2010 WORKSHOP INFO and some newly processed images and other notes…
Greetings everyone….
I’m getting caught up on a lot of projects prior to my workshop season getting going.
Here are some workshop updates:
DEATH VALLEY–FEB 19-23 with Ralph Nordstrom 2 spots left Death Valley Workshop Announcement 
JOSHUA TREE — MARCH 12-14 ( could be great this yer with all the rain SO Cal has been getting!) JOSHUA TREE NP WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
SOUTHWEST WORKSHOP (Page AZ, Slots, Lake Powell Area and Monument Valley& more) APRIL 15- 18– SW PHOTOWORKSHOP_2010
MACRO & MORE–COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE & OREGON COAST with MIKE MOATS–JUN 10-14 –MACRO & MORE COL RIVER GORGE_ORE COAST_JUNE 2010
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE LANDSCAPE & DSLR VIDEO WORKSHPOP with Greg Duncan, a SLR video expert!!
JUNE 3-6 2010
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, Washington–JULY 7-11 2010— OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK_JULY 7011_2010
OREGON COAST–AUGUST 19-23 2010 COAST WORKSHOPS OVERVIEW 
EASTERN SIERRA FALL COLOR WORKSHOP ( new itinerary from previous years) EASTERN SIERRA 2010WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
FALL COLOR in the NAPA VALLY and the SF BAY AREA( including the coast!) with Ralph Nordstrom NOV 4-7 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA-WORKSHOP INFO NOV 2010
WYOMING WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI–(Yellowstone, Teton NP’s and Big Horn Sheep in Cody!!) DECEMBER 7-14 2010 2010 WYO GEN INFO
HOW TO REGISTER: REG MASTER 2010
WORKSHOP FAQ’S DW_GENERAL WORKSHOP QUESTIONS_FAQ’S INFORMATIONv32010
( remember–repeat attendees gat a 10% discount on all futuer Jack Graham Photography Workshops
ALL ATTENDEES get discounts on Lensbaby, NIK Software and Think Tank products as well as feww merchandise from Photograph America Newsletter)
NANPA Members also receive an additional 10% discount ( almost a one years membership!–see below)
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BIG ANNOUNCEMENT COMING AS WELL:
Mike Moats ( www.tinylandscapes.com ) , Bill Fortney (www.billfortney.net ) and I will be conducting a 4 day workshop in the Smoke’s (Townsend Tn.)from July 29 through August 1st. Details will be available shortly. PLease send me an email nd I’ll put you on the list to send this info out as soon as I get it together. ( in about 1 week) This workshop will be focusing on PHOTOGRAPHIC DESIGN for FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY both in Landscape photography as well as Macro Photography. We will be conducting 2 field sessions per day with enough time to critique images and give direction in all aspects of designing fine are photographs. This will be a very special workshop.
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Again this year, I’ll be conducting a workshop in the COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE from May 19-23rd gor the GAPW (Great American Photography Workshop) folks. Information and registration can be found at www.gaphotoworks.com or by calling Rhonda at 866-747-4279
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I’ll be doing an entry here soon about the new upgraded program from the NIK Software folks www.niksoftware.com ; VIVEZA2 which was recently released.
Remember you can get a 15% discount on all NIK software by entering the code JGRAHAM in the coupon window upon checkout.
Also, they are going to be holding their 1st annual NIK Summit in May–details can be found here www.niksummit.com. I’ll be there for sure!!
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Anyone going to the NANPA ( North American Nature Photography Association) Summit in Reno NV. in Feb? I’ll be there on Wed & Thurs Feb 17-18. Let me know.. and say hello!
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SOME RECENTLY PROCESSED IMAGES ( trying to get caught up)
PHOTOGRAPHING TWO GREAT LOCATIONS IN SW UTAH and SE NEVADA
JAN 2010
ALL TEXT and IMAGES © Jack Graham/ All Rights Reserved
LITTLE FINLAND—— but in the NEVADA DESERT
I was recently chatting with my good friend Robert Hitchman of the PHOTOGRAPHIC AMERICA NEWSLETTER (www.photographamericanewsletter.com ). I told him I was planning a trip to southwestern Utah. He informed me that his next newsletter ( #113) would be covering some little explored but strange in interesting landscapes in an area known as Little Finland ( or Hobgoblins or even Devils Playground).
