Moon rise over Shuteye Peak

Moon rise over Shuteye Peak,
from Ahwahnee, California 2010

1/30 sec at f/8, focal length: 118mm, ISO 100, Aperture Priority, +1EV,
- 28 March 2010 6:09 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, tripod mounted.


Good morning world. Welcome to a new week! Full moon tonight. If you photograph it and post your efforts online, leave a link in the comments below.

This image was taken last night, so not quite a full moon. We'll see if I can get out tonight and make something happen.

Cheers!
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Eddy, Lewis Creek, Sierra National Forest, California 2010

Eddy, Lewis Creek,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010

3.26 sec at f/22, focal length: 26mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, +1/3EV,
- 23 March 2010 5:18 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.


Another image from the same location as in my previous post. I spent quite a bit of time photographing variations of this composition. It's pretty interesting to see how much difference the patterns in the swirling water affect the overall impact of the image. I guess the lesson here, is to never assume that you got it on the first take.

Also, I wanted to take the time to thank everyone that has joined in on the 'Why do you want to be good?' post. Some really great comments have been added and I encourage you to read through them. Even better would be if you add your own thoughts. I'm still formulating my own answer, but I'm pretty sure it won't be as elegant as some of the responses I've gotten so far!
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Getting to know your favorite "Friends"

Confluence, Lewis Creek,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010

1.6 sec at f/22, focal length: 26mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, +1/3EV,
- 23 March 2010 4:38 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.


I decided to go for a short hike yesterday after work along one of my favorite nearby trails. If you've been following this blog for a while, you may recognize that I photograph along Lewis Creek quite often. A couple of images have even made it into my 'Luminous Spirit' portfolio. My reasoning for mentioning this is to express the importance of returning to a location over and over again. Familiarity with a subject or location raises your chances of success when the right moment presents itself.

Remember though, that familiarity is not an excuse for laziness. It is just as important to not become comfortable. What I mean is that while returning to these locations repeatedly you should also be pushing yourself to try new compositions, return at various times of day in different light, making an effort to see things with a fresh set of eyes each and every time. It's OK to repeat a composition, especially if it is a good one and in better light than what you'd done before, but don't get stuck returning to that composition over and over again.

And finally, PAUSE, BREATHE, LOOK, LISTEN, ENJOY. Remember why it is that you like to return to your favorite spot again and again. Hold on to that thought dearly.
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Why do you want to be good?

7:00 am, waterfall,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010

2.5 sec at f/22, focal length: 19mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, +1 1/3EV,
- 27 February 2010 7:00am PST. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.

I recently read an interview where the photographer was retelling about meeting another photographer that he had admired. After a bit of conversation the admired photographer asked the other why he wanted to be good? I thought it was a poignant question that we most likely don't really give much thought. If your answer is fame and fortune you'll most likely be disappointed. I don't have a proper answer for my self just yet, but I do keep going back to it. If anything, it helps keep your mind busy during those early morning long exposures.

Do you know why you want to be good?


*I unfortunately can't recall where I read the interview or who the photographers were. If I come across it again, I'll update this post. If you happen to know, please leave a link in the comments.
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6:37 am, log, Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest, California 2010

6:37 am, log, Bass Lake,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010

4 sec at f/22, focal length: 26mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority,
- 27 February 2010 6:37am PST. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.
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Winter oak, sunrise

Winter oak, sunrise, Ahwahnee, California 2010

1/160 sec at f/11, focal length: 75mm, ISO 800, Aperture Priority,
- 9 March 2010 6:46am PST. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/4L, hand held.
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Digging Up Roots

Bo Parker - Backside Kickflip.
Downtown Fresno, California 2007

1/250 sec at f/5, focal length: 18mm, ISO 800, Manual,
- 27 April 2007 10:39pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 20D and two strobes.

16 years ago, I picked up my dad's Canon T70, a handful of bad film, my skateboard, and hit the streets with some friends. Marking the beginning of my history as a photographer thus far, photography was simply a means to document all the extremely fun, and downright stupid, things we were doing on a stick with four wheels. But the click got a hold of me with its deeply rooting fingers and grabbed hold tight. And so what began as a means of recording experiences of a passion became the passion itself.

In this context, it's not very profound, but to paraphrase a common saying: "To know where you're going you must know where you've been". From where do your roots grow?
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Young oak in snow and fog

Young oak in snow and fog, Ahwahnee, California 2010

1/640 sec at f/4, focal length: 131mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, +1/3EV,
- 4 March 2010 8:14am PST. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D MarkII, EF 70-200mm f/4L, Tripod Mounted
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