Rochester NY Lighthouses
There are days when the Universe is just with you, if you will allow it. This was one of those days.
I heard the forecast the night before..."blustery." Normally that is not thrilling to people, it sounds cold and uncomfortable. But when you're in Rochester, NY just a few miles from Lake Ontario, blustery sounds like a great opportunity for amazing waves crashing on lighthouses. Now, the only reason I know this is that I have a friend from the Olympus Visionary community, Jamie MacDonald. He photographs crazy stuff on Lake Michigan and I've been wanting to get out there to shoot with him for a while. I do think, however, Jamie is FAR more adventurous than I am. And he did take a swim in frigid weather to retrieve his camera and tripod a couple of months ago. Yeah, he's more adventurous than I am. HOWEVER, Jamie's images did show me what I want to create within my level of adventure. And that happened last week! Here are a few favorites from my day of shooting the lighthouse at Ontario Beach Park and the Outer Lighthouse at Sodus Point.
In my next blog post, I will share an interesting story about a photographer I briefly met that, if I had to throw out a crazy theory, I think was a "ghost" photographer (meaning I'm not sure he was "real" in a way?). More to come on that guy.
Onward!
Miles walked: Not many, it was icy!
Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Markii
Lenses: m.Zuiko 75-300mm
Oh yes, before I put up the main event photos, let me just mention that when I arrived it was a mix of clouds and sun, quite pleasant, high 20's (F). I parked, slipped on my snow pants, Sorel boots (with cleets), hat, gloves, etc in the car. Took me a few minutes. When I got out of the rental car, here is what it suddenly looked like:
A complete and sudden weather mess. Snow, wind...it was rather violent if I must say. I tried to make the best of it but suddenly my lens was totally smeary wet. Not a problem, my camera is weather-sealed, but nothing can be in focus when your lens is covered with water. Back to the car I went. I thought the day might be a bust. I also thought it might clear up in 15 minutes.
15 minutes later...
So that happened! LOL
I didn't get much at this lighthouse midday although I wrote about the "ghost" photographer in my other post.
Made my way to the Outer Sodus Point Lighthouse about 20 miles east along Lake Ontario. The wind was whipping so the waves were getting up there. Played with some of these in black & white.
I got out of the car for some of these. Kind of a mistake. I didn't realize that at this location fine sand is flying through the air. Grateful that my eyeglasses and lens were not damaged. Also glad I was driving a rental car. Kinda filled that with sand when I shot photos out of the driver's side window.
Outer Lighthouse at Sodus Point.
One of my favorites. I like the icy post on the right.
Headed back to that original lighthouse at Ontario Beach Park for sunset...
Love the wave frozen in time by a fast shutter speed (1/800s).
It was truly an amazing day. I'm glad I didn't take my weather app too seriously, or frankly the actual weather. I got up there and all turned out perfectly!!
Check out my other page with the mystery man who walked out to the lighthouse in frigid conditions without a hat or gloves.
Until the next Magic Metro visit to Rochester, NY (lots more to come!!).
xo,
~Megan
Comments: Shoot me an email! megancrandlemire "at" gmail "dot" com