FIRST LET ME THANK BOB HITCHMAN … for getting us there and out using his upcoming newsletter (#113) on this area.
This area has been photogrphed by some well know nature photographers, but not many.
Most folks know the area called the Valley of Fire State Park; not far out of Las Vegas, but this little know area can offer something special. Beware though… this area is not for the casual photographer, let alone driver… it’s far off the beaten path in the South Eastern part of Clark County, NV. You will drive about 80 miles from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. After exiting you have about another 40 miles (about a 2 hr drive AFTER exiting the interstate) of some really tough driving even when it’s dry. I WOULD NOT ATTEMPT THIS LOCATION WHEN IT’S RAINING.
I am not going to go into a lot of detail here for one main reason. I could not do a better job, nor will I try, as Bob did in this issue of the Photograph America Newsletter (#113) entitled……………………SECRETS of the NEVADA DESERT.
I’ll just make a few points .
1) You don’t necessarily need 4 wheel drive, but it would be very helpful. High clearance vehicles would work. Make sure you have good tires, all terrain if possible.
2) The unpaved part of the trip can be very bumpy. Bob does make a good point that since this area is so remote…traveling with another vehicle is recommended incase you break down. There is no cell service, food or drink and few road signs (remember your portable GPS)… so you know the drill.
3) We arrived with about 1 hr of decent light. Unfortunatly, we had almost cloudless skies, making for not so hot photography, but this weas really more of of a exedition and fact finding excursion. Boy, we were pleased we went. I plan to go back here and camp overnight, and be there for early AM and sunset. Midday light is tough.
Why is this called Little Finland? This nothing to do with Finland… it’s called this because of the rock formations that can seem to look like fins. You’ll love seeing the mysterious faces of people and wild animals that have been formed by the eroding sandstone, making for endless photographic possibilities. You can really let your mind wander in this remote and mysterious place.
Well that’s enough…. Get a hold of this issue of PHOTOGRAPH AMERICA (and all the others for that matter). Bob will tell you what equipment to bring and offer minute details (his odometer reading are 100% correct and GPS coördinates are included—AND YOU BETTER BRING A PORTABLE GPS!)………… This is certainly not the easiest place to get to, but well worth it. Make plans to visit the Little Finland Area in the SE Nevada desert.
Though we are there in tough light for much rewarding photography, you’ll get the idea of what’s out there. I suggest camping ( DO NOT ATTEMPT DRIVING THERE IN THE DARK!) out there to get the sunrise and sunset light that makes me look forward to getting back there soon. Imagine some of these rock creatures silhouetted against an orange sunset! Here are just a few images I shot last week.
FOR COMPLETE DETAILS contact WWW.PHOTOGRAPHAMERICA.COM . The new issue due out anytime now (#113) has everything you need to know and more on this area.
SNOW CANYON, Southwestern Utah’s Hidden Gem
While the crowds of photographers are invading Zion, Bryce Canyon and other natural wonders of the southwestern part of Utah, reasonably close by Snow Canyon State Park, offers some simply amazing photographic opportunities, which dwarfed by some of the the icons and National Parks in the area, to me , is every bit as wonderful, and certainly less crowded!
Located about 11 miles from the center of St. George Utah (about 2 hours NE of Las Vegas) is Snow Canyon State Park. I’ve visited there a few times with my friends and fellow photographers Bob Kulon (www.bobkulonphoto.com) and Gerry Emery (ex- pats if Ohio). Every time has been a real pleasure resulting in some interesting images, this gem of a state park is easily accessible via the many paths that offer some diverse landscape and flora. The landscape photography is as good and productive as anywhere I’ve been to on the southwest, yes including all the iconic areas.
Within a short and easy hike of your vehicle. A paved two-lane road (formerly UTAH SR 300 enters the park from the town of Ivins on the south, winds up the canyon a ways, then climbs up the eastern edge to the bench above Snow Canyon, where the road joins UTAH SR 18 Ancient lava flows spill over the eastern edges of Snow Canyon from above, where the road climbs out of the canyon valley. Facilities include a 35-unit campground, modern rest rooms, hot showers, electric hookups, sewage disposal station, and a covered group-use pavilion and overflow campground.
