all of the legs apart I discovere