Early October in the Eastern Sierra.. Images and thoughts

Earlier this month (October 2009) I spent about a considerable amount of time in the Eastern Sierra of California, which is one of my favorite places to photograph. I conduct photograph workshops in this location every year about the same time ( 2010 will be no different). However, this year represented some challenges which haven’t occurred in many years. The fall color not only was late, but in some of the usually top image producing locations, the color looked looked like it would fizzle out.

Oh well, just being in this location is special…… color or not. The smell of the sage is like no where else.  The vistas and areas around Mono Lake and Bishop are great anytime of year. It was also great to catch up with some friends who are usually there in October as well.

California has received little rain the past  2 years and this past summer was very hot. Many of the locals as well as seasoned photographers I met there agreed that the aspens and cottonwoods were stressed and probably would just go from green to brown. I know my attendees were expecting some color so I set out to find some. Since this workshop was a Macro &More  workshop, with my good friend Mike Moats ( www.tinylandscapes.com) finding color and subject material was even more important.

 

Sage & rabbit bush close to Mono Lake

After camping  on Thursday night along Tioga Pass  with fellow photographers Preston Birdwell and Michael Gordon ( both great large format shooters…  www.gildedmoon.com and www.michael-gordon.com ), I met  another good friend, and a veteran of many past photography workshops Greg Duncan on Friday www.gregduncanphotography.com … a few days prior to the workshop to do some scouting.  Many of the images below were results of scouting the area from, Bishop, north to Lee Vining to find some interesting locations. We were pretty successful.  

Sunrise at North Lake, west of Bishop Ca.  Note the green cottonwoods right next to the almost yellow aspens!

Greg headed over to Yosemite on Saturday with another good friend and fellow workshop instructor Ralph Nordstrom ( www.ralphnordstromphotography.com) (Ralph and I will be joining forces once again for our 2nd annual Death Valley workshop in Feb 2010!). Though I drove over with them, for  a lot of reasons I decided to get back over the “east side” before the impending storm hit later on Saturday night…. and yes it hit!.

Sunday morning brought temperatures in the teens and up to 6-7″ of snow, depending where you were. Tioga and Sonora passes were closed until Tuesday and Greg was stuck in Yosemite ( I can think of worse places to be stuck in. He got some amazing images there… check them out at www.gregduncanphotoraphy.com)

But I was in paradise… new snow, clearing sky’s, all in my one  of my favorite locations with a day or two to shoot before my attendees got into town!  This is a good example of reading the weather, being prepared and being there in the right light and conditions, not only  to get some decent images, but enjoy this unique location.

Some of these images were taken before the workshop and a  during. I’ll discuss what drew me to these images and why they work for me. There compressed JPEG images don’t do the original files justice. I’ll share some thoughts I had when I took them as well as looking at them here.

I’m  already anticipating next year in the Eastern Sierra.

 

 

 

 

This image was taken in the morning at North Lake as well. The reflections were great . What drew me into this images however, was the one tall pine tree, which added another dynamic to the pastel colors of the surrounding trees. Imagine this image without it. I would not have taken this image without it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The image on the right was taken not far from North Lake in a small stream on the road to Lake Sabrina. Greg and I took lots of time here and got some other interesting shots. This was taken using my Singh Ray VARI-ND filter ( www.singh-ray.com ). This is about a 6 second exposure. it really adds to the texture of the water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ON the left is another image made with the Singh-Ray Vari-ND.

 This was a 10 second exposure. One note on the leaves… I am not one to add things to images that aren’t there. 2 of these leaves were there, right side up. Did someone else put them there? Maybe… I added the 3rd to make the image stronger.

The repeating patterns of the water coming over the rocks in a hook like fashion along with the deep coloration of the water makes this image work for me.

 

 

 

 

  Is there anything better than the late afternoon pastel light as the sun goes down at Mono Lake?

 Lenticular clouds sometime are a signal of weather changes. They occur only over very tall mountain peaks and are quite common in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. This one however,was one of the biggest I’ve ever seen. There were major lenticular all over the Owens Valley and Mono Basin this Saturday afternoon. The storm hit Saturday night and this cloud was  forbearing of what was to come.  This location is right over Crowley Lake off HWY 395. I really like the shadow of the cloud against the yellow grassland near Crowley Lake. Blue & yellow always works well.