The highest point in the park, according to a topo map, is a peak of 5024 feet nearly due west of the southern cinder cone, standing above the eastern edge of the east fork of Snow Canyon. Park elevation is just over 3000’
I suggest trying to explore Snow Canyon during the winter, spring or fall. Summer can be very hot however; the monsoon storms in July and August can produce dramatic light. As always in the canyon/slick rock areas of the American Southwest, always be alert to weather as flash floods can put you in peril. Early spring and fall use of the park is especially appealing due to southern Utah’s moderate winter climate. Don’t forget to bring some water and snacks.
Wear good hiking boots with good tread. Walking on even dry slick rock can be dangerous. There are some drop-offs of hundreds of feet and one slit could be catastrophic.
Though the images you are viewing here are representative of the area, I’ve never been there with really dramatic light that storms and unusual Utah weather can produce. Both Bob & Gerry have some great images shot here under those conditions.
This park, like many other Southwestern Locations is what I can a “Sweet Light” park, meaning pre sunset through an hr or 2 after to sunset through an hr past. There are red rocks walls face west and allow the early morning sunlight to shed its warm sweet light upon them. These red and white stunning towering sandstone cliffs and peaks also encircle many valleys of jumbled black lava rock interspersed with serpentine sandy washes. Macro photography of the many lichens is most interesting.
I would suggest doing a bit of scouting before arriving at Snow Canyon to photograph. This will insure you are somewhat familiar with the area before arriving in the dark and looking for a spot to set up. Both the east and west sides of the road have been productive for me during the few visits I’ve been lucky to have been taken there by Bob and Gerry who both know the area and shoot there often.
So, if you want to beat the crowds at Zion or Bryce, take a short picturesque drive over to Snow Canyon. You won’t be sorry.
FYI—there isn’t a lot of snow there. The canyon is named after 2 settlers named Snow.
Here is the park brochure:
PARK BROCHURE: http://static.stateparks.utah.gov/docs/SnowCanyonBrochure.pdf and a few more images…..JG / Jan 2010
Though the following image was NOT shot in Snow Canyon, there are many dirt roads off the main paved roads that contain some great vistas. This is one and is one of my favorites from the day out with Bob & Gerry. This is a valley scorched by fire with the mountains in the background. Don’t miss this area when you travel to Zion & Bryce!
GRAHAM and SON
I spend a lot of time conducting photography workshops all over the United States. I spend time with many return customers who have become friends over the years. I spend time with lots of new faces. Yes, I also spend a lot of time in my office (sometimes too much!) when I am not traveling in one form or another, and not nearly enough out by myself exploring and shooting like I would like to. Recently, I had time to not only get out shooting, but doing so with my son Matthew.
About a year ago, I received a call from Matthew (who lives on the east coast) to tell me he acquired his first decent DSLR camera and he was really interested in learning how to properly take photographs. During what I would call his “initial plunge” into photography, he quickly learned that taking quality photographs isn’t nearly as easy as one may believe and that being outside, exploring the natural world is pretty cool.
Enter the old man………..Over the past months Matthew and I have spent lots of time looking at both his work and mine. I recommended him buying all the John Shaw books and others, and get out and enjoy photography. We’ve discussed all the things that I typically do on workshops and closely critique images. In the beginning of Matt’s foray into photography, I kind of left him to his own a bit to see if he was really serious… well, he’s serious alright!
Matthew has upgraded his equiptment and is now shooting the Nikon D300 with some decent glass, a good tripod and quality ball head etc.
Matthew is one of the busiest tattoo artists in the New Jersey, New York City area.
I really didn’t take his job this too seriously until I realized how good he is at it, how seriously he takes it and how he makes a decent living at it. It truly is an art form. (I have yet to receive my 1st tattoo yet, and I rather doubt I will). Going back to his childhood, Matthew’s artistic ability was amazing, primarily focused in drawing when mine was initially driven towards music. I can hardly draw a stick figure. His work is amazing and is a gift.
