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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