The World Around Us… (post 11)

Happy New Year!

Sunset and Sunrise on the Merrimack River and yes, it was winter.

Not this winter but back in the beginning of 2018, it was extremely cold with temperatures hanging in the teens from the last days of December into the first full week of January. This weather had a rare impact on the Merrimack River as it caused it to ice over in certain locations. From my house I can walk to parts of the river, and the opportunity for an interesting picture is always there as mother nature does not disappoint.

Here we have a sunset and the very next morning sunrise. These were both taken close to the location I talk about in post 9, the Pawtucket falls and dam.

The sunset was taken January 5, 2018 right around 4PM just as the setting sun was painting the sky and just enough light left to show the frozen ripples of the river and the blowing light snow on top of it, reminded me of sea smoke.

Sunset of the Frozen Merrimack River, Lowell, Ma

Camera settings:

Camera: Canon Mark IV

Lens: EF24-70MM F/2.8II

Settings: ISO 400, F13, 70mm, Shutter 1/125

Tripod: Yes

Sunrise, January 6, 2018 at 0850AM, we are facing down the river and for those of you familiar with this location, the Rourke bridge is right behind me and the UMass Lowell boat house is on the left side of the picture. I had not gone out to take this picture (I remember I was out getting breakfast) however, I did happen to have my camera with me and as I came over the bridge, I loved what I was seeing and thought about the night before and how this would be a contrasting shot, sunset vs sunrise.

Sunrise on the Frozen Merrimack River, Lowell, Ma

Camera settings:

Camera: Canon Mark IV

Lens: EF24-70MM F/2.8II

Settings: ISO 200, F16, 24mm, Shutter 1/800

Tripod: No

Take care & smile before you hear the click.

Comments & Questions are always welcome.

The World Around Us… (post 10)

What we see & What we feel

Although early, Happy New Year – I am taking a short break as Romi and I travel North. Thank you all for your support this past year and hopefully you are enjoying my posts.

What we see & What we feel

Sometimes I wonder why I might like a photo and you might not. It might not be the best technical shot, maybe the composition is off, the colors are wrong, and the rules are broken, but none of that matters when the shot itself invokes feelings to the person viewing.

My daughter, Ayaka and her partner Avery took me out this past summer for a photo walk near their house, it was a beautiful day and although I took many pictures, I always come back to this one. They did not know I was taking this, so it was not staged and when I looked at the camera display, I saw more than a photo - I felt warmth and calmness, I was happy, as I knew they were.

When Ayaka first saw this photograph, she made it even more special as she quoted a song lyric from Jason Mraz “If I should be so bold, I’d ask you to hold my heart in your hand.” I said thank you and now use it as the caption for this photograph.

If I should be so bold, I’d ask you to hold my heart in your hand.

Camera settings:

Camera: Canon Mark IV

Lens: EF24-70MM F/2.8II

Settings: ISO 200, F11, 61mm, Exposure 1/500

Tripod: Yes

In closing out 2019 – It has been a great year for Romi and I, we’ve had lots of greats news and events that took place, we thank you all.

I also need to call out “TinyDragon Promotions” who has assisted me throughout the year with writings and web designs and will be assisting me with a totally new look in the coming year. Follow her at @tinydragonpromotions

On to the next decade 2020 … and St Johns …

The World Around Us… (post 9)

Pawtucket Falls & Sunsets (December 2019)

The Pawtucket Falls and Dam on the Merrimack River is in Lowell, Massachusetts, and lucky for me it’s just a short walk from my house. The waterfall and rapids below drop a total of 32 feet in a little under a mile. I’ve taken many pictures of the Merrimack River and this one location - whether it be a sunrise or sunset - can offer an amazing view.

There is a lot of history surrounding this location: from being important fishing grounds in pre-colonial times and one of the main reasons for Lowell becoming America’s first planned factory town.

The first picture shown is the Pawtucket Falls Dam house where they can control the flow of the water. You can walk along the side of this building heading towards the bridge where there is a small viewing platform.

Pawtucket Dam (Merrimack River) control house

This next picture of course is the sun setting, heading into the blue hour. The blue hour usually last about 20 to 60 minutes right after sunset and before sunrise. The blue colors dominate but you may also get hints of orange and red colors mixed in. I almost forgot to take the picture as I was enjoying the view and how the light and colors were painting the water.

Sunset on the Merrimack River - Pawtucket falls, lowell, ma

Camera settings:

Camera: Canon 5D Mark IV

Lens: Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

Settings: ISO100, f/20, 17mm, 3.2seconds

Tripod used: Yes, with cable release.

Take care & smile before you hear the click.

Comments & Questions are always welcome.