Check his work out at on his website www.njinkworks.com (Click on Photo Gallery to see more of his photography)
One of the things he quickly realized was that the basic principles of drawing and art overlaps into Photography. Perhaps this why his eye has developed as quickly as it has.
While in New Jersey last summer for his sisters wedding, we made plans for him to come to the Pacific Northwest for a few days when we both could get out and shoot, and learn (Yes I am still learning everyday!). Recently Matthew came on out, and we spent many hours of driving, photographing and enjoying each other’s company. More importantly, it was a good time for us to spend time together… photography just made it more fun.
Frankly, I was quite blown away on his vision and technique, for only been working on his photographic skills for such a small amount of time. He knows he has lots more to learn, but then again don’t we all. I have little doubt he’ll grow in photography. Trust me; Matthew rarely does anything half way.
All of the images found here in this posting were taken on our too quick few days together.
The weather herein the Pacific NW has been changeable to say the least. However we dodged a few bullets weather wise, and made the best of what we had to deal with.
I can’t wait for volume 2 of our photographic journey together… who knows you may even see him on a workshop next year… that is if he can get away from his busy job!
Thank you Matthew for coming out, and for being you. Keep shooting; keep being critical of your work.
I am proud of you!
HELPFUL TIPS for FALL PHOTOGRAPHY
MAKE THE MOST of AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY….
TIPS for FALL PHOTOGRAPHY
©Jack Graham
Let’s face it, we as photographers….pro’s, amateurs’ or just casual shooters all look forward to the fall color display to get out and capture all that nature has to offer. Once that cool air come in for the 1st time, increasing rain beging and fall color starts, we get that rejuvenated feeling and grab our camera bags and get out to make the most of what can sometimes be a short period of vibrant color. Paying attention to the weather and being prepared can go a long way in succeeding when it comes to fall photography.
Fall photography to me, is all about color, and how to make the most of it. Here are some pointers that can help you come home with the best images possible during this magical season of color.
Pear trees in the fall…. Hood River Valley, Oregon
- Overcast and even rainy weather provides the best lighting for both landscapes as well as for close-ups of fall leaves, ferns, mushrooms, berries, and other fall details. Bright sunny weather creates harsh highlights, blocked shadow details, and even a blue cast due to reflected light from the blue sky. A cloudy sky minimizes the blue cast, reduces contrast, and increases color saturation. Rain and wet conditions serve to even increase the color saturation. A credo of nature photography is that “Bad weather makes for great photography”. Streams, rivers, waterfalls and forests are great subjects to photograph when it rains. In fact when tree trunks get wet they become darker, sometimes even black. This only enhances the color in the leaves. Take care to keep your equipment dry as well as yourself and get out and shoot in these conditions.

This is Tinkers Creek, Bedford Reservation, just south of Cleveland Ohio. This image was taken in the pouring rain.The rain enhanced the colors dramatically.
- You can use a circular diffuser, such as a Photo flex, to soften direct sunlight, simulate an overcast sky, and thus improve the lighting for your fall close-ups.
The use of a diffuser made this images possible
- Early morning and late afternoon lighting on sunny or partly cloudy days can provide dramatic lighting for scenic fall vistas taken in the open. Weather fronts, which often occur in fall, can also provide sensational light, especially when areas of fall color are sunlit against a dark storm sky.
- Let’s talk about sky. John Shaw’s sky rule: “If the sky adds nothing to your image… LEAVE IT OUT”!!! White or overcast, less than dramatic sky is like poison to an image.

This is Conway Summit off HWY 395 about 10 miles north of Lee Vining and Mono Lake in California.
Note the lack of sky in this image. The color is the subject NOT the sky
- Sunny weather is also the best lighting for photographing reflections of fall foliage in lakes, rivers, and streams. The reflections are most dramatic when the fall color is sunlit and the water is in shade.
Try using slow shutter speeds to create abstracts from fall foliage reflected in the moving water of rivers and streams. Be careful if you are using a polarizer. This can detract from the reflections that you really want, of the color in the water.
- Misty, damp days can provide wonderful, moody lighting for fall color and waterfall photography. The air is usually still, eliminating the problem of wind movement, and the moisture on leaves and rocks intensifies their color.
