WRAL Gardens – April 2026
Getting in practice for my daughter's graduation in May
Nikon Z6: Nikon 24 - 120 mm - taken at 40 mm
Aperture: f/5.6 Shutter: 1/80 sec ISO: 100 Processed in: DXO PhotoLab 9.6
My daughter wanted pictures and I am alway looking for an opportunity to pick up the camera.
This first image was taken at 40mm, providing a balanced view of both the subject and the surrounding garden.
Not waiting until May to cross this bridge
Nikon Z8: Nikon 135 mm Plena
Aperture: f/1.8 Shutter: 1/1600 sec ISO: 100 Processed in: DXO PhotoLab 9.6
Here I stepped back for a wider perspective, letting the bridge and path define the composition while keeping the lighting fully ambient.
Hallie with the pose
Walking the path to success
Hallie with the pose
Nikon Z8: Nikon 135 mm Plena
Aperture: f/1.8 Shutter: 1/500 sec ISO: 100 Processed in: DXO PhotoLab 9.6
Walking the path
Nikon Z8: Nikon 135 mm Plena
Aperture: f/1.8 Shutter: 1/640 sec ISO: 100 Processed in: DXO PhotoLab 9.6
Nice day for a photoshoot
Class of 2026
... and the gown fits
Class of 2026
Nikon Z8: Nikon 135 mm Plena
Aperture: f/1.8 Shutter: 1/500 sec ISO: 100 Processed in: DXO PhotoLab 9.6 & Photoshop 2026
and the gown fits
Nikon Z8: Nikon 135 mm Plena
Aperture: f/1.8 Shutter: 1/640 sec ISO: 100 Processed in: DXO PhotoLab 9.6 & Photoshop 2026
The WRAL Azalea Gardens have been open since the 1950s, when a thousand colorful azalea bushes were planted outside the WRAL studio. In the decades since then, WRAL's gardens have become a popular springtime destination near downtown Raleigh, with thousands of visitors coming for picnics and walks, to snap prom or pre-graduation photos.