BREW'S BLOG
Page 2
Lake Johnson in Late November: A Subtle Surprise
Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 135mm Plena f 1.8 lens - November 18, 2025
Apeture f 3.2, Shutter Speed 1/200 sec, ISO 100, Post Processed with DXO Photolab 9.2
As November transitions into what’s usually a light winter in the Raleigh area, the trees around Lake Johnson still held onto their colors. I probably missed the peak leaf season by a week or two, but I was surprised to see how many trees hadn’t yet shed their leaves.
While walking the trail, one tree stood out. Its white, leafless branches created a striking contrast against the pines and other trees still clinging to fall color — a quiet blaze against the shadowed woods. It felt like a symbol of transition: not quite fall, not yet winter.
A good reminder that picture-taking opportunities often show up when you least expect them.
Late Fall Light at Lake Johnson
Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 135mm Plena f 1.8 lens - November 18, 2025
Apeture f 5.6, Shutter Speed 1/250 sec, ISO 400, Post Processed with DXO Photolab 9.2
As November winds down in Raleigh, the trees around Lake Johnson still hold onto their late-season color. I arrived just before sunset, and when I was headed back to my car I saw that the light was starting to peak through the leaves of the tree at the beginning of the bridge — warm, directional, and low enough to highlight a couple of people walking across the bridge and to cast long shadows across the water.
The Nikon 135mm Plena lens handled the scene beautifully. Its rendering gave the leaves a soft glow, while the bridge’s lines stayed crisp. The contrast was striking — warm tones against cool shadows, with just enough separation to make the composition feel intentional.
This was one of those moments where the gear and the light worked together. The Plena’s depth and clarity let me isolate the bridge without losing the atmosphere. It’s a reminder that even late in the season, with most of the peak color gone, there’s still plenty to see — especially when the light cooperates.
Late Fall Light on the Trail
Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 135mm Plena f 1.8 lens - November 18, 2025
Apeture f 5, Shutter Speed 1/250 sec, ISO 400, Post Processed with DXO Photolab 9.2
As the sun dipped lower, light began peeking through the trees onto the Lake Johnson multiuse path. The sun light cut through the shadows just enough to bring focus to a lone jogger moving steadily down the trail — a quiet moment framed by fading leaves and long pine needles.
Reflections of Effort and Light
Nikon Z8 and the Nikon 135mm Plena f 1.8 lens - November 18, 2025
Apeture f 8, Shutter Speed 1/250 sec, ISO 400, Post Processed with DXO Photolab 9.2
This final shot wraps up a short walk that doubled as a chance to stay in practice. The Nikon 135mm Plena lens once again delivered — capturing the quiet symmetry of the trees and their reflections with clarity and depth. It’s a reminder that even a brief outing can yield images that reflect both the season and the effort behind the frame.
Recent Post, June 2025
First Trip of the Summer
June 2025 - Corolla, NC. A nice location to plan a family vacation.
Also good for great sunsets if the weather and cloud cover cooperates.
Modifiers
Light stand with a reflector - December 25, 2024
Over the years I have purchased various strobes and modifiers. A reflector was added to go along with the other lighting equipment. All ready to tackle any situation.