- Look for different subject matter.. think out of the box. For example, my good friend Mike Moats www.tinylandscapes.com pointed pout to me that is you look closely around still water where decaying leaves are present, there is often a color effect in the water that looks like a sheen of oil around the leaves and the water itself

Bacteria in the water , caused by decaying leaves is a very common phenomena. The bacteria can often have a rainbow color, a color that is commonly associated with oil sheen that is seen in a parking lot afer rainfall.
This image was taken with my Nikon D700 and a 200mm F4 Nikon Macro lens. Very little saturation in Photoshop was added.
As with snow scenes where you must open up 1 1/2 stops or more to make the snow white you must do the same in foggy conditions. Relying on your camera’s meter may result in misty scenes that are most times too dark, so you may need to open up by 1 f-stop to retain the foggy light and luminosity that permeate these foggy fall days.
- A polarizing filter can be used to intensify colors and reduce reflections on wet rocks and leaves. An exposure increase of 1 to 2 f-stops will be needed( remember to always check your histograms and expose for the right), depending on the amount of polarization. Your camera meter will adjust the exposure automatically when you attach a polarizing filter. With most modern digital cameras, a “circular” polarizing filter is needed to ensure an accurate exposure reading. Don’t forget your graduated ND’s as well.
- Use color to your advantage. Complimentary colors add to impact images. Green foliage combined with the reds and oranges work well. So does yellow aspens against blue skies in autumn.
- Keep your compositions as simple as possible. Remember, don’t try and write a novel in your photographic composition, write the sentence that tells the story. Always remember the rule of thirds, graphic lines and make your image using a key element as the anchor ( basic good compositional technique). Keep it simple!
The internet is filled with sites to monitor fall color in all areas of the country
www.calphoto.com ( great information on California’s fall color) 
www.weatherchannel.com/activities/driving/fallfoliage/
For serious photographers www.photographers.net is a site I frequent. There are regional groups that are informative with updated color information from members in specific areas.
SEE YOU ALL DOWN THE ROAD———-JG
Ahead to 2010, …The value of a Photo Workshop..Canon G10 in UTAH….. REALLY RIGHT STUFF ACCESSORIES… and MORE!!!
Images and text ©Jack Graham All rights reserved
LAST CALL!!!!!!!!!!!!EASTERN SIERRA WORKSHOP OCTOBER 2010
We have one space availibe for our workshop in the Eastern Sierra next month. Please contact me if you are interested. Details can be found at www.macroandmore.com or by contacting me at jack@jackgrahamphoto.com
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COMING in 2010!!!!
Now that summer is coming to a close, it’s on to 2010.
I’ll be announcing next week my 2010 workshop schedule. This will include new locations such as the Smokies (late April and again in Late July), where Mike Moats ( www.tinylandscapes.com ) and I will be doing a MACRO & MORE workshop with the folks from the Great American Photography Workshop( www.gaphotoworks.com). (The workshop in late July will also feature Bill Fortney www.billfortney.net along with Mike and me). 
I’ll once again be partnering up with Ralph Nordstrom www.ralphnordstromphotography.com to do our 2nd annual Death Valley workshop in February
and then a very special workshop in the Napa Valley, and the San Francisco Bay area, including time on the coast) in November 2010. I’ll be posting my 2010 schedule here on the blog soon.
Mike Moats having a quick lunch
There will be discounted pricing for my workshops for early registration as well as for NANPA www.nanpa.org members.
THE VALUE OF A PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP–KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
As I continue to conduct workshops all over America, it has become more apparent that lots of folks need training in using today’s modern cameras and lenses in order to get the most out of them. Often I see the person who goes out and buys equipment, sometimes very expensive equipment and neglectes to find out how to use it correctly. I recently had a customer who bough a Nikon D3, and had every settings adjusted to: Program mode, automatic metering and auto focusing. This is all well and good, and this camera, set in these modes will often product superb images. His comment to me, when I offered some advice on how manually metering might help in a certain situation, or by shooting in aperture priority would be a benefit was … ” I just paid all this money so the camera would do everything I need automatically”. Well folks… as most of you know, no matter how much you pay, YOU… the photographer make it happen and make a big difference in the quality of images you produce.
