Uploads from SimpleTen

Sunrise on the Allegheny

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:22:50 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

I was up earlier this morning (4:45 a.m) than my usual 5 a.m. and so I had a little extra time before I went to work by 6:30 a.m.

Took a little ride up River Road along the Allegheny River and Route 28 where I ended up in front of the Heinz Lofts.

Waiting for the sun to rise, I was scouting for the location to where I could try and get a long exposure shot.

I ended up waiting 20-minutes before hand as the cloud cover was rolling through. As the sun made it's way up, I managed to double up on my ND 1.2 filters to move into bulb mode to get past 2-minutes on the exposure.

This is a single shot image and not HDR.

Kindly click on the image to view on black and lend me your thoughts. Feedback of all kinds (good/bad/ugly) are all taken seriously as I am on this constant improvement thing.

Thank you for stopping and please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 – All Rights Reserved

Sunset off of Orr Road & Route 19 (HDR)

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:14:05 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

Another perspective of my evening shot that I posted last night.

Here, I backed away from the fence and tried to capture some of the narrow footpath that runs along the fence.

I am still experimenting on trying to get the perfect sunflare as I have been getting some great tips from all of you. This too is a bracketed 9-shot image combined in Photomatix and then processed in Capture NX and Lightroom.

Please click on image to view on black.

Comments & suggestions always encouraged and welcomed.

© Scott Betz 2013 – All Rights Reserved

Fenced in Sunset - Orr Road & Washington Road (HDR)

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:10:01 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

Today was a long day at work and when I finally left around 7:15 p.m., I noticed this dramatic sky.(Which was odd because we have been expecting rain and thunderstorms today).

Tired and just wanting to get home, I was passing Orr Road again and my eye caught the sunset here through the fence. (Notice the cow in the background?).

The sky was so amazing, I managed to take some other shots of a church nearby my home that I will be posting later.

This is a bracketed 9-shot image having an EV value of +/-1 processed as follows:

Photomatix > Capture NX > Lightroom

Kindly click on image to view on large and lend me your thoughts. (Good/bad and ugly .. I appreciate everyone of them)

Please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Fire in the Sky - Canonsburg Lake

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:29:53 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

The sky was amazing this evening at sunset as I again, ran out the door with my camera to catch the fire in the sky.

A contact of mine on Flickr, Steve Skinner, has great access to La Jolla, California and although I don't live close to an ocean or a beach, this lake is 15-minutes from my house and offers some exceptional sunsets.

I can see why this popular spot is getting more attention as the evenings here are quite spectacular. (Odd how I have lived so close for over (10) years now and found this place within the past 3-months! .. To my defense, it does set down below Route 19 and hidden somewhat, but what a neat place to spend time at)

This is single image processed in Nik's Capture NX and Adbobe Lightroom.

Kindly click on image to view on black and lend me your thoughts.

Please do NOT use my images without my consent and thank you for your comments and favorites.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

City of Pittsburgh - May 7th

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:15:14 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

The weather channel was calling for rain today and on my way into work, (6 a.m), I noticed this color in the sky.

To the left of me, the sun is starting to rise on the river. This is NOT an HDR image, rather a single shot slightly edited in Nik's Capture NX software and Adobe Lightroom.

I parked at the Clemente Bridge and marched down the riverwalk where I ended up in front of the Alcoa Building to take this shot. With this image, I was trying again at a long exposure image (LE) along with the sky color that was only around for less than 8 minutes (behind the Highmark building).

Kindly click on image to view on black AND LARGE and lend me your thoughts. (Good, bad and ugly - I need to hear them all)

Thanks for the comments and favorite and please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Sunset on Canonsburg Lake - Route 19

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Sat, 04 May 2013 23:00:30 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

For the past several days, we have had partly cloudy skies and as I was looking up cutting grass today, I knew I would be heading out this evening.

This single shot was taken at about 8:30 p.m. this evening and I wanted to experiment some more with long exposures. This shot was 60-seconds long with an ND and Polarizer filter.

