by tmoffett | Aug 21, 2010 | Color, Family, Ramblings
The Dock
I have spent many hours on this dock fishing with my kids. This particular night, however, just after sunset the dock emptied and was a perfect subject for a photograph. After shooting, though, I did get out my fishing pole and Christeena and I caught some fish. We had a great time watching the light dim on McGowan Peak as the reflections in the water changed minute by minute and then watch the stars as they began appearing.
I think this image has more meaning to me because it brings back the great memories of vacations with my family to this very location. It is one of my very favorite lakes to spend a summer day. My goal is always to create a feeling in my images, this time a feeling of the peace and calm that I feel when spending a lazy summer evening watching the sun set and the stars come out. Nothing compares to that wonderful relaxed feeling at the end of a long day when you get a few minutes in nature with the one you care about most. I could do this every day!
by tmoffett | Aug 20, 2010 | Color, Family, Landscape, Ramblings
Thunderstorm, Bear Lake
A couple of weeks ago I was at a family reunion at Bear Lake in Southeast Idaho. It started out a great day, warm and sunny. A perfect day for the lake. It didn’t take long to change. This thunderstorm rolled over the mountain and within just a few minutes everything turned dark. We could see lightning in the distance, but that did not stop the playing in the water. After a few minutes, though, hair started standing up on end. It was scary. When that happened, the entire beach cleared out. It was interesting to watch as everyone moved to the shore and packed it in. The feeling was very eerie. you could feel the electricity. Car antennas buzzed with static. People sat in cars just watching, then seeing that it wasn’t going to change for the better anytime soon, they left. I got out my camera and began shooting, trying to recreate the feeling. Just as the rain hit, with no one else left on the beach, I packed it in as well and we headed out.
Feeling in landscape photography, it makes all the difference.
by tmoffett | Aug 19, 2010 | Black and White, Landscape, Photo tips, Photographic Philosophy
Early Morning in the Sawtooths
The Sawtooth Mountains are one of my favorite places to visit. The cool, fresh morning air makes waking up a pleasure. The scenery is incredible, especially first thing in the morning. Saturday I had the pleasure of being at Alturas Lake at sunrise. We had a light fog that created a mood and feeling that was calm and relaxing. It was wonderful just to be there and enjoy Gods creations. What made it even better was being able to photograph the experience.
What do I look for when I am out with my camera? How do I find the right subjects to photograph? I am asked these questions on occasion. I have thought about what I do and how I do it so that I can accurately answer. While out photographing I tend to not only look with my eyes, but also with my heart. I try to feel what is happening around me. What mood is surrounding me? When I feel something I get out the camera and try to produce the feeling in an image. Not always an easy task but always a worthwhile endeavor. By searching for feeling an image with deeper meaning is created. It is not just a pretty picture, it becomes a piece of art.
by tmoffett | Aug 18, 2010 | Color, Photo tips, Random images
Tanks And Trains
On occasion I get the chance to shoot commercial photographs for some medium to large businesses based here in Idaho. On this occasion I was photographing a large asphalt plant. How do you make a big industrial area with large storage tanks and rail cars look inviting and interesting? It is all about light.
Originally this company wanted me to shoot earlier in the day, and I insisted that to get what they really wanted I needed to be there later. They agreed to my terms and afterward were very pleased with the images. I waited until just before sunset so that the light was softer and at a lower angle, thus having the ability to create shape and form from the tanks. With the softer light, the black rail car also held detail while the lowering sun struck the sides of the white tanks creating three dimensional depth. As a bonus, we had a few light clouds in the sky to add some nice texture to an otherwise blue sky.
Remember, photography is all about the light!
by tmoffett | Aug 17, 2010 | Color, Composition, Landscape
Summertime Fog, Redfish Lake
Had to post another image from last weeks trip to Stanley, Idaho. It was such an unusual look for this time of year. The simplicity of the scene created by the fog, as it minimizes the contrast and the background distractions was captivating. I am always looking for simplicity in my images as that is what I am. Just a simple photographer living a simple life. The concept of “less is more” really works here. It is a hard concept to teach, but when mastered is very effective.
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