Tag Archives: photography

June 10, 2011

City of Rocks, Idaho

By Michael Frye

City of Rocks, Idaho is one of the most impressive places experienced by this individual. Granite edifices dotted over the landscape jut toward the sky creating what appears to be a literal city of rocks. The power that forced the creation of such a place is incomprehensible.

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Now a National Reserve, named by James F. Wilkins in 1849, once served as a resting place for the pioneers who sought opportunity in California. Aside from the prominent granite edifices so prominent, are the names and dates of those who traveled here long ago. Found, is a registry of sorts. Their names and the dates of arrival to this “silent city” can be found in multiple locations through out the Reserve.

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The nature sculpted beauty of the area is incredible. There are many features and attractions unique to this area located in southwestern corner of Idaho. Here are just a few.

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TWIN SISTERS

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At south exit to the Reserve stands two huge granite features known as Twin Sisters. They are an impressive pair. They reside about a half mile from Pinnacle Pass where those on the California Trail departed the City of Rocks headed West.

The history found in the place is a seeker of the past’s paradise. A portion of the California Trail can be explored, as well as a section of the Boise-Kelton Stage Route. If you make your destination here, plan on spending several days just exploring its abundant trails rich in scenery and history.

ELEPHANT ROCK

One of the major attractions to the area is rock climbing. There are other things one can do here, but the primary activity is climbing and repelling the large structures scattered throughout the Reserve. Twin Sisters, above, is climbed and explored, but the main attraction for the climber is Elephant Rock.

To call this a “rock” requires one to appreciate just how much understatements in fact thrive in our sometimes sarcastic culture. It is gigantic. It is clear to even the casual observer why this “little” piece of the area might be attractive to the climber. However, do not believe for a moment that this area is for the amateur.

Climbs featuring edifices named Rabbit Rock, Morning Glory Spire, and Bread Loaves attract climbers from all over the world. Highly technical climbs to less technical exist and according to the National Park Service boast climbs that rival those in Yosemite National Park. So, if you are a rock climber, especially one interested in a piece of historical United States of America, then this place is absolutely for you.

PHOTOGRAPHY

 

There is room for the photographer as well. If you love dynamic landscapes and have a desire to make a few photographs to add to your portfolio this is certainly a place to do it. At your disposal are long sweeping vistas that provide layer after layer of differing foliage back dropped by impressive granite rock and pine covered mountains.

For those who seek a unique natural subject for their portfolio there are trees and foliage of various kinds that have made their way through the cracks and crevices of stone. They simply sit and wait for the image maker to pass their way. They scream, “LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!” as one passes by.

And of course, there are the climbers. They are a built in feature for those photographers seeking to display a little danger in action. They need no direction as models, because their poses are always perfect. You may have to wait just a little while to catch them at just the right moment though.

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City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho is a place that would be well worth your time to visit. Whether you are looking for adventure, history, a unique experience in a unique place, or to simply make some photographs, the investment in travel time and expense would not be wasted. Consider it and then expect to be thoroughly impressed by what surrounds you when you arrive.

(Note: Information on City of Rocks National Reserve was collected from information provided by the National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. You can find more information on City of Rocks National Reserve at http://www.nps.gov/ciro.)

 

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June 8, 2011

Sometimes a Priority, Never a Minority

By Michael Frye

Recently I noticed something about the time I spend in photography. I have been overly focused on it. To be perfectly honest, I never thought I would ever become so fully absorbed by it. None-the-less, I have. When I say, “absorbed”, I refer to the time required to prepare for a photographic trip, project, special request, and the photography itself.

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Two weeks ago my wife, Rhonda, said, “Let’s go some place.” She suggested Bear Lake, Utah. I thought it was a wonderful idea.

My initial thought and response was, “Great! It will give me a chance to do some spur of the moment photography there.” My response was not met with the enthusiasm I expected. Here is why.

Although my wife loves to travel with me, she is not a proponent of the hours, and sometimes HOURS OF, stop and go travel when on a “photo-adventure” with her husband. There is much of that when my purpose is to capture the areas I encounter. There can be long periods of quiet in the cab of The Traveler as I seek that particular spot to stop and set up.