Having said that, I suggest to everyone who is either new to photography, or is upgrading to newer more specialized equipment, to include in their budget some training, in properly useing your equipment in the field. Weather you do one of my workshops (andI hope you will ) or someone elses, please do yourself a favor and include training $$$ in your budget. It is really important now more than ever. Remember, good equiptment will GIVE YOU THE CHANCE to get good images. The photographer makes it happen. Knowledge is Power.
Also buying the right equipment and matching it to your needs is very important. A few weeks ago I saw a fellow using a Nikon D700 ( not a cheap camera) with a really average after market lens. How did this happen? ell he went into a camera store, and was “sold” this combination by what was probably an experienced sales person, or someone who really didn’t know or care about this customer. That’s why I encourage you, if you have questions about equipment to consult folks who do. Reputable dealers t you can talk to with knowledgeable staff still easiest. Stay away from the big box stores our the chains if you want information you can count on and people you can call back in a month or year if you have questions. (See my comments about Hunt’s below).
Just my $ 0.02
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I’ll be working closely with the folks at THINK TANK www.thinktankphoto.com in 2010. I’ll also be announcing ways for my attendees to receive discounts in Think Tank merchandise as well.
And finally please consider Hunt’s Photo www.huntsphotoandvideo.comfor you next purchase. These are really good folks to work with. Their pricing is as good as it gets. Their service is the best and most importantly, if you call them, ask for Gary Farber ( digitalguygary@wbhunt.com ….and tell Gary I recommend you). Gary actually answers his phone, and returns calls, something not common in today’s photo retailer world. Often he has special purchases available that are quite amazing. Call Gary at 800-221-1830.
Later this month, I’ll be posting images shot in 2009 using the Lensbaby www.lensbaby.com products. I am having lots of fun creating images that I never though possible using their accessories. They open up a whole new world of photography and allow the photographer to really stretch his or her’s imagination.
Well, hopefully in a week or so, I’ll be back at 100% after my “event” in Olympic National Park. I would personally like to thank everyone for their good thoughts, especially my good friend Bill Fortney from Nikon
who has been there for good council and support.
And as always remember to check out Photograph America for the BEST in where, when and how to photograph www.photographamerica.com. Tell Bob I said hi!
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Canon G10 at SNOW CANYON, UTAH……. ADOBE TRAINING……………… and more!!!
I recently spent some time visiting some friends in St. George, Utah. After what happened in Olympic National Park (see past blog article) I went through a time when I was pretty unmotivated to do anything, let alone photography. At the urging of my wife and a few close friends, I decided to travel down to St. George for a few days as planned a month or so earlier. This trip was a combination of R & R with my good friends, Bob Kulon, Gerry Emery as well as Bob’s kind offer to work on Photo shop & Lightroom with me in order for me to gain more knowledge in properly using these programs. 
Though most of us have our own ways and theories on how to post process. I am always searching out input from those “in the know” to help me to be better at processing my images. Bob is one such person. Bob is as good as it gets, for post processing knowledge and his ability to teach it When it comes to CS4, Lightroom, Elements, and lots of other programs we all may use ( or should!), Bob can, without question, guide you in attaining the best results possible. ( And by the way he’s not a bad photographer either!). For those of you in the Las Vegas, or the Southwestern US area ( St/ George is only about 1 hour from Las Vegas!) and even for those not lucky enough to be located there, I would strongly encourage you to get with Bob and learn his techniques. It would be well worth it http://bkulon.wordpress.com/
Bob’s Online Gallery – http://www.bobkulonphoto.com
As I am waiting on a replacement Nikon D700 and a few lenses that were unfortunately rendered unusable in the wreck in Olympic NP last month so I took only my Canon G10 with me. What a great little camera. (A new G11 was announced this week!). We spent the better part of Saturday and Sunday (it was over 100 degrees during the day….Sunday turned out to be nice & cool after some rain on Sat!) working inside on CS4 & Lightroom. However, on Sunday morning we ventured out just a short distance from Bob’s to Snow Canyon State Park to do some shooting, only about 10 miles from St George.
