More infrared

I occasionly have the urge to try infrared photography (see my earlier post).  I have a modified camera for this purpose which makes the process easier, but I am always surprised at the images that result. Exposure is pretty subjective and colors are false and therefore adjustable to many possibilities.

It is a change of pace, which I think is always good, and the results can make details like shape and texture more obvious.

No entry

Fire drill

Actually I think the cause was the construction crew did something to trigger the alarm.

But is was such a beautiful day no one seemed to care.

In fact, most of us wanted to stay outside and enjoy.

Bus turn

Bus turn sign turn.

Lilacs

Lilacs are a big deal here in Rochester. They are as fragrant as they are beautiful.

This bush is in my backyard, a nice addition to the great spring weather we are now having.

The Phoenix Hotel

Or should I say, the former Phoenix Hotel.

Built in 1816 as a stop along a stagecoach line and near the Erie Canal. It was an important building in the village of Pittsford, and it still is. The structure has changed hands many times over the years and now is used for office space.

Obviously the traffic lights, signs and automobiles are not of the same vintage, but at least you can see that the location is at the junction of routes 31 and 96.

White tree blossoms

Visitors

When I started this blog I intended to write something for every entry. It seems that often there is not much to say. Maybe that is OK, but I sometimes feel like I am cheating.

Perhaps words are not always necessary?

Red stripes

Sunday morning

Fire plug

Fog on the bay

I have only seen this a few times... cold water on Lake Ontario and the Irondequoit Bay... and sudden heat from the sun create billows of fog. Driving over the bay bridge (mostly obscured in this view) was like driving into a cloud.

This effect does not last long, but it is fun while it lasts.

Color contrast

I saw this isolated flowing tree along the canal path and wondered how it got there. I don't believe this to be a native plant, but rather a tree added to a landscape for ornamental purposes. Usually when you see an out of place flora it is because there was once a home there that has disappeared, but the plantings remain, however I cannot image there was ever a house here, at least for very many years.

This also struck me as an example of color contrast. It is a rule of thumb that good design should usually have both luminance value contrast as well as color value contrast. If I convert the image to black and white (well, shades of gray, i.e. monochrome) the tree almost completely disappears.

But of course, with digital editing tools a color image can easily adjusted to bring out monochromatic contrast... and the tree can be restored. However if this had been shot as monochrome (and depending on the color sensitivity of the film) the contrast adjustment would not be possible.

Still in this case I think I prefer the color version, even with the limited luminance contrast.

Sorry for the technical departure but it is fun to play with these things and uncover that which is not easily perceived by our eyes.

Important notice

Lunchtime walk

I am lucky to have a fine walkway available during my lunch hour. With our recent glorious weather I have been able to take advantage of the pathway, and to make it even better, I have been accompanied by a few of my teammates.

The last time I photographed this bridge the scene was quite different. Indeed it is a reminder of the seasonal effects we experience in Western New York, and a mood that seems almost impossible on a day like today.

The three bushkateers

Guardian of the trail

This strange being can be found near the trail, on the edge of the Erie canal. An unusual tree trunk, apparently pruned to resemble some mysterious but genial beast, is the recipient of a variety of accessories and furnishings. Indeed he is a comedic sight to behold.

Click for detail.