Further, there is that long period of waiting after setting up. Why? Because, I want to make the photographs I gather worth the time that I invested in that single spot.

As you can imagine this type of thing does not make for a great trip for those who may not have the kind of interest you do in photography. This is the case with my wife. She loves seeing the country we travel through. She loves spending time with me (and that is reciprocated).

She loves seeing the end product of the images made while we traveled. However, from her perspective something is lost in the time that we spend together when I am so focused (absorbed) in “the shot”.

In regard to our trip to Bear Lake, I took my camera, but it never came out of my bag. Why, because there just was not time for it. The priority in making the trip was to spend some time focused on her; on us.

Did I take a few photographs? Yes, but I used my point and shoot and phone to take them. The focus was on her and not the scenery. Although, I consider my wife some of the best “scenery” around.

We had a wonderful time and we came away with some photographs that will serve to help remind us of the time we spent together that day. The point is this. Know your purpose in traveling as a photographer and then consider the feelings and purpose of those who might be with you. Better than this, consider it before you ever leave the house.

Certainly there will be times when traveling where the trip might be a once in a lifetime experience. In those cases it is hoped that understanding and compromise can be established, so that everyone’s needs can be met. Remember, where your relationships are concerned and travel required there are priorities that must never be determined a minority in the greater scheme of things.

Be absorbed, but know the absorption must be directed correctly based on the circumstances you find yourself in. This requires photography to “take a backseat” sometimes, provided your truck has one. If not, put it in the cooler, so that when it is time to picnic you can capture some great personal moments. The smiling images you may capture will be those you will remember for a lifetime.

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May 18, 2011

The Edge 35: Sunset Journey to Lake Crescent

By Michael Frye

by Tonya S. Winters

Photo 1

Come and take a drive with me along the gorgeous scenic highway U.S. 101 on the western strip of beautiful Washington State from the town of Aberdeen north to the now well-known town of Forks. It is a warm, sunny day in May as we drive through the impressive Olympic National Forest, a rainforest exhibiting impressive breathtaking views and wildlife! Surrounded by massive Sitka Spruce, which thickly decorate the edges of the scenic highway on both sides, our journey will soon take us past Forks towards another town known as Port Angeles. As we proceed, the sun moves to the west. Shadows lengthen while rays of sunlight force their way through the trees creating strips of light across this nearly deserted highway.

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As we continue on, the heavily overgrown rainforest occasionally opens, though slightly generous, to allow a peek at the seemingly calm Pacific Ocean on the left. For an area known for having mostly rainy days, we just happen to embark on this journey on one of those rare sunny, clear days. But not for long as dark heavy-burdened clouds build at the horizon announcing a storm is near.

Though the scenic view thus far has been lovely, for any adventurer it is the anticipation of an unexpected scene that may lie ahead that brings hope of something unique and exciting on this journey. Our travels bring us through Forks and onward, leading us now east. Unknowing of our path before us, the drive begins to feel quite lengthy and the views of our journey through the Olympic National Forest are becoming quite repetitive. Just as a nap seems in order, we round a bend and find ourselves upon a stunning and quite unexpected on-the-road view! We come upon Lake Crescent at Sunset! The natural light brightening the trees just ahead of us and the end-of-the-day shadows crossing the road with a rich blue reflecting off the lake, though just a sliver of a view, and the deep, cornflower blue shadows over the cedars and Douglas fir trees retreating beyond the lake, creates a stunning picturesque view of the area. At last, we encounter our unexpected and most anticipated scenery surprise of our journey!

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Lake Crescent, located at the northern part of the Olympic National Forest, is an 8.5 mile long glacial lake known for its immaculate turquoise water reaching depths up to 624 feet! Lake Crescent, a beauty beholding great adventures desiring to be explored!