  Monday morning brought a totally different look to Lundy Canyon. Gone were the clouds and the contrast became somewhat of a problem. This is actually a pan image made from stitching 2 images together. Having the snow here added to the image. If only the aspens were changing as they should have been! I did not use a polarizer here for 2 reasons. Ore, you never use one when taking pan images and two, the sky would have been a dark navy blue at this elevation, looking very unrealistic

 

 

 

 

 

Here is Lundy Lake.  The subject to me here is the pattern of the snow meeting at a point in the reflection in the water. This may be my favorite image of the trip. I’ve never seen the water this flat with these kind of weather conditions in this canyon. If you look close on the mountain side, you can see some of the yellows of the aspens emerging between the patterns of the snow and the mountain. It impossible for you a viewer , who may have not been to this location like this to understand the majestic and the overall size of this canyon and lake. The pine trees on the mountain side are upwards of 100′ high. They look like twigs in this image. 

The water on the lower beaver pond was frozen on Monday morning. This log is about a foot under water. I was attracted to the white dots of ice embedded in the ice itself. The patterns of the ice as well as the color added attracted me to make this image as well. 

While scouting Convict Lake, for about 20 seconds a ray of sunlight sent a beam of light onto these aspens on my left. I underexposed the background to enhance the glow of the trees both on the land and especially in the water. Literally 10-20seconds later this light disappeared. 

 

 I really like to photograph the earthy tones on some of the trees in the area. I was attracted to the patterns of the wood with the slight hint of yellow in the texture. This was shot with my Nikon 200mm  F4 Macro lens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is another, but somewhat busier. Finding patterns in the tree bark isn’t as easy as you may think. You really have to work the subject.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This images was made with my Nikon 200mm Macro + a 6T (62mm) diopter. The lichen is nearly perfect in shape. The Orange color works well against the rock face. These images are found all over within the “grand scenic” type images , you just have to look around.

 

 

This images was taken with my Nikon 80-200mm Lens. I liked how this leave fell onto this rock, which in and of itself would have made an interesting macro image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spent some time photographing Bodie, the old ghost town just south of Bridgeport and North of Mono Lake. I only took a few images. The first is a reflection of one of the old buildings in Bodie and the sky from a window. The torn window dressing really tells a story and adds to the image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a photograph taken through an opening in the door, exposing the newspaper lined wall paper of one of the rooms in this house. I guess they used newspaper for added insulation. Bodie is about 9000′ elevation and has very harsh winters. The newspaper was in good enough shape that you can make out the words and type very well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These old bottles were lined up and photographed through a window. I don’t like shooting through windows since the clarity is often diminished. I chose to use a large aperture in order to make the bottles in the back less sharp than the front. ( Check out Greg Duncan’s shot on his web site.. he took the opposite approach, both have redeeming qualities).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took an afternoon up above 10,000′ in the White Mt’s to photograph the ancient bristle cone pine trees. These are the oldest living “things” on the planet. This tree might date back over 3000 years. Like some other photographs, I know this one would be a black & white images as well when I took it. The subject of the tree is interesting and the clouds bending in a directional pattern adds to the overall drama of this image.

Finally, a Mono Lake Sunrise and Sunset.

 

There was just a hint of fog on the water during this sunrise which made things a little more interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sunset image was shot after almost everyone left, thinking that the light was over. There must have been over 100 folks with cameras ( note I did not say photographers) at Mono Lake this afternoon.  There was literally not one parking spot in the lot when we arrived. We had to park along the road leading into the lot. When things appeared to have fizzled out all but a handful left. We were rewarded with some wonderful light and alpenglow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, on October 4th the moon was full. However the lake was choppy due to a strong wind blowing from the north. As slow shutter speed allowed me to create the smooth form of the water. Here the full October moon is rising from the east. 

 

 

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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.foliagenetwork.net

www.calphoto.com ( great information on California’s fall color)    

www.weatherchannel.com/activities/driving/fallfoliage/

www.wxnation.com/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

2010 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE / ONE on ONE Individual Field Instruction / THINK TANK CAMERA BAGS and MORE!

