Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Three, Merced River

Three, Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California  2010

Three, Merced River,
Yosemite National Park, California 2010


1.6 sec at f/22, focal length: 35mm, ISO 50, Aperture-priority, +1 1/3 EV - 29 January 2010 4:57 pm PST.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.


Purchase a Print - includes 4-ply archival mat and backing, ready to frame.


Alternative display options are available, such as face mounted to acrylic or laminated and mounted to aluminum with an inset subframe. Please email if interested.


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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Clearing Storm, Autumn, Gates of the Valley

Clearing Storm, autumn, Gates of the Valley, Yosemite National Park, California  2010

Clearing Storm, autumn,
Gates of the Valley, Yosemite National Park, California 2010


4 sec at f/22, focal length: 22mm, ISO 50, Aperture-priority, -1 1/3 EV - 10 November 2010 6:00 pm PST.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.


Purchase a Print - includes 4-ply archival mat and backing, ready to frame.


Alternative display options are available, such as face mounted to acrylic or laminated and mounted to aluminum with an inset subframe. Please email if interested.


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Monday, December 13, 2010

Owning Your Work

My idea of quality in regards to photographic works, has been pushed, broken, built up, challenged and torn down again, many times over the last few years. It's a good thing really. My line of what's acceptable as perfection is constantly redrawn and my expectations of what I wish to produce, and ultimately share with the world, are placed higher and higher. I'm continually amazed by the amount of potential great moments captured in a photograph that fail to deliver due to simple over sights in execution/presentation or technical merit.

I came across an interview with Jim Adkins of the band, Jimmy Eat World, in which they're discussing the cover photograph for their album, 'Bleed American', taken by William Eggleston. When asked what drew him to that image, his answer was this:
"...You can be smart about opportunities that may come your way, but your work is the only thing you can really control. Making something you feel is your best work is your only guaranteed success. You absolutely have to feel that way about your work or you aren’t done. You aren’t ready to present that work to everyone else. In Eggleston’s image there’s no reason at all for you to be impressed with whatever achievements those trophies represent. Just like any commercial success you achieve is fragile. You are very
lucky if a listener [viewer] can make a connection to your work. It’s something you should never take for granted."

Adkins, absolutely nailed it. It's time to start stepping up your game. No matter what level you're at. Be brutal when evaluating your own work. Take the time to learn, and hopefully master your tools. Process your files with a truly museum quality fine print as the end goal. Trash any over mats with even slight hooks or over cuts. Use a bone folder on your mats, it makes a difference. Use quality/archival materials (this includes paper/printers....especially paper/printers). Work in an appropriate environment. If that means you're using a digital darkroom, calibrate your [color accurate] monitor, profile your paper/printer combo and work in a dark room. And for the love of everything holy, spot your damn files! There's not much worse than seeing a great print fail because someone didn't take 10 minutes to clone out the sensor dust that enlarges to the size of a dime on a 30"x40" Silver Rag Print!

It's the sum of the tiny details that add up and make your prints something special. It's OK to obsess about your work. Really, it is. Just don't be a jerk, and others will respect and admire your work...Actually, if you're a jerk, they'll probably still respect your work, they'll just think your a jerk.

Rant Over.

Peace.



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Valley Oak triptych, Ahwahnee, California 2010

Valley Oak triptych, Ahwahnee, California  2010

Valley Oak triptych,
Ahwahnee, California 2010


1/30 - 1/40 sec at f/4, focal length: 40mm, ISO 3200, Aperture-priority, -1 EV - 10 December 2010 6:09 pm PST.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, hand held.

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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Sunset, Bass Lake

Sunset, Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest, California 2006

Sunset, Bass Lake,
Sierra National Forest, California 2006


30 sec at f/11, focal length: 18mm, ISO 100, Aperture-priority, 0 EV - 30 September 2006 7:16 pm PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 20D, Tamron 18-200, tripod mounted.

