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.

Workshops and much more!!!

Spring is finally here….. Though today we are back in the high 50’s and showery, we had temps approaching 80 degrees last weekend so things are looking up and coming on strong.

 

I’ll be spending some time photographing in the Columbia Gorge, Hood River Valley and surroundings before heading back to Arizona and Souther Utah in late April.

 

Spring here in the Pacific northwest gets going in May & June. The wether is very conducive for great photography  in these parts and the water, from the snow melt makes the streams and waterfalls awsome to not only witness, but capture in photography. The rhododendrons and other plantlife add even more to the photographic experience. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Columbia Tiger Lily ©Jack Graham                              Rhododendrons at Multnomah Falls               © Jack Graham

 

Rainbow in the gorge                                                                                                                   ©Jack Graham

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Here are some important updates and information regarding my Photoworksps for the balance of 2009. There are still spots open in all workshops.

 

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE 2009

APR	30-May-03	SOUTHWEST/ PAGE AZ	Slot Canyons, Vermillion Cliffs,Escalante,Mon.Valley	$695.00
JUNE	4-7	Macro in the GORGE/COAST w. MOATS	Waterfalls & Macro-Gorge-Seal Rocks Cape Kawinda-Coast	$675.00
JUNE	11-14	SPRING in the PALOUSE	Southeastern Washington State, So.of Spokane	$695.00
JUNE	25- 29	OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK	Olympic Peninsula, Washington/ Hoa Rainforest	$795.00
JULY	22-27	OREGON COAST	Cannon Beach-Bandon	$795.00
AUG	6-9	HARVEST in the PALOUSE	Southeastern Washington State, So.of Spokane/Base in Colfax	$695.00
SEPT	16-21	OREGON COAST	Cannon Beach-Bandon	$795.00
OCT	8-11	Macro & More / Fall Eastern Sierra, CA w. MOATS	Mono Lake,Bodie, Bristlecone Pines, Lundy Canyon,Hot Creek,June Lake Loop	$725.00
OCT	22-25	FALL COLOR-3 SISTERS WILDERNESS	Pacific Crest Trail. Sisters, Oregon, Santuim Pass, Waterfalls	$795.00
OCT	29-NOV1	FALL IN NW OREGON& SW WASHINGTON	Columbia River Gorge, Mt Hood & Mt Adams Areas	$695.00
DEC	3-6	BIG HORN SHEEP-WYOMING	Shoshone River, NW Wyoming	$795.00

 

1)       Please note that the Eastern Sierra workshop in October has been changes to a “MACRO & MORE” workshop, with Mike Moats. This will be a VERY unique experience. Visit www.macroandmore.com for complete information.

  

       WHAT’S AHEAD in 2010…?

 

Yes, it planning time again. Based on the success so far, we plan on doing at least 3 Macro & More Photography Workshops in 2010. We look to expand these workshops new locations. Some of the locations targeted include Acadia National Park, Olympic National Park, Upper Michigan Peninsula, Cuyahoga National Park, or somewhere TBD in the American Southwest. If you have any suggestions, please send them along.

 

If you haven’t checked out Mike’s work, do so at www.tinylandscapes.com. 

 

 

Day Lily before the bloom

©Jack Graham    

 Great American Photography Weekend (www.gaphotoworks.com )…. I am sure lots of you have either heard of these folks or maybe have even attended a workshop over the 17 years that the GAPW has been around. Not because I am on their faculty, but believe me, they run 1^st class workshops with really top instructors. I am privileged to be part of their facility.

 

I will be doing a workshop here in my backyard, in the Columbia River Gorge May 27^th through May 31^st. A complete description and information is found on their web site. You can fee free to also contact me (jack@jackgrahamphoto.com) or Rhonda in the GAPW office 866-747-2479. In today’s economy, there is NO better value than a GAPW workshop.

 

We will explore the waterfalls, wildflower areas as well as some of the lesser visited locations to come away with not only some amazing images, but with lots of new tips and general knowledge that will make you a better photographer.  Living here close to our locations allows me to monitor weather and make sure that we get to the prime spots during the spring here in Oregon……………….Consider joining us!