Below is my 2010 Schedule.

 This will include new locations such as the Smokies Mountains, (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

 Also I’ll be doing workshops both in the fall and winter in Teton and Yellowstone NP’s

One workshop what I am really looking forward to is in July when Mike Moats and I will be teaming up with Bill Fortney ( wwww.billfortney.net ) for a 4 day workshop , again in the Smokies called “ Landscape and Macro Photographic Design “ . This will be an intensive classroom as well as field workshop where all aspects of photographic design will be covered. You will be working with three professional instructors, who will cover, in depth, different aspects of design and technique needed to consistently create first rate images, As there are three of us, and you will receive the one-on-one attention we believe will make your time well spent. All of the information and first hand knowledge from Bill, Mike and me, will result in your ability to improve your skills and creative processes in order to grow as photographers.

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 early November 2010.

Those registering for workshops prior to January 1 2010 will receive a 10% discount. I addition I offer an additional 10% discount for those who have already participated on any of my workshops over the years. Lastly, if you are a current member of NANPA (www.nanpa.org ), you will receive an additional 10%…. so you can receive up to a 30% discount if you meet these criteria’s!

SCHEDULE:

JAN 21-25          OREGON COAST   5 DAYS         $795.00

 FEB19-23       DEATH VALLEY         4 DAYS $795.00      with Ralph Nordstrom

 MAR 12-14    JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK          3 DAYS       $550.00

APRIL 15-18          SOUTHEWST (SLOT CANYONS, MONUMENT VALLEY, VERMILLION CLIFFS, LAKE POWELL AND MORE) 4DAYS        $795.00

APRIL 29-MAY1      MACRO and MORE —-IN THE SMOKIES WITH JACK GRAHAM & MIKE MOATS GAPW EVENT (REGISTER WITH GAPW www.gaphotoworks.com )     4 DAYS      $795.00 (Note that the discounts below DO NOT APPLY to GAPW workshops)

 MAY 19-23-      COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE —GAPW EVENT     4 DAYS       $795.00 GAPW EVENT (REGISTER WITH GAPW www.gaphotoworks.com ) (Note that the discounts below DO NOT APPLY to GAPW workshops)

JUNE 3-6           COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE and MT HOOD REGION, OREGON          4 DAYS              $795.00

JUNE 10-14                 MACRO and MORE IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE & OREGON COAST WITH JACK GRAHAM & MIKE MOATS                4 DAYS $795.00

JUNE 17-20           SPRING in the PALOUSE         4 DAYS       $795.00

JULY 7-11             OLYMPIC PENINSULA           4 DAYS         $795.00

JULY 15-19          OREGON COAST                       5 DAYS            $795.00

JULY 29 – AUG 1            LANDSCAPE, COSEUPS and PHOTOGRAPHIC DESIGN—THE SMOKIES—BILL FORTNEY, JACK GRAHAM and MIKE MOATS 4 DAYS $1050.00

AUG 6-8                         MT. RANIER NATIONAL PARK WILDFLOWERS AND LANDSCAPES       2 DAYS            $395.00

AUG 19-23                     OREGON COAST            5 DAYS                $795.00

 AUGUST 27TH           ONE DAY EVENT THE DAHALIAS OF SWAN ISLAND, OREGON         1 DAYS          $120.00

SEPT 24-29            AUTIMN IN THE TETON’S AND YELLOWSTONE         6 DAYS            $895.00

 OCTOBER 7-10          FALL IN THE EASTERN SIERRA ( MONO LAKE, BODIE, BISHOP AREA, BRISTLECONE PINES)  4 DAYS                         $795.00

 OCT 28-31                FALL IN NW OREGON & SW WASHINGTON (MT HOOD, MT ADAMS, COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AREAS 

                                      4 DAYS 695.00

NOV 4-7                   FALL IN THE NANP VALLEY AND SF BAY REGION  WITH RALPH NORDSTROM       4 DAYS   $795.00

 THE WORKSHOPS BELOW ARE OFFERED AL LA CARTE— IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN ALL 3 THE TOTAL CHARGE IS $1680.00