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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Black Oaks in Autumn, El Capitan Meadow, Yosemite Valley, California  2009

Black Oaks in Autumn, El Capitan Meadow,
Yosemite Valley, California 2009


1/4 sec at f/22, focal length: 70mm, ISO 50, Aperture-priority, 0 EV - 4 November 2009 9:33 am PST.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Clearing storm, Three Sisters and Bridalveil Fall

Clearing storm, Three Sisters and Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Valley, California  2010

Clearing storm, Three Sisters and Bridalveil Fall,
Yosemite Valley, California 2010


1/100 sec at f/22, focal length: 70mm, ISO 400, Aperture-priority, 0 EV - 20 November 2010 9:59 am PST.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Sunday, November 21, 2010

Setting Fog on Burnt Forest

Setting fog on burnt forest, Yosemite National Park, California  2010

Setting fog on burnt forest,
Yosemite National Park, California 2010


1/4000 sec at f/11, focal length: 100mm, ISO 400, Aperture-priority, -2 EV - 20 November 2010 1:34 pm PST.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, hand held.

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Saturday, November 20, 2010

First Snow in Yosemite Valley!

Black Oak branches after first snow, El Capitan Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California  2010

Black Oak branches after first snow,
El Capitan Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California 2010


1/8 sec at f/22, focal length: 98mm, ISO 50, Aperture-priority, -1/3 EV - 20 November 2010 11:23 am PST.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Friday, November 12, 2010

Orion's Belt

Stars over El Capitan, from El Capitan Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California  2010

Orion's Belt,
from El Capitan Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California 2010


30 sec at f/5, focal length: 36mm, ISO 800, Aperture-priority, +2 EV - 10 November 2010 6:38 pm PST.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Monday, November 8, 2010

Clearing Storm Over Miami Mt.

Clearing storm over Miami Mt., Ahwahnee, California  2010

Clearing storm over Miami Mt.,
Ahwahnee, California 2010


1/30 sec at f/5.6, focal length: 40mm, ISO 1000, Aperture-priority, 0 EV - 8 January 2010 6:07 pm PST.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, hand held.

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Saturday, November 6, 2010

Sunset, Iron Lakes

Sunset, Iron Lakes, Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Sunset, Iron Lakes,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010


5 sec at f/22, focal length: 25mm, ISO 50, Aperture-priority, 0 EV - 28 August 2010 7:42 pm PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Morning Surf

Morning surf, San Simeon State Beach, California  2010

Morning surf,
San Simeon State Beach, California 2010


0.6 sec at f/32, focal length: 118mm, ISO 50, Manual, 0 EV - 24 April 2010 7:37 am PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Monday, November 1, 2010

Sierra Sunrise

Sierra Sunrise, Ahwahnee, California  2008

Sierra Sunrise, Ahwahnee, California 2008


1/60 sec at f/8, focal length: 70mm, ISO 100, Manual, -1/3 EV - 30 October 2008 7:19 am PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 20D, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Layers, Refugio State Beach, California 2010

Layers, Refugio State Beach, California  2010

Layers, Refugio State Beach, California 2010


10 sec at f/22, focal length: 17mm, ISO 50, Manual, +1 EV - 3 October 2010 1:21 pm PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, Singh-Ray 5 Stop Mor-Slo ND, tripod mounted.

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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Merced River Rapids

Merced River rapids, Merced River Canyon, California  2010

Merced River rapids,
Merced River Canyon, California 2010


15 sec at f/22, focal length: 126mm, ISO 50, Manual, 0 EV - 7 August 2010 8:37 am PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Suspended Dogwood leaves, Autumn

Suspended Dogwood leaves, autumn, Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Suspended Dogwood leaves, autumn,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010


1/2 sec at f/22, focal length: 27mm, ISO 100, Aperture Priority, -2/3 EV - 7 October 2010 3:33 pm PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Autumn on it's Way

Autumn, Black Oaks, Yosemite Valley, California  2010

Autumn, Black Oaks,
Yosemite Valley, California 2009


1/80 sec at f/16 (9 vertical exposures), focal length: 70mm, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, 0 EV - 4 November 2009 10:10 am PST.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Dogwood, Autumn, Shadow of the Giants

Dogwood, Autumn, Shadow of the Giants, Sierra National Forest, California  2008

Dogwood, Autumn, Shadow of the Giants,
Sierra National Forest, California 2008


8 sec at f/22, focal length: 78mm, ISO 200, Manual, 0 EV - 13 October 2008 8:38 am PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 20D, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Approaching storm at sunset, Clark Range