Edited slightly in Capture NX and Adobe Lightroom, I place some emphasis on the sky and used Viveza to add some structure to it.

(Must see on LARGE)

Kindly click on this image to view on black and lend me your thoughts.

Thank you for stopping by and please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Consol Energy Center - HDR

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Fri, 03 May 2013 07:07:06 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

My daughter and I went to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs this past Wednesday night and the Pens delivered another win! ..

The Pittsburgh Penguins crushed the New York Islanders in a 5-0 win and the seats we had were amazing! (Thanks 84 Lumber!)

Seated directly behind the goal tender 8-rows back, we had the perfect spot to capture the majority of the goals.

Even without Sidney Crosby, the Pens have established so much depth this season that I think we will defiintely make it to he big one! ..

Just another perspective of a recent shot posted.

Kindly click on image to view on black.

Thank you for the comments and the favorites and please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Elakala Falls - (Blackwater Falls State Park)

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Fri, 03 May 2013 06:58:14 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

Ok, ... I guess I found one more shot to post from my recent trip to BFSP last week.

Before I left the area, I had to stop at Elakala Falls. By the time I left the area, it was 11:00 a.m. and the upper falls was completely under full sun. (I took some shots, but nothing really jumped out at me). As I was hiking through this area, I noticed ALOT of trees were down and it appears as if a recent storm came through. I have been here (3) times now and I have never seen this many trees knocked over.

This shot is from the next set of falls down from the main. I like this one because even in mid day sun, it wasn't as bright as shooting into the sun on the main falls. (The main falls is perfect to shoot at sunset and not at sunrise).

I think I like this one the best as it runs right off of the main falls downstream and is relatively easy to get to.

Kindly click on image to view on black and lend me your thoughts.

Thank you for looking and please do NOT use my images without my consent!

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Pendleton Falls - Blackwater Falls State Park

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:04:37 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

A close up point of view to the falls I came across while hiking along the stream here (run off from Pendleton Lake). My last posting, I took of this place on the way down the stream and this shot was taken on my hike back up the stream on my way out).

As mentioned in my last post, this was my first trip to Pendleton as I try to find my way here as compared to Elekala Falls and Blackwater Falls itself as I have taken shots of them in the past but never found my way here.

I am not sure where this is along the stream down the mountainside as hiking along stream with a backpack and a tripod was challenging at most points. There is a foot path to the left and on top of the hillside and since I was following along stream, I will have to see how far the footpath takes me on my next trip here.

Kindly click on image to view on black. Comments, suggestions and crtiques are encouraged and welcomed.

Thanks again for all of the comments on my previous posts of this place as this will most likely be my last post for BFSP for quite some time.

Please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Pendleton Falls - Blackwater Falls State Park

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:30:27 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

Ok, ... I have to laugh at myself as I managed to find the best way to the Pendleton Falls area was NOT the dirt trail next to Pendleton Point, rather by the lake that I posted earlier.

Last year, I attempted to go down the dirt path near Pendleton Point and it wasn't long before I realized I was in over my head! .. If that was correct the path, let those in better condition REPEL (and I do mean REPEL) down that side of the mountain! ...

Taking the lake approach, I understand why it is difficult to get to the falls as it is covered with all sorts of trees/brush/stones and rocks. Hiking with a backpack and a tripod present many challenges, but if you don't mind a few scrapes and cuts, they are passable.

For those of you who are INTIMATELY familiar with Pendleton, perhaps you can advise me how far I got down stream and if this falls is even close to the main falls. This stream/river runs down the entire mountainside and during this hike, I managed to get down one more level below this series. (So technically, I am not sure if I got to the officical "Pendleton Falls").

Anyhow, I got here early enough in the morning to where the mist and fog was still lifting. Buried in the thick of the trees and brush, I came across this smaller falls on my journey downstream. As I studied the placement of my footing getting to this point, it struck me as a place to snap off a few shots as the scenery this morning here was quite settling. (Much different from my everyday chaotic/stressful life).