Red sandstone rocks along with white hills make up the cliffs on each side of the valley.
These areas are particularly colorful and provide excellent and endless photographic opportunities. If you like patterns along with amazing color, this area is as good as it gets. Desert plants add lots of color to the area as well.
Only occasional hikers and photographers are around, which makes things even better for those of us who enjoy working an area looking for some good images. It surly isn’t a crowded park by any means.
All images were made using the Canon G10, Really Right Stuff “L“ bracket and Gitzo Tripod. They were shot in RAW and post processed in Adobe CS4.
ABOVE & LEFT : Endless pattern offer great photographic opportunities.
The image below was taken using the G10’s Macro setting. The “L” bracket, ball head and tripod was necessary to get this sharp.
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I always enjoy telling my workshop attendees the benefits of using the right equipment. Having a good camera and good equipment gives us the “chance” to make a good photograph, and using many of the products from The Really Right Stuff Company www.reallyrightstuff.com is almost a must. As most of you know, who know me, know I preach how important a tripod is. It is maybe MORE important with a small point & shoot like the G10 as with a full sized DSLR. The G10 and it counterparts are small, light and even harder to keep from moving than DSLR’s. In steps the really Right Stuff. Along with plates and “L” brackets for every DSLR and lens available these folks actually make an”L” bracket for the G10 (the G11 bracket is on is way!).
An “L” bracket makes it easy to move from horizontal shot to a vertical shot.
I used this bracket; a sturdy tripod and a good ball head (Yes the RRS makes the best!) all the time to make these images. There is NO WAY they would be sharp without a tripod, ball head and this bracket.
In other words, there is NO FREE LUNCH when it comes to a sharp image. CS4, Light room or any other software you may try will not help if your images aren’t sharp to begin with. (The rumor is that the RRS is coming out with a new tripod that will challenge anything on the market… stay tuned.)
Why not get on their mailing list?
“L” bracket tor Canon G10 by the Really Right Stuff
A word to the wise…. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S AROUND THE NEXT CURVE!
Last Friday, a good friend and I left my Sherwood (home) for a weekend of photography. The purpose was 3 fold. One, to see the wildflower display up at My Rainier (it was AWESOME!) and then drive over to Olympic National Park. Second, was to show my friend, and fellow photographer from San Diego, Greg, areas he hadn’t seen and get some good images. Third, was to shoot some video for workshop promotion and other projects (which we did and was pretty funny in itself at times). This was not a workshop but rather a few days out shooting in some of the nicest, but remote areas in the country.
We got up to Mt Rainier late on the morning in Friday. The mountain was socked in (fog) but we did get some great images of the wildflowers and the area. Since we exhausted the possibilities there due to the weather, we left after lunch for Olympic, via Seattle, and Port Townsend ferry for Olympic National Park. We spent the night in Port Angeles. Saturday’s sunrise at Hurricane Ridge wasn’t great but much better than we thought or expected. We then shot over in the Sol Duc area, as well as the Hoa Rain forest on the west side of the Olympic peninsula. We spent Saturday night in Kalaloch.
On Sunday am we drove up to 4th beach to shoot some decent tide pools at low tide. Again we got some good images.
After the tide pool shoot we planned on heading back to Portland and home.
We took a few detours through some forest service roads to look for more shots and decided to take the loop around Lake Quinault.
The lake is about 15miles long and has a north road and south road. We got to the point where the road was about 17 ‘wide with loose gravel. We were about ¾ around the lake when we came into a pretty big curve (about 45 degrees). About ½ way through the curve a motor home (most of you know how I feel about them) came barreling toward us, really fast and I mean fast!.
The choice was to hit the RV head on or try and avoid him. We had a shallow part of the river, which feed into the lake on our right and about a 20-25’ embankment. I had a split second to make this decision. Well, I decided to try and avoid the RV and swerved to the right. My front right tire went over the embankment. 
Both Greg and I though it would stop the truck by bottoming out but the dirt was so loose on the embankment that we went into a roll , sideways down the embankment, and landed tires up in about 2-3′ of water, in the river that feeds into Lake Quinault. We rolled at least once and maybe twice.
