by tmoffett | May 10, 2012 | Color, Landscape
Rainstorm at the Needles
I can’t say that I love cold and rainy weather, but I do love how a good storm can create a mood. Last week as I was on the Oregon Coast, we had rain every day, and it wasn’t Idaho rain, this was real rain. It was tempting at times not to go out in the elements, as I was on a relaxing vacation, not really a working photography trip. However, every time I had the thought to stay in, thoughts of the different look I could get if I ventured out entered my mind and I was easily persuaded to photograph in the rain. I am very glad I did, as I was able to add a few images to my Oregon portfolio that have a much different feel to them than those that I had previously made.
When photographing in adverse conditions, it is so important to really have a command of the medium. Knowing what effect different shutter speeds will have on an image when the rain is coming down and the wind blowing is really not something that you want to have to think about. By the time you have thought about it, it is too late. The whole scene may have changed. I want to be able to quickly evaluate a scene and make fast decisions as to how to capture the feeling that I want to portray, set the camera and move on. In these situations I was fortunate to have my wife with me as an assistant, holding an umbrella or doing whatever was necessary to keep my equipment as dry as possible. This is not an easy task when the rain is blowing horizontally, but she did a fantastic job. I focused on making images while she focused on keeping us dry. It was a great combination that allowed me to make a few wonderful images.
by tmoffett | May 8, 2012 | Color, Landscape
Rainstorm, Ecola State Park
It is always good to be back home. After a 5 day trip to the Oregon Coast, we arrived home yesterday. I love Oregon. It is one of my favorite places to travel to and photograph. However, as much as I love Oregon, Idaho is my home, and I live returning home.
The work from the trip is now just beginning. I have started sorting images and determining what will be printed. Then the processing and prep work. Proofing, re-edit and then on to the final prints. It is an enjoyable process for me. I have always loved the entire process of photography. It is a lot of work, but very rewarding. I cannot see myself doing anything else.
The image above is one of the many potential prints from this trip. It was taken in Ecola State Park during a major rainstorm. It rained most of the week and was cold. Even in these adverse conditions, however, the photography was most enjoyable. Oftentimes the storms bring great opportunities to create great photographs, if a person is willing to brave the weather. I have many students who are afraid to take their cameras out in the weather, but with a little preparation they would have many great opportunities that would otherwise be lost. Covering the camera with a plastic bag is an easy and cheap way to keep equipment dry. My favorite method, however is to have my wife be my assistant and carry an umbrella that will keep both me and my cameras dry. That is how I worked most of the week. It was wonderful, and we made some great photographs.
by tmoffett | May 1, 2012 | Color, Landscape, Ramblings
Horizon from Devils Churn
I love the ocean. I’m not sure how I fell in love with it, but I did. I grew up in Utah and have lived in Idaho for the past 20 plus years, but somewhere along the way I found the ocean. Every chance I get, I head to the sea, most frequently to the Oregon Coast is my destination of choice. I love the smell, the sights, the sounds. Waves crashing into a rocky shoreline or sitting on a sandy beach. It is all good to me. I can sit and watch the waves for hours and never tire of the experience.
While observing and experiencing the ocean, I am often drawn to the horizon, that line where sea and sky meet. There are times that it is nearly invisible, as the two blend almost seamlessly together, and at other times there is a distinct line. The reflection of colors bouncing off the water, blending in very abstract ways, depending on the wave action is fascinating to me as well. The longer I sit, the more I realize there is to see. The more I attempt to photograph my vision, the more I realize that my vision is very fluid. I see differently, depending on my circumstances. It keeps me coming back for more. And every time I do, I am not disappointed.
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