Approaching storm at sunset, Clark Range, from Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Approaching storm at sunset, Clark Range,
from Sierra National Forest, California 2010


5 sec at f/22 (5 vertical exposures), focal length: 200mm, ISO 50, Manual, 0 EV - 28 August 2010 7:38 pm PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Sunday, September 5, 2010

Autumn Ferns

Autumn ferns #2, Sierra National Forest, California  2009

Autumn ferns #2,
Sierra National Forest, California 2009


0.4 sec at f/16, focal length: 31mm, ISO 200, Manual, +1 EV - 22 September 2009 6:13 pm PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Saturday, September 4, 2010

Forest floor, Iron Lakes

Forest floor, Iron Lakes, Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Forest floor, Iron Lakes
Sierra National Forest, California 2010


30 sec at f/22, focal length: 22mm, ISO 100, Manual, 0 EV - 27 August 2010 7:39 pm PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Friday, September 3, 2010

Quiet Reflections

Quiet reflections, Iron Lakes, Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Quiet reflections, Iron Lakes,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010


20 sec at f/22, focal length: 70mm, ISO 50, Manual, 0 EV - 27 August 2010 7:11 pm PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Parking Lot Reflections

Parking lot reflections, Sun City West, Arizona  2008

Parking lot reflections,
Sun City West, Arizona 2008


1/150 sec at f/11, focal length: 40mm, ISO 100, Manual, -2/3 EV - 27 November 2008 9:48 am PST.
Photographed with Canon EOS 20D, EF 17-40mm f/4L, hand held.

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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Shoreline Forest, Sunset

Shoreline forest, sunset, Iron Lakes, Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Shoreline forest, sunset, Iron Lakes,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010


1.6 sec at f/22, focal length: 159mm, ISO 50, Manual, 0 EV - 27 August 2010 7:15 pm PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Fallen Lodgepole, Dusk, Iron Lakes

Fallen Lodgepole, Dusk, Iron Lakes, Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Fallen Lodgepole, Dusk, Iron Lakes,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010


25 sec at f/22, focal length: 20mm, ISO 50, Manual, 0 EV - 27 August 2010 7:45 pm PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Sunrise, North Peak, Hoover Wilderness

Sunrise, North Peak, Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, California  2010

Sunrise, North Peak, Hoover Wilderness,
Inyo National Forest, California 2010


2.5 sec at f/22, focal length: 24mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, +2 EV, - 8 August 2010 6:26 am PDT.
Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

A slightly new look

Whitebark Pine, sunset, Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, California  2010

Whitebark Pine, sunset,
Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, California 2010


1/100 sec at f/16, focal length: 200mm, ISO 800, Aperture Priority, +2/3 EV,
- 7 August 2010 6:27 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.


I've been writing on this blog less and less recently, and I think it has kept me from posting images as often as I'd. So I've decided to give the blog a bit of a face lift, which will focus more on the images themselves. Comments will always be welcome, and in fact, I think it would be fun, inspiring, bonding, expanding and so on and so on if visitors posted their own topics in the comments to invoke discussion. Sort of like a forum with decor...Probably won't happen, but eh.

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Thursday, August 12, 2010

Evening Summer Storm

Evening summer storm, Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest, California  2009

Evening summer storm, Bass Lake,
Sierra National Forest, California 2009


1/20 sec at f/22, focal length: 17mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, -2/3 EV,
- 3 June 2009 7:11 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.



I'm taking a break from posting any more images from this weekends backpacking trip into the 20 Lakes Basin. More will be sure to come, but for now I wanted to share this image from last summer, made just as a wonderful summer storm was starting to build. Hope you enjoy!



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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Clearing storm, Secret Lake

Approaching storm, Secret Lake, Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, California  2010

Clearing storm, Secret Lake,
Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, California 2010


1.3 sec at f/22, focal length: 40mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority
- 7 August 2010 5:29 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, Singh-Ray 5 Stop Mor-Slo ND, tripod mounted.