I guess I just find peace in these kinds of places that keep me here longer than I should or need to be.

Kindly click on image to view on black and lend me your thoughts. I always appreciate feedback (good/bad/ugly) so feel free to sound off.

Thanks again for stopping by and please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Blackwater River - Blackwater Falls State Park

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:25:39 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

This shot is the portait view of my last posting. (Purposely under exposed to bring out the blacks and the color a bit more) (To see a better descripion of this image, view the landscape version posted before this one)

Kindly click on image to view on black and lend me your thoughts: Portait or Landscape mode .. which one is better?.

Thank you for stopping by and please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Blackwater River - Blackwater Falls State Park

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:36:15 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

This single shot was taken at sunrise before I went over to Pendleton Lake and Pendleton Falls area of the park. This river runs down to the famous Blackwater Falls and is crossed over by this bridge leaving the lodge and heading back to the main entrance to the park.

I took a shot from this same bridge last year with my D7000 unit. That perspective was from under the bridge and later in the morning.

This shot is NOT an HDR image, however a single, slighly underexposed shot processed in Capture NX and Adobe Lightroom.

Can't wait to return to BFSP again as I really like how quiet and peaceful it is.

Kindly click on image to view on black and lend me your thoughts. Your comments, suggestions and critiques are always welcomed and encouraged.

Please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Sunrise on Pendleton Lake - Blackwater Falls State Park, WV

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:13:08 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

Took this photo at 6:30 a.m. before my hike into Pendleton Falls. The fog on the lake was moving rather slowly as there was a slight breeze in the air this morning.

My last trip to Blackwater Falls State Park (BFSP), I tried to get to Pendleton Falls by the way of a path off Pendleton Point. I quickly discovered THAT was not the right path to take as it was a vertical path. After a little online research, I found the best way to Pendleton Falls is by the base path of the parking lot at Pendleton Point Overlook that leads you to the edge of this lake.

Overall, this place is an amazing place to visit with the mountains, the lake here as well as the waterfalls. My time here was short and managed to grab some waterfall shots that I will be posting shortly.

(Looks best on black)

Thank you for looking and kindly click on image to view on black. (Please do NOT use my images without my consent).

© Scott Betz 2013 – All Rights Reserved

Sunset on Pendleton Point - Blackwater Falls (HDR)

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 07:08:51 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

I was trying to get to this point today before the sun crept behind the mountains completely. Leaving work at 4:15 p.m., I wasn't sure if I'd make the 3-hour + trip in time.

This is a magical spot to be at at sunset as you get a grand view of the mountain region as well as the Blackwater river below.

Off to the left of where I was standing in this shot, is the mountaintop Blackwater Lodge that I stayed at. As I got to the lodge, I noticed that there was a vantage point to shoot from of the sunset capturing the side view of Pendleton Point. (Something I will have to try on my next trip to the park).

I have only taken a few HDR images while on my trip here as I like to dabble in it a little. The rest of my postings will be "purist" images.

Kindly click on image to view on black and lend me your thoughts. Comments and suggestions are always welcomed and appreciated.

Thank you for stopping by and please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Sunset on road to Pendleton Lake - Blackwater Falls State Park (HDR)

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:17:52 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

I have been itching to use up some of my vacation time left at work and get back out to taking water fall shots again.

I took this past Friday off to head back down to Blackwater Falls State Park, a toss up for first place of my favorite places to go between Ricketts Glenn State Park (RGSP) or Blackwater Falls. Certainly RGSP offers WAY more waterfalls to shoot from, but Blackwater is 3-hours away from me versus 6-hours and I think I like the mountainous region here better.

This is the first of many photos I will be posting from this area.

I left work on Thursday afternoon only to get here right at 7:40 p.m. I was racing to capture the sunset here on this fabulous park as I prefer sunset and sunrise shots. Mid day for me is not an option.

At the end of this road is the turn off to Pendleton Lake. I have taken images of the Lake, Pendleton Point Overlook as well as Pendleton Falls. All of which I will be posting shortly.