Follow Me on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/tswinters

Works Cited:

http://www.lakelubbers.com/lake-crescent-468/

(This article, and all photographs contained here in, is copyrighted by Tonya S. Winters, May 2011. It is displayed here with the expressed permission of Tonya S. Winters. No copies or facsimiles of this article, whether in part or in full, may be distributed without the expressed permission of Tonya S. Winters.)

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April 29, 2011

PhotographyBB Online Magazine – 39th Edition is here! – PhotographyBB Online Magazine and Community

By Michael Frye

PhotographyBB Online Magazine – 39th Edition is here! – PhotographyBB Online Magazine and Community.

Get the LATEST and GREATEST from this really wonderful photography magazine.

Remember, IT’S FREE!

Apr 29th, 2011 – VANCOUVER, CANADA:PhotographyBB announced today, the release of the 39th edition of the downloadablePhotographyBB Online Magazine. PhotographyBB Online Magazine is a completely free, monthly publication with the goal of educating beginner to intermediate level photographers, and has become a leading resource in the future of free information distribution. PhotographyBB Online Magazine offers readers: Digital Photography tips and techniques, DSLR camera function training, discussions on issues surrounding the photo community, and image post processing tutorials in Adobe® Photoshop, and RAW processing in Photoshop Lightroom.

This month’s edition explores photography tips and techniques for capturing memorable moments at sporting events, a look at how photographers can use the features of the LinkedIn social networking suite to further their careers, and a demonstration of the power of Lightroom’s adjustment brush tool. This edition also features a new Reader FAQ column under the topics of lighting and portrait photography, and answers the question: Is a DSLR camera right for you?

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April 23, 2011

Guest Post: Be a Better Photographer

By Michael Frye

 

I watched a documentary on PBS about how National Geographic picked the top ten photographs for 2010.  They chose quite a diverse set of images from different photographers around the globe.  As they counted down I was amazed at how simple but powerful the images were.  The number one image was simple but made a powerful statement.  I wrote down a few notes and thought this would be a good place to share my thoughts of what I learned and how we all can apply simple techniques to our photography regardless of what our speciality is.
 
At the end of the show each photographer was asked what makes a great photograph.  There were several that gave the typical response; find something you know best, look in your backyard or close to home to photograph, be patient, photograph something that is fun and is what your passionate about.  All of these are great suggestions and are something we should focus our attention on but there were other comments that stood out that I want to focus on today.
 
The harder you try to take the photograph that you think is going to be great the less likely it is your going to get that photograph.  
 
How many times have you had a vision of a certain photograph you wanted to make and ended up loving something entirely different?  This happened to me recently.  I wanted to capture a sunrise over the Wasatch Mountains with water from the Great Salt Lake in the foreground. I drove out to Antelope Island and arrived in time to get all my gear setup waiting as the sun started to crest over the Wasatch Mountains.  The light was great and the reflection on the water was just as I had envisioned.  I was pleased with the images I was getting but as I turned around to pack up my gear I saw something that I wish I had paid closer  attention to.  The water at the marina was calm and the colors were perfect.  I quickly captured the image below and It turned out to be my favorites of the morning.  I was so focused on capturing a sunrise that I didn’t look around my surroundings for other opportunities.  I’ve now learned to be patient and not to walk away too soon from opportunities.
 

 
Focus on the star/subject of the photograph then pull back to show more of the scene. Know what the main subject is your trying to portray in your photograph.  Zoom in on that subject then pull back to show the surroundings that can support your subject.  I don’t know how many times I’ve tried to capture something in an image then when I review it on my computer screen I get bored with it because there isn’t a main subject or it’s lost within all the clutter.  In the photograph below I wanted the light and sign to be the main subjects.  As I was composing this photograph I wanted to make sure the lights and buildings in the background didn’t distract from the sign and light.  I had to stand on the edge of the river bank in order to capture this image and was able to isolate the light and sign enough to make them the main subject.  