I gatherd some important papers and the Canon G10 I carried along and began to try and get out of the water. Greg followed. We managed to climb up the embankment ( again,about 20-25′). The soil was really dry and not easy to get hardly any traction in, but we made it. The RV drivers wife was standing there and she asked if we were ok. I indicated I didn’t really know! ( What I wanted to say was…” Yea, I’m feeling great, how about you?” but for once I avoided saying the wrong thing.
Here is the amazing part. It was drizzling lightly and I was standing there pretty shocked, wet, in a short sleeve shirt and wet pants. The RV folks were in a big hurry to get out of there, before any rangers showed up. Instead of saying, why don’t you guys come on in and stay dry etc….The RV guy (driver) took off pretty quick after we made it up the embankment. I practically had to beg him for his name & phone #. When I asked him for it, he asked me “why do you need my name # phone #” duhhhhhhh?????…..I really don’t like to (well I guess I do) pre judge folks but this guy knew he caused the accident and hi-tailed it away as soon as he could. His wife actually told him to give me the info… he didn’t want to. He scribbled it down on a paper plate as he looked at me and again says…”I don’t know why you need this”.
… there they go!
This road is only 17′ wide… Why are RV’s even allowed in this section of the road? . I grabbed my Canon G10 (as you can see) and took a lot of images of the road and everything else (and the license plate of the RV guy!)
Keep in mind we were 5-8 miles from the nearest building, 15 miles or so from the nearest little ( and I mean little) town, out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. After a while the ranger came by and did his thing. He was super nice and extremely friendly and helpful. Next time you all get into the National Parks, be courteous to these folks. they are here for you, as I witnessed in person. In fact he had one of his other rangers personally drive us south about an hour to deal with the car in tow and meet my wife, who drove up 4 hrs from home to get us. They were really helpful and get me through the afternoon. Thank you George!!! About 2 hours later the tow truck arrived (they were located 1 hr 15 minutes south in Aberdeen!) and they somehow pulled the truck up the embankment.
I can tell you on thing … both Greg and I are convinced that this vehicle saved our lived.
It was built in 2002 and did not crunch in during the roll. I bet the newer vehicles would have not held up as well. Thanks Ford!
So here’s the bottom line
1) We are both OK. Greg is just a little sore and so am I. My back is pretty screwed up but we both had seat belts on (l don’t wear mine a lot of the time. I was lucky)
2) Camera bags were scattered in the water as were a lot of the truck’s contents flew out of the blow out windows.
3) We have 2 dead cameras, a few dead lenses (due to water), both all memory cards survived and images were intact.
4) My good old Explorer is totaled and begin the process of dealing with the insurance company etc.
BUT…………
We are both in a lot better shape than we could have been. Most everyone who was there was surprised we were walking around and not dead. It’s really funny what goes through your mind in the 20-30 seconds of this kind of an event. It’s like your life replays itself in really fast motion. It was a very weird feeling, one I hope you all never have to experience.
SO………….
Since I know a lot of other travelers and photographers might read this…… I have a few things for you all to consider:
I know we all get out to some pretty remote areas. This accident happened in one. Don’t take anything for granted. Be prepared. We had lots of food, water and supplies in the event we got stranded. Let someone know where you are going. I had called my wife about 2 hrs before the accident, and told here we would be back around 4-5pm and where we were when I called. Always let someone know where you are if you can.
This truck of mine had 145,000 miles on it and it was in tip top condition. It’s been to some very remote areas and frankly was in great shape with good tires and up to date everything. This was the 4thFord Explorer I’ve driven so I bet I’ve driven over a mjillion miles in some crazy areas without an accident (this was y 1st and almost my last), so maybe the odds were that I was due. If you think you might be due as well, be extra careful. I was reminded of another photographer friend, Garry Crabbe who sustained much worse injuries than us in Death Valley earlier this year when he slipped off a ridge. Understand where you are and please be careful. Could I have avoided this accident? Probably not but it could have been a lot worse.
As my dear friend Bill Fortney of Nikon told me….. This was a message from above, that God’s trying to get my attention…. well He did… big time! That’s why we survived.
Be careful , fellow photogrphers as well as other who venture out into these kind of areas.. You never know what’s around the next curve.
JG
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