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Driftwood
Nikon 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 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 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 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 & 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 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 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 & 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 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 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 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 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, TorontoToronto, Canada
Juicery @ The HatchBuffalo, New York
Bridge between Canalside and Naval ParkBuffalo, New York
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 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 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 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 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 SunriseKauai, Hawaii
Makawehi WavesKauai, Hawaii
Gulf Shores Beach SunsetGulf Shores, Alabama
Pololu Valley BeachThe Big Island, Hawaii
Poipu Beach Going to SleepKauai, Hawaii
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 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 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 - 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 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 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 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 PubMidtown Toronto
Subway Tracks & TrainMidtown Toronto
Global Pet FoodsMidtown Toronto
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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!
Alive!Murder Creek
Among FairiesChestnut Ridge
Leaning Trees of BirdsongBirdsong Park
Kodak stroll through Buffalo, New York
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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