If your pictures are not good enough your not reading, studying, and photographing enough. I’m always trying to learn and improve my techniques, as I go back and review my photographs I think what were you thinking.  I’m amazed at how many resources there are available on the internet for photographers that are free, if your in a rut or are not happy with your photographs get out and shoot more.  Put yourself in uncomfortable situations and photograph something your not familiar with.  Explore with off camera lighting and learn about light.  I was asked recently to sit on a panel with three other photographers.  We were asked to bring some images that we thought were our best work and some images that were we considered flops.  The audience would critique our images and talk about what would have made the image better.  It was a humbling experience to have my images critiqued by a large room full of photographers that I respect.  I learned a lot that evening and took the advice of several photographers and incorporated that into my style.  

A few other quotes that I liked from the documentary were:
  •  
    • Good photographs come from understanding compassion and study of what you are representing.

  •  
    • Get and education in liberal arts so you can tell a story with your photographs.  

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    • Powerful memorable photographs happen when you don’t see the photographer.  You simply see the the photographer stripping away all preconceptions to show reality.  

  •  
    • Set a goal, go somewhere no one has gone before and capture that moment.
  •  
    • Good photographs come from understanding compassion and study of what you are representing.   

I’d like to thank Mike for this opportunity, I’m always trying new techniques and tricks to make me a better photographer.  I’m not a man of many words so writing this was definitely something out of my comfort zone.  

(This article, and all photographs contained here in, is copyrighted by Scott O. Smith. It is displayed here with the expressed permission of Scott O. Smith. No copies or facsimiles of this article, whether in part or in full, may be distributed without the expressed permission of Scott O. Smith.)
Note to the author: I would like thank Scott for providing this wonderful article for use on PhotoCapM. It is greatly appreciated and the information provided is excellent. Please visit Scott’s website where you can read and see more of his wonderful work. Visit http://www.scottosmith.com today.

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April 20, 2011

The Essence of Light & Color – The Grand Canyon

By Michael Frye

by Tonya S. Winters

Grand Canyon1

What is to be said of a canyon draped in layers of fabric?

Drenched in rich earthly tones?

It is said to be

Overcome by an occasional summer thunderstorm.

The strength of the sun,

Rays penetrating the depth of grey,

That darkens the canyon

Stealing its color,

Reminds the spectator of a sculpture below

Highlighting its magnificence – the fine details

With its radiance.

Who gives of its own design?

Lines so even,

So detailed,

So precise

Painted on a canvas of nature

Furnished by its Maker

Stroke by stroke

Layer by layer

Obviously, suffice.

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What is to be said of a canyon so finely sculpted?

So precisely defined?

This painter, this artist

Many talents indeed

For a sculptor it decidedly needs

For a canyon a mile deep

Each element so fine

Precisely formed and etched

Her curves and dips they are

Yet, so delicately or so forcefully perhaps

Carved with such great intent and design.

Grand Canyon 3Grand Canyon 4

For what story does this canyon portray?

Each level with its own tale

Of a time that once was

A life that is no more

But also, it tells of a place that is

A time of the present

As the Colorado River continues

Carving of the future it does

Forever designing the Canyon’s grandeur.

What is to be said of a canyon so grand?

A natural wonder of our world

One of the seven to be precise

Say this Grand Canyon to be.

It has been said

By an honorable man

President Theodore Roosevelt himself

Declared the Grand Canyon to be

One place so great

That every American should see!

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The Grand Canyon is certainly one of the seven natural wonders of the world! It became a National Park in 1919. Running a mile deep and the gorge measuring 277 miles long, the canyon is known to have one of the most complete geologic cross sections visible on earth! The California condor, an endangered species, is part of the canyon wildlife along with cougars, rattlesnakes, and Gila monsters to name a few. The wildlife and natural vegetation is supported in this southwest desert by the Colorado River that runs along the base of the canyon continuing to naturally carve deeper into the design of the Grand Canyon!

Follow Tonya http://twitter.com/tswinters

For more information about the Grand Canyon please visit http://www.thecanyon.com/.

 

(This article, and all photographs contained here in, is copyrighted by Tonya S. Winters, March 2011. It is displayed here with the expressed permission of Tonya S. Winters. No copies or facsimiles of this article, whether in part or in full, may be distributed without the expressed permission of Tonya S. Winters.)

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