 

  2) DISCOUNTS:  Remember, anyone who has ever participated in on of my workshops is entitled to a 10 % discount on any of these workshops through this colander year. ( This does not apply however to the GAPW workshop in May)

 

 3) MORE DISCOUNTS: In addition to this discount, everyone who attends a workshop will be entitled to discounts and even some give a way’s supplied  by some my workshop sponsors. For example, at each workshop, one person will win a complete catalog of every issue of Photograph America Newsletter™ (www.photographamerica.com ) to date, as PDF files on CD. A free year’s subscription ( print only)  will also be given away. Discounts from Digital Foci™ (www.digitalfoci.com) ;  Lensbaby™ ( www.lensbaby.com ) and ( www.ononesoftware.com) are also made available to attendees.

 

   Those of you who have done a workshop with me always see some new products ranging from perhaps a new camera to that “got to have” accessory. I am working with Gary at Hunt’s Photo on a program that will actually list the equipment I recommend and offer, through Hunt’s an additional discount to as much as 20% off their already super competitive pricing. (www.huntsphotoandvideo.com)

 

So keep this in mind when thinking about doing a workshop….. There are lots of bonuses!

 

 

4) ALSO: I am now accepting Master Card, Visa and Discover Cards not only for workshops but for print sales as well. Workshop registration forms are located in the “workshop” are of my web site www.jackgrahamphoto.com . Please contact me if you have any questions regarding these workshops etc.

 

In addition to these workshops listed above, I am available for individual one on one workshops here in Oregon and elsewhere. These one on one hands on days in the field are $300.00, which includes transportation. Individual one on one field workshops out of the immediate Portland area are available however the charge is 300.00 per day plus expenses.

 

I have done many of these over the past few months and I can provide references if needed.                Springtime in the Palouse, Eastern Washington            © Jack Graham

 

PRINT SALES: SPECIAL SPRING PRICING:

Prints of any image found here on this blog or at www.jackgrahamphoto.com as well as on my email blasts are available. All prints are produced using the OEM manufacturer’s original K3 pigment inks and custom profiled to the very highest standard to present an outstanding work of art.  All my prints are digitally prepared, color corrected, fine-tuned, and printed by me. I use professional Epson pigment printers for print longevity if this print is matted; the final print was mounted on archival acid-free board, over-matted with archival acid-free white cotton museum rag, and hand-signed.

Print Size	Print Only	Matt Size	Matted Print
8 x 10	22.00	11 x 14	44.00
11 x 14	48.00	16 x 20	74.00
13 x 19	89.00	22 x 30	133.00

 Again, Master Card, Visa & Discover are accepted. These prices DO not inlude shipping.

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RIGHT in MY BACKYARD: Literally about ¼ mile away is the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=13600 . I’ve literally driven by this amazing are hundreds of times on my way to and from my home I am now amazed I never stopped by. If you are in the area and enjoy these refuges check it out. There is currently a pair of nesting bald eagles that have produced young eagles. They have been pretty active recently.

I’ll be presenting a photography program for the Friends of the Refuge on May 7^th at 7PM.

 

COMING SOON: I’m shooting lots of images with the new Lensbaby™ www.lansbaby.com  products and with new Singh-Ray Vari-ND Filter ( www.singh-ray.com ). Both of these accessories are really great products. Stay tuned for more information in the next blog update in about 2 weeks. I’ll also be showing you some amazing images I’ve been getting with the little Canon G-10.

 

See you in the field!!!

 

Jack

 

Falls at Sweet Creek, Southern Coastal Range, Or     ©Jack Graham                                           

PREPARATION & Photography tips

All  text and  images are ©Jack Graham/ All rights reserved.

I just returned home to the Pacific Northwest  from speaking and judging at the 48th Annual NFRCC (Nigara Frontier Regional Camera Club  www.nfrcc.org) in Grand Island NY. Along with Michael Richmann, Rick Sammon, Mike Moats,  Ellen Annon and others, I had a great time and hope that everyone enjoyed what we had to offer.

Friday evening featured a prepared program by Mike Moats and me. As some may know Mike and I run photography workshop, Macro & More ( www.macroandmore.com) where we visit locations conduciveto both Landscape as well as macro photography. Visit our web site for more details .

 We were both pleased to be able to present our program to the SRO audience that packed the room.

On Saturday I did 2 breakout programs on “20 Tips to becoming a better nature photographer”. One was at 8:15 AM but had over 40-50 folks in attendance. The afternoon program was even better attended. My thanks to all.