DEC 7-8            WINTER IN YELLOWSTONE                    2 DAYS $695.00

DEC 10-11       BIG HORN SHEEP, CODY WYOMING  2 DAYS $695.00

DEC 13-14         WINTER IN THE TETONS                       2 DAYS $695.00

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ONE on ONE INDIVIDUAL DAY CLASSROOM in the FIELD INSTRUCTION

These single day, one on one “PHOTO CLASSROOM in the FIELD”™ photography workshops will offer the beginner or advanced photographer a personalized photographic experience that will offer tutorial information regarding all aspects of photography. All aspects of photography will be covered within this one on one experience. The full day workshop experience will be customized to the individual based on skill level and needs.

 All instruction and discussions are done in the field, not in a classroom in some of the most scenic locations in the world. The day starts with a sunrise shoot and ends with a sunset opportunity. This IS a full day of emersion into photography.

 Advanced photographers can expect as much or as little instruction as desired. I can guarantee that you will get to the best locations here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, at the best times to capture some great images.

The itinerary will be customized to your needs and desires while accounting for the time of year, lighting and weather conditions

Transportation is provided. I drive, you don’t. The time in-between locations also serves to continue the discussion from a prior location and provide hints and tips about what’s ahead, or any specific questions you may have.

 The One on One, single day “PHOTO CLASSROOM in the FIELD”™ PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS charge is $300.00. This includes transportation from your location (or a pre selected meeting point) and back.

ONE on ONE , individual field Workshops are available here in Oregon. We shoot sunrise to sunset. Cost is 300.00 per day. This includes transportation in the field.

ONE on ONE  individual workshops are also available out of the area as well. Cost is $300.00per day + travel expenses. Customer arranges transportation

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I’ll be working closely with the folks at THINK TANK in 2010. THINK TANK is definitely on the cutting edge when it comes to backpacks, roller packs and other accessories for today’s’ digital photographer. The Think Tank Airport SecurityTM V2.0 or the slightly smaller Airport InternationalTM V2.0 rolling bags make it easy when travelling in airports as well as serving as carry-ons. If you need a larger backpack (you can also carry these on airplanes easily), check out their lineup of backpacks. THINK TANK has recently updated their already fantastic website. To view and understand which THINK TANK product is for you, or purchase Think Tank products, click here: www.thinktankphoto.com/affiliate and then enter this special code: AP-371. When you order merchandise totaling $50 or more you will receive a free Think Tank bag. You view the choices here: https://secure-services.net/thinktankphoto/purchase/choose_gift.html

 

And finally please consider Hunt’s Photo for 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, (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 800-924-8682 x2332. Later this month, I’ll be posting images shot in 2009 using the Lensbaby products. (www.lensbaby.com) 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 imagination.

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 4^th 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 4^thFord Explorer I’ve driven so I bet I’ve driven over a mjillion miles in some crazy areas without an accident (this was y 1^st 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

A LUCKY SHOT??? More often than not……… IT’S NOT!!!

Content and images are all ©Jack Graham . All rights reserved.

All images made using Nikon D700 and Nikon Lenses

Over the years,  I hear comments from both photographers and non photographers  alike .. ” Wow you really got lucky with that light”  OR  “You really were lucky to be there at that time” etc. 

Don’t talk to me about luck… I don’t believe in it. More often than not, it’s the photographer knowing the potential of an opportunity that makes for a great image rather than just than plain luck

                    

Those of you that know me know I believe in lots of a preparation. I learned a long time ago, that preparation and previsulation are essential for making quality images.

There are two things that I would challenge my fellow photographers on,  for both amateur and pro’s to think about.  Let’s take  our 10 VERY best images we have ever made…… and really think about two things:

1)  Virtually none  of these 10 images were probably lucky ones. You might have thought they were, but if you really think about where you were, and why, you might discover you really were there as a result of being prepared, not by being lucky. They were great images,  most likely due to knowing what the potential of a scene could be based on weather conditions, time of year, time of day, place of the subject etc.   and…

2) I pretty much know the time that the shutter was depresses, and for that minute or so  afterwards  this image either has the potential to be great image or that in fact that this IS a great image. In other words, you pretty much know you nailed the shot when you make it. Agree?  Think about it.

