Rob is a part time portrait and nature photographer. Introduced to photography by his father at a young age, he has continued to develop his skills while living in various states and countries. Rob is currently employed as a Construction Project Mangaer with the University of Maryland Medical System overseeing construction jobs at numerous hospitals within the system. He lives in Anne Arundel County, Maryland with his wife Jenn and 3 boys.
Natures wonder - New York Aster's magnified through beads of water
Natures wonder - New York Aster's magnified through beads of water
Photography
Droplets of water magnify whatever is around them and can be used as their own macro lens. I built a makeshift platform between two small tables and used a piece of 16" x 20" glass from an old photograph which was placed horizontally over the ground on my patio. I rubbed a coat of liquid carnuba car wax onto the glass and then used a small atomizer water bottle to spray the water onto the glass. The carnuba wax does an excellent job of making the water bead just as it would on your car. I then setup the pot of flowers under the glass and placed books under until It was at the right height in comparison to the glass. Using a tripod to lock my camera in place, I setup so my camera was perfectly level facing straight down. After getting the correct focus, I moved the flowers around left to right slightly until I was happy with what was being magnified in the beads of water, focused and fired some shots.
Elakala Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park, WV
Elakala Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park, WV
Photography
On a fall trip to Black Water Falls State Park, I visited Elakala Falls along Shays Run. There are 5 different falls along this watershed. This image shows the first falls which is only a short walk from the park lodge. The water levels were low making it easier to get close to the falls without getting covered in water spray from the falls. I often wear a pair of hip waders which allow me to get into the water and down close to the stream. I noticed a series of small pools that were filled with water bubbles and leaves and composed my shot with this area as the foreground. I used a polarizer to help reduce the glare and reduce light which allows for a longer shutter speed of 3-4 seconds. The long shutter speed creates the swirling effect of the bubbles and leaves in the pool of water.