View 399: Cityscape of Seattle

Posted on August 13, 2018 by Scott Thomas Photography
Cityscape of Seattle, Washington from Kerry Park

Cityscape of Seattle, Washington from Kerry Park on Sunday, August, 12, 2018. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 30s, f/13, ISO 100, EV 0, 66mm Focal Length, Tripod.

When planning a trip to a new location, I research the area for good photo opportunities. With Seattle, that was easy as I always wanted to see its unique cityscape featuring the Space Needle from this location which I discovered was called Kerry Park. It was an easy drive from my hotel near the SeaTec airport. Though I should have checked to make sure the Seattle Mariners were not playing as traffic near the ballpark made a 25 minute drive into an hour one. Not to worry, as I had given myself lots of time before sunset to arrive.

Alas, the promised Sun from the weather app never materialized and I was faced with a bland, overcast sky with little hope of sunset colors. I knew I would have to wait until after sunset to get a keeper photo of the Seattle skyline which you see above.

My wife amused herself as we waited. She asked me how people did these kind of photos and I told her she already knew. Disney Imagineers use forced perspective all the time in the parks. Ah, she got it right away.

Holding up the Space Needle

My wife, Merrie, holding the Space Needle in the palm of her hand. Photo of Seattle, Washington taken from Kerry Park on Sunday, August, 12, 2018. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/16, ISO 560, EV 0, 24mm Focal Length.

Tonight, we head up into the Space Needle where I will try again for a sunset from a position 520 feet (158.5 meters) high. Wish me luck!

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View 398: Tourists at Taughannock Falls

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Scott Thomas Photography
Taughannock Falls Overlook

Tourists at the gorge overlook in Taughannock Falls State Park near Ithaca, New York on Saturday, August 4, 2018. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/16, ISO 2200, EV 0, 70mm Focal Length.

I normally visit Taughannock Falls State Park near Ithaca, New York very early in the morning and avoid the summer crowds. Not the case last weekend as I wanted to get ready for an upcoming trip which will have crowds of tourists. This allowed me to incorporate people into my photos which does a couple of things. One, it helps show the size and scale of the park’s waterfalls and gorge in comparison to people. Two, to enjoy this natural wonder with other people from all over the world was fun as I watched and listened to their reactions to the Great Fall in the Woods.

Lower Taughannock Falls

Tourists reading an informational plaque next to Lower Taughannock Falls at Taughannock Falls State Park near Ithaca, New York on Saturday, August 4, 2018. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/16, ISO 320, EV 0, 85mm Focal Length.

Over the last couple of years, New York State Parks Department has done a lot of maintenance and added many needed touches to the the parks. Taughannock Falls State Park now has more informational plaques where people learn about the history of the park and the Cayuga Lake area along with the natural landscapes of the gorge, waterfalls, wildlife and how they came to be.

Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail

Tourists walking on the gorge trail at Taughannock Falls State Park near Ithaca, New York on Saturday, August 4, 2018. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/16, ISO 4000, EV 0, 24mm Focal Length.

Back in the Spring of 2016, a large landslide had blocked the Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail.  It took the NYS Parks Department a few months to get the trail open again. Over the course of the last two years, the trail has now been completely cleared leaving behind a large talus of small rocks and debris from the slide next to the trail. People walking by would look at it and wonder how it got there.

Taughannock Falls Lookout Platform

Tourists on the lookout platform at the end of the Gorge Trail in Taughannock Falls State Park near Ithaca, New York on Saturday, August 4, 2018. Nikon D750/16-35VR, 1/25s, f/16, ISO 100, EV 0, 24mm Focal Length, Skylum Intensify CK.

At the end of the Gorge Trail is the large lookout platform to get as close as New York State wants people to go. If you look closely, you will see some people decided to get a bit closer. When the falls have a very heavy flow, the area gets very wet from spray. With a nice midsummer flow due to rainfall over the previous couple of weeks and a hot, summer Sun, the platform was nice and dry allowing people to enjoy the 215 foot (65.5 meters) drop of Taughannock Falls.

If all goes according to plan, I will have a post up next Monday but it could be delayed a day or two depending on weather conditions. I will be posting about the adventure on my Twitter account which you can follow here by clicking this link: @sthomasphotos.

Related Link: Taughannock Falls on Views Infinitum

 

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View 397: Syracuse Nationals in Flames

Posted on July 30, 2018 by Scott Thomas Photography
UPS Flamed Truck

United Parcel Service (UPS) Delivery Truck painted with flames was parked outside the Syracuse Nationals Hot Rod and Muscle Car Show at the New York State Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/320s, f/9, ISO 100, EV 0, 24mm Focal Length.

Over 8,000 hot rods and muscle cars visited the New York State Fairgrounds near Syracuse, New York for the 2018 Syracuse Nationals from July 20th through the 22nd. I cannot resist grabbing my camera and spending a day photographing the beautiful cars and trucks.

Hot Rods owners love to put flame graphics on their rides. I saw them on a lot of them including the UPS Delivery truck on display outside the Fairgrounds. Inside, I came across The Canadian Kid Ford Hot Rod. Many Canadian hot rod owners come south for this show every year.

The Canadian Kid Ford Hot Rod

Ford Hot Rod called The Canadian Kid on display at the Syracuse Nationals Hot Rod and Muscle Car Show in the New York State Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/8, ISO 140, EV 0, 38mm Focal Length.