I’ll give you 2 examples. One year ago last spring, I was driving back from the Palouse and I was tired… really tired. Coming though the Columbia River Gorge heading home the light was something to behold. I was driving though heavy rain one minute, and sun the next. Puffy white cumulus clouds were in the sky, it was late in the day and the angle of the light was really low, making for some nice warm light. I called home and told my wife I would be late since the light had the potential to yield some good images. I drove to a location I had scouted and waited.  It poured rain as I stood there with my rain gear on and plastic cover over my equipment. Then all of a sudden a rainbow appeared over the pond about 50 yards in front of me.

Luck? well maybe, but I knew where I wanted to be, I knew the light and weather conditions had the potential to yield something special, and it did.

Recently its been really hot here in Portland area. Its was 107 two days ago. As early as last  Saturday, I knew this weather pattern had the potential to move the marine layer far out into the ocean, offering the possibility of a great sunset out at Cannon Beach. I figured that  Monday night or Tuesday night was the time. Wednesday might have been OK but it looked like the weather pattern couldn’t guarantee me the good sunset, so I choose Tuesday. I told this to a fellow photographer and we headed out Tuesday afternoon. ( I always check the visible satellite image on the Internet, and sure enough no marine layer.) We got there in bright sunlight and waited until sunset. We were at the right place, had everything ready (equipment wise) and then it happened…. the sunset I expected.  We were still making images in fantastic light almost 40 minutes after the sun disappeared below the horizon! I could have used a few scattered clouds, but it was fantastic anyhow. We were not lucky to be there in this great light. I know the potential and I was right.  …. and by the way.. Wednesday night was overcast with NO SUNSET at the beach, just as I surmised.

Sometimes the light, doesn’t happen even with all the preparation etc. ( more often than not), but luck had no part in that. Good photographs are not due to luck. You have to make them happen!

 

                                                              

About a month ago I was doing an individual workshop for a few days at Glacier National Park in Montana. After watching the weather, I sensed that the cloud buildup on the eastern slope of the park would probably give us some dramatic clouds over St Mary’s Lake.  So we got into my vehicle and drove over Logan Pass to a spot overlooking St Mary’s Lake.

 

As I thought the clouds were amazing. This was NOT a lucky shot.

 

 

 

 

Two nights later we were staying on Swiftcurrent Lake. The weather changed and it  became cold & windy (after 2 days of hot weather).  There were heavy rainstorms during the afternoon. Light after storms can be special, and it certainly was. After shooting a pretty good sunset the night before,

I knew sunrise could be a special one as well…. and it truly was.   Lucky? Not really. 

So next time someone tells you you you were lucky to get that shot… ask yourself were you????………..I bet you weren’t.

JG

Great American Photography Workshop Images 2009/Columbia River Gorge

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE –GREAT AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND WORKSHOP IMAGES—MAY 2009
©Jack Graham

I am privileged to do a few workshops with the folks at the Great American Photography Weekend. ( www.gaphotoworks.com )  this organization, founded a number of years ago by Bill Fortney (www.billfortney.net)  The GAPW is one of the premier photography workshop organizations around. In many respects Bill and the GAPW pioneered the photography workshop concept way back when.

This year’s event in the Columbia River Gorge was one of the best workshops I’ve done in the area due mainly to the weather and the great group that was here.  We had 2 magnificent sunrises and all decent light. May and early June was prime time for the wildflowers along with  lots of water coming over the falls and in the many streams that are plentiful here in Oregon in the spring.

I think that the images found below reflect the great conditions and the overall quality of results by the attendees.

Look for me to do another workshop here in the Columbia River Gorge in the spring as well as a Macro & More workshop with Mike Moats in the Smokies in April 2010 for the GAPW folks. It’s a real pleasure working with them. Details are to be forthcoming real soon.

Enjoy the images!