Mike did a hands on shot of interesting subjects showing all his style and technique.

After the annual dinner and awards ceremony, Michael Reichmnn prsented a most interesting program on some of his magnificent images from around the world. With so much bad information on the Internet these days, Michael’s site www.luminous-landscape.com is absolutely 1st rate.

I promised the folks I would ost the 2 articles written a few months ago, already published, that my programs were based on.  One is on”Preperation“, a subject often ignored by lots of nature photographers and the other being “ 20 Tips to becoming a better photographer“. BOTH ARTICLES ARE LINKED:

 preperationcome-first3

20-tips-to-become-a-better-photog

I would personally like to thank everyone I met, the many folks I already know from previous conventions in which I participated as well as Randy Zack, Larry Stevenson, Ann McCooey, Dee Cunningham and others for making me feel so welcome.

Spring is in the air and nature photography should be heating up soon.

Lets all get out and enjoy  it!

JG 

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DEATH VALLEY, NANPA SUMMIT 2009 / PMA & ZION NP…& more

March 11 2009

 

It’s been a busy few weeks and things continue as such for the immediate future. With all that’s going on with our economy, I am the last to complain. More so, it’s been really good to see many of my good friends while traveling around the past few weeks.

 

So where have I been? Let’s start with my 1^st workshop of 2009. I conducted this workshop in Death Valley National Park with my friend Ralph Nordstrom, (www.ralphnordstromphotography.com ) an accomplished landscape photographer living in southern California. We had a great group and fabulous weather. Let’s face it; Death Valley isn’t called Death Valley for nothing. However in the winter month’s temperatures are cool and yes sometimes wet. We were lucky to have both. We had great light in the mornings and afternoons. Just before we arrived the valley received some rain. It also rained while we were there a bit. The brief and light rain provided as well as unique images due to the water from the rain, absorbed into the rocks as well as in the “flats” areas. Reflections of the adjacent mountain ranges at sunrise in these temporary shallow lakes are not common. However we were lucky to experience this phenomenon 1^st hand. The rain, though for just a few hours in mid day on day two, allowed for the most amazing color to pop within the rock canyons of Mosaic Canyon. Water tends to bring out color not seen when the rock walls are dry. We took advantage of the weather to get some wonderful and unique shots. Our morning photographing on the sand dunes close to Stovepipe Wells was fantastic as well. The early morning “sweet” light against these large dunes was productive for us as well.

 

Photographing in Death Valley is quite different from other grand landscape areas. As a photographer you are constantly looking for patterns in the rocks, canyons, mountains and sand dunes. However in Death Valley, timing is crucial for getting the best images in the many varied areas of the park. The use shadows is crucial in making good images in areas like the sand dunes near Stovepipe Wells and at Zabriskie Point. Though the landscape in Death Valley is as vast and almost unending. It’s also important to get past the vastness and shoot intimate images of rock patterns and the varied colors found within these rock formations which allow the photographer endless photographic possibilities.

 

Due to the rain however, we were unable to get into Artist Palate, the Racetrack and Dante’s View. However we took advantage of these infrequent conditions to get some wonderful images that are not seen very frequently available for photographers, in this vast, dry piece of land.

 

After our workshop was over I had the pleasure of doing a “one on one” workshop with a gentleman from Maryland, Marty S…, the following day. Being knowledgeable about his gear, Marty was able to concentrate on the patterns and location shots that are almost at every turn in the park. On this day we did get into Artist Palate as well as the other great and varied locations within the park.  Check out the results of Marty’s shots here.

 www.pbase.com/luxun54/death_valley&page=5

 

 

 I’ll be posting some of our participant’s images soon both here and on my website www.jackgrahamphoto.com .

 

 

I am already looking to our next workshop in Death Valley in 2010. If you are interested, please contact me or Ralph for information. We have not set a firm date as of yet but it will be sometime in the Feb-March timeframe. We’ll be happy to get you on the list. I’ll be updating my web site next month with images from Death Valley. Also check out Ralph’s site. There are some great photographs here.

 

 

 

 

NANPA SUMMIT 2009

 

The day after I finished in Death Valley, I flew to Albuquerque for the 2009 NANPA Summit (www.nanpa.org ). For those of you who are NANPA (North American Nature Photographers Association) The NANPA Summit is a great place to network. For you members who have never attended one of these summits, you are really missing out on opportunities to learn in the many breakout seminars, meet other photographers with similar interests, mingle with some of the “heavyweights” in our business and just have a great time for a few days. Most important as well is meeting new folks.