Hiking in nature to me is good for the soul. So many times we are taken up by the bombardment of news, games, gadgets and technology as a whole that getting away from it all to clear you head should be a requirement.

Kindly click on image to view on black and please lend me your thoughts and comments.

Please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Allegheny Commons Park - Pittsburgh - HDR

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:48:05 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

I took a nightime shot here with my D7000 unit and promised myself to get back here at sunrise.

Looking at the sky this morning, I thought the conditions were perfect.

This little park is on the North Side of Pittsburgh off of West North Avenue and Brighton Avenue. It offerrs a nice view of the city and with the stillness in the air, I thought I could get some good reflections.

Comprised of 7-bracketed shots, I set the exposure values of +/- 1 steps between shots. Using raw (nef) files, I processed this image in Photomatix and Nik Softwares Capture NX. Final edits were made in Adobe Lightroom.

Kindly click on the image to view on black and lend me your thoughts. Comments and suggestions encouraged and welcomed.

Thank you for looking and please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Freedom Falls - Venango County

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:52:00 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

I took this shot on my return trip visiting my father for his birthday in March. Since I was in the area, it was a no-brainer to stop by and update my photo of this area with my D700.

This exact shot was similiar to a shot that was taken w/my D7000, a camera I hated to part with, but the oil spotting was driving me nuts! ...

I have no regrets stepping up to an older/discontinued full frame unit like the D700. It may not be the largest pixel popper, however, the ergonmics and heft make it a nice comfortable fit in my hands and with the up to 9-bracketed shots for HDR, it makes that option a nice addition. Add in there a nice FX sensor, and I am set for a while.

Kindly click on image to view on black and thank you for looking. Comments, suggestions and favorites are always welcomed.

Please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Sunset on Canonsburg Lake - HDR

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:18:02 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

This man made lake is about 5-miles north of the Prancer Horse Farm that I posted several weeks ago.

As I went to run out to go grocery shopping, the conditions were perfect to catch this shot... (A moderate breeze, warm evening and dramatic cloud cover).

This place is extremely easy to get to and much like the farm, I have passed this place so many times and never stopped.

This is a 7-bracketed shot (+/- 1EV) merged together in Photomatix and edited in Capture NX/Adobe Lightroom.

Kindly click on the image to view on black and lend me your thoughts.

Comments suggestions and favorites are always welcomed.

Please do NOT use my images without my consent.

© Scott Betz 2013 – All Rights Reserved

Consol Energy Center - Home of the Pittsburgh Penguins (HDR)

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:31:23 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

Happiness is: Being a Pittsburgh Penguins Fan! ..

I have REALLY been enjoying my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for sunrise and sunset shooting lately. Our city offers SO much in the way of photo ops and for as many shots as I have taken by PNC Park lately on the North Shore, I kept asking myself, "Why am I NOT taking pictures of my FAVORITE hometown sports team, the Penguins?" ..

For those of you who know me well, hockey is my absolute favorite sport and since I have only seen (3) games inside since they opened the arena, I have been itching to get a shot of this magnificent work of architecture.

This arena was constructed before the demolition of the "Igloo" here across the street, which was captured very well here on Flickr by Dave DiCello.

A special thanks to Mario Lemieux for keeping the Pens in Pittsburgh when it looked like they were going to move the team. Also, a special thanks to the team this year for their outstanding performance and can't wait to see them in the playoffs. (A little dig for my friends in Philly!)

As the season winds down and we are getting closer to the playoffs, all I can say is, "Let's Go Pens!"

Kindly click on the image to view on black and lend me your thoughts.

Comments/suggestions and critiques are always encouraged and welcomed.

Thanks for looking and please do NOT use my images without my consent! ..

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved

Pittsburgh's North Shore

nobody@flickr.com (SimpleTen) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:35:15 -0700

SimpleTen posted a photo:

Another perpective shot down by the riverside.

The sky was a bit blown out here as it was a long exposure shot I was going for here.

Kindly click on image to view on black.

© Scott Betz 2013 - All Rights Reserved