JG

 

Gorge Sunrise

©Mary Andrade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Gorge Sunrise

©Peter Andrade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                           Poppy field  © Ted keller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridleveil Creek   © Ted keller

 

 

 

                                                      Western Columbine  ©Mary Andrade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexican Poppys  © Peter Andrade

 

Latourell Falls  © Ted Keller

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK scouting—DAY2

Day 2 scouting included time spent on the east side of the park. Much less rainfall occurs on the east side. The east side has a different feel to it. It is certainly much loss crowded and offers some great hiking and scenery. I am really thinking about getting back here when the aspens are at peak fall color. It must be something. Today, one day prior to the start of my workshop will be spent from Logan pass west. There is a chance for thunderstorms today so I am hoping for some good light later in the day. Yesterday was cool. When I arrived into East Glacier, it was 59 degrees. I don’t think I saw 70 degrees at all yesterday. The next few days should be warmer.

I am also testing out a clip on insect(Mosquito) repellent. It  run by batteries and has a fan in it that expels an orderless repellent.  I think its about $10.00-12.00 at Walgreen’s and refills are between $1-2.00 each. You get 12 hrs or so per refill. So far I have had NOT ONE bite while having it clipped on my belt, and I have been in really bad mosquito areas. NOT ONE BITE!. For me that’s amazing.

All of these were shot with my Nikon D700. One of the Mt. Goat images was made with my D200 using a Nikon300mm F4 lens.  By using the D200 allowed me to increase the focal length to450mm!

Also remember these images were processed using this laptop, so they might not be at 100%!!

Anyhow, here are some images from yesterday. It was another good day in paradise.

I am changing hotels tonight and I am not sure on Internet availability, but check back tomorrow for more images.

JG

Sunset wasnt great last night, but even an average sunset here is pretty amazing.

 

Medicine River, close to Two Medicine Lakes

Fires occur quite often here. This fire on the east side occurred a few years ago and covered huge areas. However, things are coming back plant life is abundant. I shot this  in color, then changed it to inferred. What do you think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I managed to see more Mt Goats. They are no in the best shape, coat wise this time of year, but they sure can maneuver in the snowy mountainsides.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This pond is know to be frequented by a Moose. The past two night this little black tail deer was there eating dinner. This is one area that the new mosquito device worked really well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aspen, wildflowers…..  its amazing how in 2 days of warm weather have made the wildflowers appear in amazing beauty.

This is Lunch Falls, just east of Logan Pass

Scouting in Glacier National Park with my G10

It amazes me how every National Park is so different. There’s nothing like the red rock cathedrals of Zion, or the shear granite facings of Yosemite, in all, the uniqueness that is found in every park. Glacier National Park in far northwestern Montana is no exception. It is its own park, just like the others. I set out thi morning with my easy to carry around Canon G10 to check out the  conditions and get a general feel for what is in store for my coming workshop this weekend. I typically do this, not looking to make any images worth saving, but just to get a goof feel for the area. on the 1st day I get back to an area before a workshop begins.

I am here conducting a workshop this coming weekend and spent today scouting. The light was not great, the crowds were a bit less than I expected but the majesty of this park was something to behold. For those that have never been here, Glacier is about 40 minutes out of Kalispell Mt. (You can fly into Kalispell). There is one main road that runs basically from the west side to the east side. (Called “Going to the Sun Road, for good reason–GTTSR). Though about50 miles from end to end, it takes about 1.5 hr plus these days due to the  of the road itself, that being extremely windy in many spots, looking down from over 6000’ in spots, with the guardrail only inches away.  

 

 

There is still some construction going on before Logan Pass.  The road just opened for its entirety last week after snow removal was completed.  Snow is still on the ground above 5700”or so.

The less difficult driving areas of the GTTSR are filled with scenic overlooks of Lakes Mc Donald and St. Mary as well as rivers, streams, waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Mc Donald, right off the road

Like Yosemite, which features two diverse parts of the park, Glacier is much the same. When you cross the continental divide the topography changes offering a different feeling. The west side gets a lot more precipitation and is lusher, but the east side is a bit less crowded this time of year, and is also filled with photographic possibilities.

 

                                                                                                                        Mountain Goat……..  this is one big animal

 

Glacier isn’t the easiest park to get too, but is well worth it.

I’ll try and update this blog with some other images shot while I am here.

