by tmoffett | Aug 16, 2010 | Landscape, Photographic Philosophy, Ramblings
Foggy Morning, Redfish Lake
When in Stanley, I struggle over whether to photograph in the morning or go fishing. Last week Photography won out! I still got in plenty of fishing, but the early mornings were perfect for making photographs.
On Friday morning as Christeena and I left our campground at about 6:00 the sky was clear and temperature cool. It was normal August weather for the area. However, just a mile down the road we saw the fog in the valley. It looked incredible. We stopped at several places to photograph (images to come later), then as we neared Stanley the fog got so thick we could hardly see. As we turned toward Redfish Lake, it thinned out a little. We stopped at Little Redfish Lake for a while, and after I was happy with what I had captured there we decided to drive on to Redfish and see what was there. I was totally happy with what I had to that point and was ready to go fishing. I am so glad that I didn’t, though. What we found was amazing! The fog and mist on the lake created the most unusual, surreal backdrop for the boats at the marina. I had never seen anything like it, especially in August! It looked more like a winter snow scene. I shot for about 30-45 minutes, and then the fog burned off and all was normal again. The morning was the most incredible 3 hour photo session that I can remember in a long time. I hope you enjoy the images as much I enjoyed creating them.
Timing is everything. If you want great images you must put in the effort. Getting up early is one of those things that must be done if you want to have great light for landscape photography. If I had nor got up at 5:30 and gone out in the cold I would have missed this phenomenon. However, I put in the effort and was able to not only enjoy the photographs, but was able to experience being there and creating the images. Just being there was worth it. Having the images to relive the experience is even better.
by tmoffett | Aug 15, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Photographic Philosophy
Summer Sky
Like it or not, we’re back! The fishing was good and the photography was great around Stanley, Idaho! We photographed around the Stanley Lake area, Little Redfish Lake and Alturas Lake. I have not had time yet to process out the images, but check back often, as they will be showing up in future entries. The morning fog in the valley was quite incredible. Very fun to photograph in. We had a great time, and it was much needed to get away from everything, including cell phones and the internet for a couple of days. It was very refreshing for the mind.
Due to not having finished any images yet from this trip, I have dug into the archives for today. This photograph is of a section of Lake Lowell that I pass frequently when riding my bike. The interesting thing about Lake Lowell, and just about any location, is the constant change. As the water level drops during the year due to irrigation, the shoreline changes. I think I could shoot along the banks every day and find something new. Sometimes it is the light that changes, sometimes the scene is changed and sometimes I see it differently because my attitude has changed. All of these things affect my photography, but of the three, I think attitude has the most effect. So if you find yourself in a rut and having a hard time finding an image, look inside yourself. I have found that if I have the right attitude and mindset, something will always present itself.
by tmoffett | Aug 12, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Photo tips
Early Winter
Do you ever need to de-emphasize a busy background? I know on occasion I do. In portraiture this is an everyday situation, but a technique that is not used as frequently in landscape photography. However, it is very valuable to understand at times.
This particular scene, if shot on auto or with a point and shoot camera would be so busy that we really would not be able to tell what the main subject is. By utilizing a wide aperture (f4 in this case) the background becomes very soft, just a nice texture that visually disappears. The main subject, remaining sharp, stands out. It creates three dimensional depth. To take control in these situations, you must understand the relationship between aperture (f-stops) and shutter speeds. As you open up the aperture, the shutter speed must decrease proportionally. By doing this, your exposure remains constant and the depth of field becomes shallow, thus creating the desired effect. Most of the time in landscape photography, we are wanting just the opposite effect, small aperture and long shutter speed, giving you a much greater depth of field.
by tmoffett | Aug 10, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Photo tips
The Owyhees
I have had this image as the banner on the blog now for several months, but have never discussed it. It is one that I really enjoy, even though it is not perfect. I had just finished photographing a family at Celebration Park, which overlooks the Snake River just outside of Melba, Idaho. I was tired. It had been a long day and I just wanted to go home. However, as I drove out of the park, I saw this view of the Owyhee Mountains and had to stop. This is one of the few times that I didn’t use a tripod for a landscape image. I did, however, rest the lens against the open window frame of my car. I knew I needed a camera support, but was just too tired to get everything back out. The car did the trick. I have printed the image up to 44 inches and it is very sharp. I know that without some sort of support, though, it would have been soft and unprintable. This is one case where knowing how to get the support quickly and easily paid off.
Many of my students complain about needing to use tripods, so I try to show them different methods to accomplish the same thing. Even though there are other methods of supporting the camera, I find that most often a tripod is still the easiest method. I always carry a tripod. Even if I don’t have a camera, I have a tripod. It very rarely leaves my truck. I have just found that it is so important of a tool. When I don’t use it, I always find that I wished I had. I just cannot hold the camera as still as a tripod does.
by tmoffett | Aug 9, 2010 | Color, Landscape, Ramblings
Sunset, Lower Dam, Lake Lowell
What is it about sunsets that we all enjoy? Each one is so different, not one the same or even similar. I have my own ideas why we all enjoy them so much. Maybe your ideas are different. I would love to hear others views.
All day long we view the world in cold, blue light. Our eyes adjust to the color and we see it as “normal.” Then for a few brief minutes at the end of the day everything changes. On the evening of a great sunset, the whole color palette of the world shifts to the warm spectrum. Psychologically warm is inviting, it draws us in, it is captivating. If nothing else it is different. I could be very happy sitting next to my sweetheart every evening watching the sun set, just watching and soaking in the warm feelings. Life couldn’t get much better.
by tmoffett | Aug 7, 2010 | Color, Landscape
Reflections in Blue
Moving water can create an interesting surface for reflections. I found this peaceful image while strolling the banks of Lake Lowell one summer morning. Soft light, blue sky and a few ripples in the water. What else can be said? I hope you enjoy.
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