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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 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 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 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 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 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.
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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
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.
Knox 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 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!
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.
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 CyanotypeCzech Republic
Old House CyanotypeEureka Springs, Arkansas
Buffalo Main Light CyanotypeBuffalo, New York
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 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 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, OstašCzech Republic
Cat Rocks, Rock City Ostaš, Czech Republic
I hope I can return soon :-)
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!
Continued a while later on More from Rock City Ostaš.
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Entering Fairy TaleRock Cities
Fairy Tale TrailRock Cities
Squeezed Between RocksRock Cities
High WallsRock Cities
Rising HighRock Cities
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!
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.
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 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 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 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!
Buffalo, NYCyanotype
Old HouseCyanotype
Edward M Cotter's Solo Show Cyanotype