 

My friend and workshop partner, Mike Moats (www.macroandmore.com) was there as well which made things a lot of fun. Mike gave a seminar on how to make a living in the Art Show circuit. I also enjoyed seeing many of my good friends like Darrell Gulin, Walt Anderson (the developer of the Better       Mike and Walt Anderson                                      Beamer) and others. above Mike conducting his seminar 

 

Most importantly I finally got to spend some quality time with my dear friend Bill Fortney of Nikon. Bill and I go back many years to the Great American

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                 Bill Fortney and yours truly

 

Photography Workshop days (I still do workshops for them—- (check them out at www.gapworks.com). Since he and I are on the road a lot more than we sometimes would like to be we don’t get the chance to see each other. NANPA provided that. Bill also gave the keynote address to the organization and presented a few wonderful slideshows in the way only Bill can.

 

 

Bill spending time with a young nature photographer at NANPA

 

 

Bill has a new Book out co authored by Mark Kettenhofen called AMERICA FROM 500 FEET II. (www.americafrom500feet2.com  This is a sequel of the 1^st book published in 2001. The new book has images of areas that most of us will never see in the way Bill and   captured.  I recommend it to everyone. Bill and I had some good discussions and lots of stories were told. Maybe Bill and I should do a book someday. I think you all might get a kick out of some of the antidotes that we have our minds from all the years in this business.

 

There are lots of vendors there as well showing off new equipment and allowing us to get hands on demo of many new photographic items. It was good to run into some colleges and other workshop leaders as well. Les Voorhees, Don Gale, Artie Morris to name a few. Art Wolfe provided lots of good information as well as some entertaining stories, in only the way that Art can as well. Al in all it was a blast.

OFF TO PMA

I left 2 days after getting back to Portland for PMA in Las Vegas. I have to say PMA was not only disappointing (not a lot of new products and the excitement level was not happening) but all in all quite boring. It was good to see my friends at Lowe Pro and Digital Foci. Digital Foci (www.digitalfoci.com) did show lots of new items coming into the market in the next few months. (Stay tuned here for more info).

 

The best part of PMA was getting to spend the day before the show with my good friend Bob Kulon. Bob just escaped Ohio for the beautiful high desert and red rock country of south western Utah (St. George). Check out some of Bob’s new offerings here  www.boku.smugmug.com  Bob has a different and interesting vision that I can only believe will expand now that he is surrounded with new and unbelievable subject matter, Look for lots of new images from Bob. If you want a great experience in this are contact him. He’s also doing workshops that I highly recommend. (bkulon@hotmail.com).

 

 

 

Bob & I got out to Zion National Park for a days shooting capped off by some late afternoon trekking into Snow Canyon, close to his home in St Gorge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               TWO EARLY MORNING REFLECTIONS in ZION NP

WHATS AHEAD: I’ll be off to Joshua tree next week (as well as Anza Borrego) for the wildflowers

The following weekend I’ll be presenting 2 programs ( one with Mike Moats) at the NFRCC Convention ( a BIG Camera Club association in up state New York and SE Canada) www.nfrcc.org  For my friends in Ohio and other local areas within a short drive.. Consider coming over. I’ll be there with Mike as well as Michael Reichmann and Rick Sammons. The events start Friday evening and end on Sunday AM. You don’t have to be a member of the NFRCC to attend. Details are on their web site.

 

I am trying to get to the Texas Hill Country to scope out a possible workshop for next year (wildflowers etc) in April as well as back to the southwest. After that I’ll be back in the Southwest (Slots, Vermillion Cliffs, and Lake Powell & Monument Valley in late April. By that time the wildflowers in the Pacific Northwest will be going and my local workshops commence. Please think about coming out for one or 2 or more. Details are at www.jackgrahamphoto.com).