All of the images were taken today, with the Canon G10, which continues to amaze me. They were all shot RAW Aperture Priority ISO 200. These are basically snapshots. Photographers here at Glacier, like many of the other parks must not try and write a novel in their images. There is so much and everything is so big right in front of you, the tendency is to shoot snapshots like these rather than make quality images. Photographers should slow down and take in what’s in front of them and think about making an artistic image, not a postcard.

 

Glacier Lilys at Logan Pass  6200′ or so                                  Just another pullout……  I was about 4500′ when I shot this.

Photographing in Glacier NP isn’t as easy as you may think. Most of the better areas are well off the road and require some hiking. Gorges and waterfalls with swift moving water is all over the place. Tomorrow I’ll break out the Nikon cameras & lenses and try and post some tomorrow night if I can. The weather forecast is for more clouds through the week with thunderstorms on Sunday. Those of you, who know me, know I hope we get some dramatic skies and light.

What a place!

JG

RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP….

June17,2009

Text and images ©Jack Graham. All rights reserved

The state of the Nature photography business these days is ever changing. Stock agencies aren’t paying what they one did. Few photographers can make a living selling prints so what’s left? Workshops are one avenue to generate an income. Sounds easy right? … Take folks to great locations… show them what to shoot and they are happy… right? ……………….WRONG!

I know folks who think that running a workshop is easy and try their hand at it. Soon, they realize it’s not as easy as it appears. To be successful you have to make your attendees happy. Attracting clients is another story for another time, but without them, you don’t have a workshop to begin with. Attraction and keeping customers isn’t easy as well, especially in the current economy. Like I tell everyone, nobody needs what I provide so I don’t complain. I am happy to be out, in nature, doing what I love with nice people.

 Conducting a successful workshop is like being a captain of a fishing boat. No two workshops are alike. Things always come into play that have to be adapted to such as weather conditions, subject availability, group size, the level of proficiency of the attendees and more. I take the time to prepare and send out information regarding what to expect from each workshop PRIOR to the attendees leaving home for the workshop. This not only gets everyone excited with anticipation, but educated them on things such as weather predictions, what to bring, as well as a complete outline of a typical day is so there are no surprises when they get to the workshop location.

 Usually groups vary in skill level. With the huge growth in the DSLR market, more beginning photographers are coming on workshops. I totally encourage this. Getting off on the right foot and developing good habits in the beginning is really important. Having a mix of folks ranging from beginners to very advanced armatures can be challenging. It’s also interesting to see customers who have $5000.00+ cameras, along with expensive lenses using their equipment in the wrong way. Unfortunately, this is not unusual and it is my job to correct this situation, while not insulting or offending the customer. Again, I try and keep the surprises to a minimum however, there always are a few. Like everything else in photography, preparation is mandatory to avoid too many surprises. There is nothing worse than looking out at 3AM to see cloudy rainy conditions, when the prediction the night before was for a great sunrise. It happens!!!

Sunrise, Rooster Rock State Park  /Col. River Gorge

 

Running a successful workshop is not easy. Late spring and summer feature long days. 16 hour days, for 4-5 days in a row are typical for attendees. That transcribes into 18-20 hour days for me. Eating at abnormal times and getting little sleep throws your body clock off. It is important that everyone get the nourishment they need and stay well hydrated. This is as important as getting to prime locations at the right time.

 

 

Another factor is making sure that all the attendees are happy and are getting the attention they paid for. The bigger the group, the chance that different personalities can affect things as well as different needs and expectations all have to be taken into account.

Mike Moats grabbing a quick hot dog

 

In our recent Macro and More workshops Mike and I had 10 attendees… not bad, as a 5:1 ratio of attendee to instructor works well for everyone. Fortunately, in the M&M workshop a few folks have been on other workshops of mine so they already knew each other.  For the most part I am quite sure that everyone got what they came for. In a group that size, there are always one or two folks that for one reason or another don’t seem to be as happy as everyone else. All I can do is continue to work hard and do my best to get them to quality locations and try and help in making them better photographers. I tell everyone in the beginning that I am here for as much or as little attention that they want. It is also not uncommon for one or two folks who wander off by themselves, and that’s fine, as long as they know I am there for them if they want my help. In essence, I am a photographic instructor, tour guide, and psychoanalyst, making sure everyone is happy and getting along with each other.

