-= 5D Mark IV owners unite! Post photos and discuss.

Kadriorg butterfly
5d4+70-200 f2.8LIS II, natural light

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2hq6​j7r Kadriorg butterfly by dmihel, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2hsC​PFN Mary's Rock Tunnel by Whisle (Clyde Cornett)

This year I thought the fall color would elude me as it does nearly every year. It's the timing really. Typically work or time constraints doesn't allow me the latitude to put forth the necessary effort.

Thankfully 2019 proved different and I was able to capture this image. But it wasn't without it's own unexpected challenges.

Yesterday I actually planned on going to Sedona, but fatigue took precedence and opted to stay home instead. I spent the day straightening up around the house, napping, and taking my girlfriends daughter to go see the Joker movie. Relaxation.

This morning I woke up hard-pressed to go anywhere, but I knew that if I didn't make the effort I would regret it. Crawling out of bed I made my way to the kitchen to find we have cereal but no milk. Ok, it's going to be one of those days I thought to myself. Still, I pressed on. Played some video games and eventually made my way to the shower.

Dressed and ready to go, I made a quick stop at Tempe Camera to pick up a new tripod. My current one had a stubborn leg I'd been fighting with for over a year and it needed to be retired. I ended up getting a nice carbon fiber tripod which is very light and durable. Upgrade.

All set to go...I was Sedona bound. Unfortunately, driving up the Interstate 17 I was still plagued by that feeling that hit me when I woke up. Depression.

For the next hour or so I debated on and off to simply turn around and go back home with my tail tucked behind my legs. Given this wasn't my first rodeo, I knew if I gave in I would feel worse and beat myself up for accomplishing nothing. So I pushed forward.

Upon entering Sedona a feeling of dread overcame me. I felt lost. There was nothing I could do but place my faith in nature and hope the soothing landscape would guide me to peace.

I stopped at the Oak Creek Visitor Center and paid for my Red Rock pass. It was nice to step outside the car and smell the air. Take in the tree's which were swaying in the breeze. A moment to just breathe. A slight relent.

Shortly thereafter I hopped back in the car and drove up and down the 89A. The lost feeling still lingering. Not sure where to go or what to photograph. I didn't want to go home empty handed and applied more pressure on myself.

I eventually decided to pull over in the Canyon and walk down to the creek. Initially not even taking my camera gear with me figuring I'd scope it out first. And that's when I saw the red leaves along the side of a tree (I don't know what kind, do you?). Target acquired.

I tried shooting the tree from across the creek, but it just felt too far. The image on the back of the camera just wasn't intimate enough. More of a quick snapshot than a photograph...lacking mood. I needed to get closer.

I waded into the cold water as it quickly engulfed my boots...socks acting as sponges. The creek itself was deceptively deeper than anticipated and I was nearly waist deep as I carried my tripod/camera over my shoulder. There was no question about turning around, I had to get my image. Determined.

Standing across the creek dripping everywhere, I walked around for a bit to find my angle. The sunlight danced through the swaying leaves as I patiently snapped several images. I needed to get one at the right moment when the leaves were illuminated. The sound of the forest faintly polluted by my camera's shutter opening and closing several times. And then it was done.

I closed up shop and made my way back across the creek, up the ravine, and back to the car. Sitting there I debated what was next. Jerome? Prescott? Still feeling down, I decided to remove any undo pressure and travel back home calling it a day.

Some may look at this image and only see red leaves on a tree. For me, I see a small battle won in the war on sadness. Thankfully, these periodic episodes are few and far between.

Still, it's clear my mindset directly influences the photographs I take. Those who follow me regularly know I love capturing the smooth water of the creek flowing over the various rocks. But not today. Not today. Instead, today was something special in it's own right.

European pied flycatcher male

Weja

Roofs and streets of autumn Tallinn
5d4+16-35 f4

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2hqp​h4x Tallinn1 by dmihel, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2hqp​gSa Tower parade by dmihel, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2hqq​g8d Tallinn2 by dmihel, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2hqq​fFX Tallinn3 by dmihel, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://ibb.co/bRCWsKz

A couple of shots from a recent trip on Route 66 from OK to CA.

First is Cadillac Ranch, outside of Amarillo TX. A bunch of old Cadillacs planted in a field. Bring your own spray paint and have at it. There is a nice gentleman selling jewelry made out of paint chips from the back of his truck.

The second is pretty much what is left of Twin Arrows AZ, a true ghost town if there ever was one. There is an exit for the town from the I-40, but all that is left are the eponymous twin arrows and an abandoned gas station. Route 66 extends for a couple of hundred feet from these arrows and then dead ends in front of private property.