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Monday, August 9, 2010

Sunset after the storm, North Peak

Sunset after the storm, North Peak from Mill Lake, Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, California  2010

Sunset after the storm, North Peak from Mill Lake,
Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, California 2010


25 sec at f/22, focal length: 17mm, ISO 200, Aperture Priority, -2/3EV,
- 7 August 2010 7:59 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, Singh-Ray 5 Stop Mor-Slo ND, tripod mounted.



This weekend was spent photographing incessantly around the 20 Lakes Basin area in the Hoover Wilderness. Amazing geography accompanied by AMAZING light. I've posted some more already on facebook that may make their way over here, but if you just can't wait, hit the link.



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Monday, July 26, 2010

Merced River, sunset reflections, Yosemite Valley

Merced River, sunset reflections, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California  2010

Merced River, sunset reflections, Yosemite Valley,
Yosemite National Park, California 2010


1.6 sec at f/22, focal length: 36mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, -1 EV,
- 22 July 2010 7:25 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Saturday, July 24, 2010

Summer sunset reflections, Merced River

Summer sunset reflections, Merced River, Yosemite Valley, California  2010

Summer sunset reflections, Merced River,
Yosemite Valley, California 2010


10 sec at f/22, focal length: 40mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, -1/3EV,
- 22 July 2010 7:34 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Friday, July 16, 2010

Zoom and Respect

Cascading Corlieu Falls, Lewis Creek, Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Cascading Corlieu Falls, Lewis Creek,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010


2 sec at f/22, focal length: 35mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, +2/3EV,
- 1 July 2010 6:05 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.



This was from the same session as the previous post, exactly one minute later actually. Standing in the same spot, same lens, nearly the same exposure. Totally different feel, and not just because of the black and white treatment. By zooming in, I cut out a lot of extras, simplifying the composition and creating a more intimate, contemplative photograph.

Not difficult to do, by any means, but important to remember to really work a scene and all it's options. We, as photographers, can often get so caught up by what's in front of us that we'll start to set up right where we're standing, almost as instinct, frame up one composition, "take" the shot and move along. I would encourage you to not even take your camera out until you've gotten to know your scene. In this case, it was a good 30 minutes before I even thought about my camera. I swam, watched, studied, laughed, awed, and shivered. Only after I got a tangible feel for the power of this waterfall did I start to think about how I wanted to photograph it. And once I did, I made sure to try different options, even ones as simple as zooming in.

Have respect for your subjects, take the time to get to know them.




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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Go Swimming!

Upper Corlieu Falls, summer, Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Upper Corlieu Falls, summer,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010


2.5 sec at f/22, focal length: 19mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, +2/3EV,
- 1 July 2010 6:04 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.



Some friends of mine and I went for a short hike last week along the Lewis Creek trail to one of my favorite spots, Corlieu Falls. I've never seen the falls this full. The raw energy that was pouring over was inspiring. I had to get in. It was COLD, like knock the breath out of you cold, but worth every grasp for air. To experience the power of the water thundering down first hand was just what I needed to liven the soul!

Have a great weekend everyone. Go find a river and take a dip!
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Monday, July 5, 2010

Sleeping sea lion, San Simeon, California 2010

Sleeping sea lion, San Simeon State Park, California  2010

Sleeping sea lion,
San Simeon State Park, California 2010


6 sec at f/32, focal length: 70mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, +1/3EV,
- 24 April 2010 6:29 am PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.







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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Merced River Rush

Merced River rush, Spring, Yosemite National Park, California  2010

Merced River rush, Spring,
Yosemite National Park, California 2010


30 sec at f/22, focal length: 40mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, 0EV,
- 13 May 2010 7:21 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.



Just something to share for the sake of sharing...




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Friday, June 25, 2010

Ode to Green

Ode to Green

Ferns and Dogwood, Summer,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010


10 sec at f/22, focal length: 23mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, 0EV,
- 14 June 2010 7:26 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.



At first, I didn't know what it was that attracted me to this photograph. I couldn't understand why I kept going back to it when editing through the session. The image is a departure from the work I've been creating lately; highly studied, carefully constructed compositions trying to avoid sentimentality.