 Macro & More Workshop June 2009

 

Over the years, I’ve seen other workshops in the same locations as I might be in being run haphazardly. I see instructors (and yes some big name instructors… who will remain nameless) doing more shooting than their customers offering them little or no real attention. In these circumstances, only can hope my customers realize the difference. I don’t make a big deal about this, but I know that it is noticeable.

 So its 3 AM as I crawl out of my bed, dressing in the dark s to not wake anyone up. Even my 2 dogs know what’s going on. They don’t even budge. They have grown to know when they can go with me and when they can’t. On this particular workshop, I am joined by my good friend and superb Macro shooter Mike Moats. I give Mike every last minute I can before knocking on his door to wake him as well. Sunrise is about 5:30AM and I’ve got everything down to the minute. I am about ½ hr away from meeting our attendees, then another 10 minutes to organize everyone and shove off for location #1; a 20-25 minute drive up the Columbia River Gorge puts us at Location #1 for sunrise about 5AM, when the light should be getting pretty good. I’ve got this routine down pretty good. Just a week before I went through the same routing while doing a workshop for the Great American Workshop folks ( www.gaphotowprks.com ).

 

No two workshops are alike. The Macro and More workshop featured great light for what we are shooting, but were cloudy & rainy at times, not allowing for any sunrises or sunsets of consequence. I know that a few folks were disappointed but weather is one thing I can not control. The GAPW workshop was just the opposite. Sunny and warm was the order of the day. Yes, we had one great sunrise and average sunsets, but the light made things a bit harder to shoot throughout the rest of the day. Everyone worked hard and got some great images. Believe me, there is nothing worse than getting everyone up at 4:00AM and to the location by 5AM and having a non sunrise, but that’s life in nature. I’ve been in situations that upon arrival early in the morning the chances for a great sunrise was nil, and in the last minute the clouds parted and we had spectacular light. You never know.

 Another factor I must remember is that most folks don’t spend 3-4 days of intensive photography. By day 3 or 4 everyone is tired (in which I take pride!). Motivation becomes important. I plan an itinerary for every workshop but remain flexible to weather and light conditions. For example, in the Macro & More workshop, I planned on shooting the Columbia Tiger Lilies that were blooming on Saturday. However on Friday AM, there was little or no wind so I changed the literary to accommodate this. Everyone got some great images. Saturday was breezy all day and there was no way we would have been able to shoot these delicate wildflowers. Here in Oregon, we aren’t concerned with elevation and all that that effects. In the eastern Sierra for example, I leave the shoot at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine forest for the last day. By them most everyone is acclimatized to the elevation and heading up to 10,000’ isn’t nearly as strenuous.

 

Scouting the area prior to the beginning of the workshops is also something that has to be done. So a 3-4 day workshop for me is actually a 5-6 day event. We planned the Macro & More workshop here in the gorge to coincide with an abnormally low tide at Seal Rock State Park, south of Newport. The abnormal low tide, along with great light made the last day a fun and rewarding one for our attendees.On the GAPW workshop the last day was spent in the Hood River area. We were lucky to be able to get into Trillium Lake as the road opened up few days before (yes there’s still snow on the ground up there).

 

All in all I think both groups got what the came to Oregon for. Everyone, as well as Mike and I were quite beat at the end of the workshop. If we all weren’t tired, than I’d be worried. Without exception, at the end of a successful workshop, I always get a good feeling that I provided a long lasting, informative experience for my attendees.

 I’ll be repeating this routing in different locations around the west the remainder of the year ending up in Wyoming in December. (Check out www.jackgrahamphoto.comfor details. In a few weeks or so I’ll be posting some images that were shot by my attendees here on the blog. I know you’ll be impressed. Also I’ll be announcing my 2010 calendar in about a month. There will be a few surprises and new locations…. Can you say Smokies?

   Contact me for more information jack@jackgrahamphoto.com

Cascading water, Columbia River Gorge. Shot without a polarizer to bring out the color under the water.