 

 

JG

JAN 2009, INFO AND SOME IMAGES

Greeting to everyone. Yes it’s winter on Oregon. We had a major snowstorm ( very rare for this part of Oregon) in late December, but it’s all in the past now and we a re all looking forward to spring. Believe it or not garden work is starting here already. The snow did leave me with some interesting photo opportunities

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I am big fan of the television show “24” shown on Fox. Here is an article featuring some of the folks who make the show happen including the star, Keifer Sutherland who plays Jack Bauer. They discuss their interest in photography and how it relates to what they do within the show and non-still photography

 

http://www.popphoto.com/webexclusives/5696/behind-the-scenes-with-jack-bauer-exclusive-interview-by-mark-edward-harris-cont-page3.html

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WORKSHOP UPDATES:

 

We still have 1 or 2  openings for the Death Valley Workshop coming up in a few weeks. The weather has been good so far this winter and if things remain the way they have bee there will be lots of great light and snow on some of the mountain peaks in the park, making for some breathtaking backgrounds. The light is always special and the temperatures are comfortable this time of year. 

 

Please contact Ralph Nordstrom to register ASAP.  www.ralphnordstromphotography.com

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MACRO & MORE—Mike Moats and I are pleased to say that we are almost at capacity for our June workshop here in Oregon. We will be spending time in the Columbia River Gorge as well as on the Oregon Coast to shoot the scenic landscapes as well as spending lots of time exploring the world of macro photography in both locations. Subjects will range from fiddle heads to starfish.

Please contact Mike or me for details:  mm_2009_oregon_flyer_011 

 

 

BIG NEWS:—-Due to the success of our 2008 and now 2009 Macro and More workshops, Mike and I are expanding this concept to include a new location this fall. We will be offering the same concept (landscape combined with landscape) photography in a workshop format located in the EASTER SIERRA of California. We will be there at peak fall color. Locations include Bodie (Ghostown) Mono Lake, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and more. For complete details: mm_2009_esierra_flyer_01

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Please also know I do ONE on ONE Photography Workshopshere in Oregon as well as outside the state. Information can be found by reading: general-information-images

 

 

 

A Sign of the Times:

 I am hearing from lots of folks I talk to that Nikon prices will be increasing dramatically as of February 1st.

Hunt Photo www.wbhunt.com   will be honoring current prices on in stock lenses, flashes, and extenders through January 31st.

• 24-70 2.8 G ED
• 70-200 2.8 G VR
• 70-300 F4 5 6 G IF ED
• 14-24 2.8 G
• 10.5 2.8 G
• 12-24 F4 G F ED
• 17-55 2.8 G
• 18-200 3.5 5.6 G
• SB 900 flash
• SB 600 flash
• R1 wireless remote
• R1 C1
• 200-400
• TC 17 E converter
• TC 20 E converter
• PC E macro 85 2.8
• 500VR F 4 G ED VR (limited supply)
• ___________________________________________________________

 

There is an interesting debate going on www.naturescapes.net regarding game farm photography. Articles written by Joe McDonald and Tom Manglesen offer contrasting points regarding this type of shooting. Those of you that are wildlife shooters should read this.

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COMING NEXT UPDATE:

 

I’ll be discussing the advantages of subscribing to Robert Hitchman’s PHOTOGRAPH NEWS LETTER (www.photographamerica.com). In sites on where, when & how to get to some of America’s favorite locations are invaluable. DON’T LEAVE HOME WITH OUT IT!!!!

 

also..

 

 

I’ll be discussing the new Canon G10. What a fun little camera. The G10 is the new version of the successful G9. Yes it’s a point & shoot, but the quality is really something to see . At 15MP it offers good print capabilities. If you can’t carry your full bag of lenses etc, this little camera will render some pretty amazing resluts for the size, price and features ( Yes! you can shoot RAW). You can pick them up for under $ 500.00.

Check this out!  Not bad for a point & shoot…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Here are a few images from 2008

 

This big horn ram was pretty content to allow us to photograph him during our recent Workshop (Dec) in Wyoming.

 

Why not join me next year?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is STILL CREEK, not far from Mt Hood on the SE Side of Trillium Lake.

 

The sun was just starting to peak from behind the fog. I tihk it added a lot to the image.

 

This is one of my favorite locations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a verticle panorama ( 3 images stitched together to form the final image) of Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. This 600′ falls was practically incased with ice this winter. The gorge had about 2 weeks of sub 20 degree temperatures prior to Christmas.

 

It’s so amazing that after these rough winters the gorge is such a fantastic place for springtime wildflowers and water!

DEATH VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP FEB 09

2009 Death Valley Workshop 

It’s official.  The 2009 Death Valley Workshop is scheduled for February 14-17. 