Just tonight I realized that it's exactly because of the image's lack of those qualities that is drawing me in. This photograph is somewhat free-flowing in terms of composition and is completely about a deeply inviting mood. I'm finding it refreshing to know that my 'subconscious creative' is still alive and well (and willing to take over from time to time). It may help keep any contrived work at bay...maybe.

Any thoughts?
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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day!

Dad In Yosemite 12-2005

John W. O'Connor, III
Yosemite National Park, California 2005


- December 2005. Photographed with Kodak Portra 160NC in a Yashica D or YashicaMAT, hand held.


Happy Father's Day to all of you that are lucky enough to be one, to all of my friend's and family that have taught me how to be one and an especially big Happy Father's Day to my best friend who happens to also be my Dad. Love you Pops!



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Monday, June 7, 2010

Waters as Waters

Sea Stack and surf, San Simeon State Park, California  2010

Sea Stack and surf,
San Simeon State Park, California 2010


20 sec at f/32, focal length: 94mm, ISO 100, Aperture Priority, 0EV,
- 24 April 2010 7:11 am PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, Singh-Ray Mor Slo 5 stop ND, tripod mounted.



Before I had studied Zen for thirty years, I saw mountains as mountains,
and waters as waters.
When I arrived at a more intimate knowledge, I came to the point
where I saw that mountains are not mountains,
and waters are not waters.
But now that I have got its very substance I am at rest.
For it's just that I see mountains once again as mountains,
and waters once again as waters.


- Ching-yuan




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Friday, June 4, 2010

The Collective Hive-Mind

Corn Lilies and Lupine Leaves, near California Meadow, Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Corn Lilies and Lupine Leaves,
near California Meadow, Sierra National Forest, California 2010


2 sec at f/22, focal length: 40mm, ISO 100, Aperture Priority, +2/3EV,
- 1 June 2010 6:59 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.



My good friend, Bo Parker, and I share similar locations that we both like to return to to photograph. However, we don't usually go out photographing together. I'd say probably 2% of my time out with camera in tow is spent with other photographers. That 2% being pretty evenly split between my dad or Bo. The rest of the time I'm going solo.

So, what I found interesting is that Bo and I both came up with extremely similar images in similar locations, both completely independent of each other. Check it out, Bo posted his version Corn Lilies on his blog here. These images were made in different meadows so it wasn't like there was one obvious place to stand like at, say, Tunnel View in Yosemite.

Now there's no shortage of images that are similar to one another out there, but usually those are a result of one photographer seeing another photographer's efforts and wanting to then make their own version of the image. Since that was not the case here, how is it that we both came up with such similar images? Is it that obvious a composition that most other photographers that would've been there would've done the same thing? Or is it that since Bo and I have known each other for such a long time now that our mental process, subconscious or not, for visually organizing elements of nature have become similarly aligned, thus resulting in similar images from similar locations in similar lighting conditions?

We'd all like to pride ourselves on our own unique vision, but maybe as the world becomes so "connected" the powers of influence will become so strong and subversive that unique vision will be a thing of the past. Not a very fun thought to think that something so special could disappear, but a thought to share nonetheless. Please, share your thoughts in the comments below. (Don't worry, as far as we know, this "collective hive-mind is just a theory and sharing thoughts is still ok)

*UPDATE - I've added a couple more images below from the same session. Enjoy!

Corn Lilies, near California Meadow, Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Corn Lilies, near California Meadow,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010


6 sec at f/22, focal length: 37mm, ISO 100, Aperture Priority, +2EV,
- 1 June 2010 7:04 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.



Corn Lily leaves, near California Meadow, Sierra National Forest, California  2010

Corn Lily leaves, near California Meadow,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010


4 sec at f/22, focal length: 40mm, ISO 100, Aperture Priority, +1 1/3EV,
- 1 June 2010 7:06 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.





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Friday, May 21, 2010

More on Dogwood

Blooming Dogwood over the Merced River, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California  2010

Blooming Dogwood over the Merced River,
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California 2010


1 sec at f/16, focal length: 200mm, ISO 400, Aperture Priority, -1EV,
- 13 May 2010 8:00 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.