Not too far away, I photographed another Ford Hot Rod in light blue with dark blue flames. The fenders had been smoothed out in this model.

Blue Flame Ford Hot Rod

Ford Hot Rod in the Syracuse Nationals Hot Rod and Muscle Car Show at the New York State Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/8, ISO 640, EV 0, 28mm Focal Length, Intensify CK

While these first flamed hot rods are beautifully done, these next two feature outstanding paint work starting with this purple and orange hot rod.

Purple and Orange Flamed Hot Rod

Hot Rod in the Syracuse Nationals Hot Rod and Muscle Car Show held at the New York State Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/8, ISO 160, EV 0, 32mm Focal Length.

An early 1950’s Pontiac Eight with a paint scheme never dreamed of by the original designers.

Pontiac Eight Hot Rod

Pontiac Eight Hot Rod in the Syracuse Nationals Hot Rod and Muscle Car Show held at the New York State Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/8, ISO 110, EV 0, 34mm Focal Length, Intensify CK.

When walking through the Syracuse Nationals, is it impossible to see all the cars and I only have time to photograph a fraction of them. To get a sense of the size of the event, a friend of mine gave me permission to share a photo he took of the Fairgrounds the same day I was there using his drone.

Aerial View of the 2018 Syracuse Nationals

Aerial View of the Syracuse Nationals held at the New York State Fairgrounds near Syracuse, New York on Saturday, July 21, 2018.

You can see more of Tony Casella’s drone work on his youTube channel (click the link).

 

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View 396: Dinosaur Zoo

Posted on July 23, 2018 by Scott Thomas Photography
Dinosaur Invasion at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York hosted a Dinosaur Invasion from May 25th to September 3rd of 2018.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York is hosting a Dinosaur Invasion this summer. The invasion consists of a set of gigantic animatronic dinosaurs which breath, makes sounds, move a little and even spit.

Below is a trio of dinosaurs you may be familiar with. Not sure if the coloration is scientifically accurate but they do make for very interesting faces.

Dinosaur Faces

Faces of Dinosaurs from left: Coelophysis, Parasaurolophus and Tyrannosaurus Rex in the Dinosaur Invasion hosted by the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York in the Summer of 2018.

There was even a family of Parasaurolophus’ with a young ling newly hatched from the nest.

Parasaurolophus Nest

Parasaurolophus nest with little one in the Dinosaur Invasion at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 28, 2018. Nikon D750/28-300VR, 1/125s, f/3.5, ISO 280, EV 0, 28mm Focal Length.

Not far away was a Dilophosaurus hissing and menacing. It did not look like that one I remember from the first Jurassic Park movie but it did spit!

Dilophosaurus Spitting

Dilophosaurus spitting in the Dinosaur Invasion at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York on Saturday, May 28, 2018. Nikon D750/28-300VR, 1/125s, f/3.5, ISO 280, EV 0, 28mm Focal Length.

Thankfully for the purposes of this exhibit, the spitting was only water and not the thought to be poisonous mixture as depicted in the movie.

The invasion will last until Labor Day and is included in the zoo’s regular admission prices.

 

 

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View 395: Returning to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Scott Thomas Photography
Mallard Ducks

Female Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) with her ducklings at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge near Seneca Falls, New York on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Nikon D500/80-400VRII, 1/500s, f/5.6, ISO 1000, EV +0.3, 400mm (600mm DX) Focal Length.

I have not wrote about the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge near Seneca Falls, New York in a few years. Besides me taking a couple of long breaks, Montezuma has been under a long construction project which was only to take a year but ended up taking five years due to Federal and State funding being pulled. That meant the mangers had to make due with their normal maintenance budget to finish it.

Eastern Kingbird

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge near Seneca Falls, New York on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Nikon D500/80-400VRII, 1/500s, f/5.6, ISO 560, EV 0, 310mm (465mm DX) Focal Length.

For a few years, the disruptions of the work around the Wildlife Drive resulted in animals and birds becoming scarce for people wanting to see and photograph unless they wanted to hike the trails. The work ended earlier this year and the wildlife returned to the new habitats created by the updates. Vegetation is now lush and flowering bringing in the songbirds and re-flooded ponds had wading birds hunting for fish and other small snacks.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge near Seneca Falls, New York on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Nikon D500/80-400VRII, 1/500s, f/5.6, ISO 125, EV 0, 340mm (510mm DX) Focal Length.

I found a group of Great Egrets hunting in a pool which had been drained on my last two visits.

Great Egret

Great Egret (Ardea alba) at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge near Seneca Falls, New York on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Nikon D500/80-400VRII, 1/500s, f/5.6, ISO 100, EV -0.3, 400mm (600mm DX) Focal Length.

I even found a few Monarch Butterflies fluttering around looking for food.

Monarch Butterfly

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge near Seneca Falls, New York on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Nikon D500/80-400VRII, 1/500s, f/5.6, ISO 200, EV 0, 400mm (600mm DX) Focal Length.

I tip my hat to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge managers and their staff for sticking with it to improve the habitats for a much needed natural area in upstate New York. The refuge is an important rest stop in the Spring and Fall for millions of migratory birds and waterfowl. During the Summer, it is home to the wildlife I have shown here as well as deer, beavers, muskrats, bald eagles, harrier hawks, owls, ospreys, numerous birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians.

I will be back in Autumn for the next migration period.

 

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