I’m very excited to announce that I’ll be teaming up with Ralph Nordstrom. ( Ralph leads workshops in SO California and the adjacent areas and knows these areas well).

Both Ralph and I are passionate about landscape photography and sharing what we know with others.  With two instructors you can be sure of the high degree of individual attention that will help you meet your technical and artistic goals.

And if you act quickly, you will qualify for the 10% early registration discount.  Send in your $200 deposit by January 1, 2009 to take advantage of this great offer. See the link below for registration forms and further instructions.

Click here for more information - 2009 Death Valley Workshop Details.

LODGING

 

  We recommend you make reservations right away at the Stovepipe Wells Village.  Their phone number is 760-786-2387.

 

Please email me  Jack@jackgrahamphoto.com or contact Ralph directly.

 

 

Nordstrom Fine Arts Landscape Photography

http://ralphnordstromphotography.com

Ralph Nordstrom

25422 Trabuco Rd Ste 105/250

Lake Forest, CA 92630

(949) 589-0958

(949) 589-8457 Fax

Ralph@ralphnordstromphotography.com

 

JG

ON THE ROAD–DAY 7…… TETON NATIONAL PARK

©Jack Graham 2008

For those who have never been here to Teton National Park (Yellowstone is only about 30 miles away as well) you need to come here to see what is maybe the most amazing landscape around. Yes, the Grand Canyon is grand and the coasts of the west and east can be something to see but for me, I put this area right up with anything else around.

Perhaps the eastern sierra and the numerous locations on the Pacific NW might be my ultimate favorites for endless photography opportunities, but the Tetons and Yellowstone are just simply breathtaking (especially at 6500 + feet!).

We spent the day shooting some of the sights here this morning. Teton National Park is really a morning Park as far as photography goes. Iconic images like the old homestead barn, Schwabacker Landing, Oxbow Bend, the Snake River turnout and others are all morning shots.

 

 

 

 

 

This afternoon we shot the trumpeter swans found here year round. Did you know that these birds are the largest waterfowl found here in the North America? Wing spans can reach 7 feet. Not too long ago these magnificent birds were on the endangered list. They are now thriving and provide hours of interesting behavior, from preening to flapping their wings to deploy the water that they use to complete the preening process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here they are coming in for a landing!!!!!

It’s been a great week here. I’m heading back to Oregon through Southern Idaho and Weatern Oregon tomorrow. There is a pretty good size snow storm due in here tonight so it may take a while to get home. I bet there might even be an image or two on the trip.

I love this place.
JG

 

 

ON THE ROAD–DAY 5 Cody to Jackson Hole,WY

All images [c]Jack Graham  12/2008

Because of road closures (winter conditions made us go the long winter route) ) we had a 500 mile trip today south from Cody, into Riverton then up NW through Dubois into the Teton National Park, arriving into Jackson late in the day.

Thankfully this was  the last day of travel before heading home after our trip here in Wyoming on Monday or Tuesday ( dictated by the weather)

We had good weather and some unbelievable cloud patterns to photograph. Its quite interesting to actually make the cloud the subject in such a magnificent area for landscape images. These clouds are made up of  of ice crystals and are refered to as lenticular clouds. They are usually found over high mountain ranges

We crossed the Continental divide ( about 9800′) then dropped down into beautify Teton National Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The image everyone knows is the famous Snake River image made by Ansel Adams.  This is one amazing location  and one the Adams carefully placed his tripod. Just a foot to the right or left can make this image not as good. He really nailed this one. We had little or no snow at our elevation. Its quite comical in the winter to come and shot this image. You can literally see the  3 tripod holes where Adams had his, made by other photographers trying to match that shot.

 

 

Here is our group, from left to right.

Gerry Emery, Palm Springs CA, Al Kressler, Cincinnatti,OH; Greg Duncan, Temecula,CA; Randy Zack, Hamburg NY and yours truly.

We all are having a great time getting into some  beautiful country and bantering back & forth, all in good jest  These are all qulaity folks and all good friends. It really makes me feel pretty lucky to be able to spend some time with these guys , in such an amazing place. In a week or 2,  I’ll be putting some images shot by them up here on the blog  for all to see. I’ve seen some alredy and they are super.

Tomorrow will hopefully bring some snow and allow us to capture some images here in the Teton National Park  as well as beautiful Jackson hole at night.

JG