In my last post, I mentioned that I probably wouldn't get a chance to photograph the Dogwood blossoms this Spring. Well a small window of opportunity, very small, presented itself and so here are my attempts. These were taken from the Pohono bridge at the west end of Yosemite Valley. The area around here was lacking in terms of trees full with blossoms but my understanding was that near Curry Village was the best show. I never made it past this bridge.

There are still a few areas on HWY 41 south of Yosemite, in the Sierra National Forest, that should be really going off right about now. I'm hoping to check it out soon.

And here's another, much longer, exposure of the same tree. Let me know if you have a preference.

Blooming Dogwood, Merced River, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California  2010

Blooming Dogwood, Merced River,
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California 2010


10 sec at f/22, focal length: 145mm, ISO 20, Aperture Priority, -2/3EV,
- 13 May 2010 7:54 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Monday, May 10, 2010

Dogwoods are here

Dogwood trees along Merced River, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California  2009

Dogwood trees along Merced River,
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California 2009


4 sec at f/16, focal length: 113mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, -2/3EV,
- 11 May 2009 7:24 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.



I haven't had a chance to make it out for the dogwoods yet this season, but word on the street is that the next few days are pretty much prime time in Yosemite Valley. Most of the trees should be in full bloom and hopefully just before they're leafed out so the blossoms aren't too hidden.

If you happen to photograph, or perhaps already have photographed, dogwoods this season please do share a link to your efforts in the comments below. It may not be in the cards for me to get out in time this year so I'll need to live vicariously through you all!


Dogwood over Merced River, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California  2009

Dogwood over Merced River,
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California 2009


1/8 sec at f/11, focal length: 145mm, ISO 200, Aperture Priority, +2/3EV,
- 11 May 2009 6:21 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

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Friday, May 7, 2010

San Simeon Pier

San Simeon Pier, Study #1, San Simeon, California  2010

San Simeon Pier, Study #1,
San Simeon, California 20100


20 sec at f/32, focal length: 70mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, +1EV,
- 25 April 2010 6:26 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, Singh-Ray Mor-Slo 5 stop ND, tripod mounted.



San Simeon Pier, Study #2, San Simeon, California  2010

San Simeon Pier, Study #2,
San Simeon, California 20100


100 sec at f/32, focal length: 75mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, 0EV,
- 25 April 2010 6:49 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, Singh-Ray Mor-Slo 5 stop ND, tripod mounted.



San Simeon Pier, Study #3, San Simeon, California  2010

San Simeon Pier, Study #3,
San Simeon, California 20100


383 sec at f/32, focal length: 70mm, ISO 100, Bulb,
- 25 April 2010 7:17 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.



I'm posting these at a time that is much to late for me to write anything coherently. SO, have a great weekend!
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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Slo Going

Morning surf, from San Simeon State Park, California  2010

Morning surf,
from San Simeon State Park, California 2010


30 sec at f/22, focal length: 70mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, 0EV,
- 24 April 2010 6:45 am PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, Singh-Ray Mor-Slo 5 stop ND, tripod mounted.



I've been slowly editing/processing files from a recent camping trip to the coast this weekend with my family and some friends. I only had two solid sessions of photographing, one morning and one sunset, but definitely feel like I made the most of my time within those two sessions. I had never been to San Simeon before and so with fresh eyes and no expectations, I was seeing new compositions to explore with virtually every foot step. Such an exciting trip!

The image above was made during the first session. It was the morning after we had arrived and a nice relatively dense, high fog had settled in just before the sun came up. I love these conditions. Longer exposures, softer light, more time to fine tune a composition without worrying about the light changing. Less sentimental, more Zen.

Although the given conditions allowed for exposure times running into the 2+ second range I opted for the Singh-Ray Mor-Slo ND to extend the exposure as long as possible. This allowed me to soften the water further and enhance the quiet and contemplative mood I was experiencing while standing on a bluff above the shore below.


San Simeon Creek, San Simeon State Park, California  2010

San Simeon Creek,
San Simeon State Park, California 2010


15 sec at f/32, focal length: 70mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, +1/3EV,
- 24 April 2010 6:23 am PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.



In case you didn't see the above image that I had posted to my John O'Connor Photography Facebook Page, here is another one made just a bit earlier on the same morning.

Oh, and Happy Cinco de Mayo!
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