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

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                                           

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

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

Fall in North Eastern Oregon and its all so close!

©Jack Grahaam                    Trout Creek, near Trout River, Klickitat County, Washington

One of the things I always brag to folks from out of town is how truly access able this area is. Within a radius of about 70 miles from Portland Airport (PDX) there are so many completly different sights to see.  From here, you are about a little more than 1 hour from the Oregon Coast, about the same to Mt. St Helens to the north and Mt Hood to the East. Just a little further is the Mt. Adams area in southern Washington. In just about 40 short minutes to the south and west you are either in the wine country of the Willamette Valley  and in about the same time you are in  the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

What else can a photographer ask for?

Though we all think of fall in terms of the red maples of New England, or the beautiful aspens of the Rocky Mountain states, this area of Oregon has so much to offer.

Fall comes a bit later here in Oregon. Usually  peak color in the east of the Missisippi is sometime in October and  sooner in the high elevations of the Rocky Mountains. Peak color here in Oregon starts in Mid October in the high elevations of the cascades and lasts into mid to mid November in the Willamette Valley.

 

 

 

The “rainy” season usually kicks in sometime around November 1st as does the snow on the mountain peaks. However most areas are comfortable cool and offer the glorious color of autumn here in this part of Oregon.

 

Willamette Valley Wine Country

   Though anytime is a good time to visit this area, fall brings out grand color of the vineyards.

©Jack Graham    A winery in the Dundee Hills

 The rolling hills of Dundee ( right off Hwy 99 about 25 miles south of Portland) and adjacent valleys of the northwestern corner of the Wilammette Valley, offer numerous1st class wineries along with orchards of cherry, apple & plum trees.

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE:

Just east of Portland, is the majestic Columbia River Gorge. Though the forests are of mainly conifers, may other more colorful trees are plentiful. As the rainy season kicks in so does the amount of water coming over the many waterfalls that are easily accessed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

©Jack Graham            near Horsetail Falls, Columbia River Gorge           

The fall color makes this time of year special in the gorge.

 HOOD RIVER VALLEY, between Hood River and Mt. Hood

©Jack Graham                              Hood River Valley

At the eastern end of the gorge is the Town of Hood River. Hotels, motels, B&B’s and resturants are plentiful. As you head  south on HWY 35 toward Mt Hood ( about 12,000′ ele.) the rich valley comes into sight. Here pears, apples, cherry and more kinds of fruit trees are everywhere.

©Jack Graham                                                   Pear Trees, autumn

In the spring the valley is in bloom and is something to see. However in the fall, the color and patterns of the trees and hillsides provide an equally  pleasurable viewing experience. Adding Mt. Hood to the sights make it even more spectacular.

©Jack Graham      Barns are everywhere and offer picturesque views on foggy autumn   mornings

JUST A LITTLE FURTHER——–WEST CASCADES NATIONAL SECNIC BYWAY

About 2 hours SE of Portland is a little town called Detroit on Hwy 22. Heading south towards Hwy 20 towards the McKenzie Bridge is the McKenzie Santiam part of the West Cascades Scenic Byway. Just south of Detroit Hwy 22 goes through a corridor of dense forest mainly Douglass and White Fir. ( Be careful if you go, Detroit has the last gas station for 55 miles!). Detroit Lake State Rec. area has a great view of Mt. Jefferson. Along Hwy 22, fields of lava contain vine maples and oaks that provide contrasting color to the dark lava rock.

© Jack Graham                       Vine Maples in lava, south of Detroit Or.

If you get more adventuresome, continue south over the Santiam Pass and south to the town of Sisters, not far from Bend.

………………………..All of this so close to Portland!

JG 11/08

Fall Photography—East and West

It’s hard to believe how fast this month has gone. It’s also been a busy month and time has not allowed for what I wanted to do as far as updating this biog, as well as my web site www.jackgrahamphoto.com  with new articles and info. There’s been lots happening though and in the coming weeks I’ll have time to attack most of the things I haven’t been able to do in the past month or so.

Fall color is what a lot of photographers live for. I have to say it’s been really quite a great October for me as I did quite a lot of shooting here in Oregon, from the coast to the Mountains.

Sunset from Ecola State Park, Oregon Coast

Trout Lake Creek, Washington

I shot areas from Mt Adams,  and the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest in southern Washington south to Mt Hood then further south along the Pacific Crest trail to My Washington and jeffferson in the 3 Ststers wildwerness area. I’ll get some new images up soon as well as on my web site.

Last week I had the pleasure to be part of the 4th or 5th (?) annual Fall Photography workshop in NE Ohio led by Bob Kulon. We had an excellent grouip and above average color. We spent time in some prime locations as well as another full day on an Amiah Farm ( the only workshop I know of that gets to shoot on the farm itself then get a real Amish dinner). This will happen again next year so contact Bob ASAP for reservations.. they go fast (bkulon@hotmail.com)

Typical Amish Barn, near Farmerstown Ohio

It was good getting back to Ohio to see Bob and quite a number of old photographer friends.

Yes we had some inclement weather, but much of it helped off until the evenings. I know Bob will be getting lots of images up from the recent workshop and you’ll want to check them out

Speaking of Bob Kulon….. Bob is a good friend as well as being a wonderful talented photographer. What a lot fo folks are discoveing is his ability to teach the art of photography both in the field as well as in the classroom.

 

 For those of you who live in the midwest especially, I sugest you check out his offerings. Bob started a new blog today where you can keep up on his comings and goings. http://bobkulon.wordpress.comBob is the founder of the DSLR Bootcamp concept. We can never stop learning and I highly recommmend his offerings. Check back to this site often.

 

 

So on to November, snow & rain here inte Pacific NW and Mountains. The off to Wyoming in December for the Big Horn Sheep and Teton’s workshop.

My official 2009 Schedule will be published in about a week and God willing we will have a good year.

Life ain’t so bad!

JG

THE SEASON OF COLOR/ Tips for better Fall Photography

Text and images are © Jack Graham / Jack Graham / photography

 

Conway Summit, Eastern Sierra, CA

 

Let’s face it, we as photographers….pro’s, amatures’ or just casual shooters all look forward to the fall color display to get out and capture all that nature has to offer. Unless you are lucky to live in areas that offer really interesting photography most of the year, once that cool air, increasing rain and fall color starts, we get that rejuvenated feeling and grab our camera bags and get out, sometimes after a long dull summers

 

Here are some tips that can help in getting the best images you can in the season of color.

Overcast and  rainy weather provides the best lighting for both landscapes and 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.  Rainy/ wet conditions serve to even increase color saturation. The bottom line is that bad weather usually 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.

• 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.

• 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, undramatic sky is poison to an image.

• Left-white sky makes this a bad image
•                             Right–same location. no 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.

• 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. 
• As with snow scenes, relying on your camera meter may result in misty scenes that are too dark, so you may need to open up by ½ to 1 f-stop to retain the pearly light and luminosity that permeate these quiet foggy fall days.
• A polarizing filter can be used to intensify colors and minimize reflections from wet rocks and leaves.  An exposure increase of 1 to 2 f-stops will be needed, 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.
• 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 sky’s 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. Use the rule of thirds, graphic lines and make your image using a key element as the anchor. Simple is always the best.

• We have been told to always polarize to bring out color. This is not always helpful. Don’t over polarize reflections of fall foliage in water…the reflections may disappear!  And beware of over polarizing deep blue skies.
•       Don’t be afraid to occasionally rearrange fallen leaves, twigs, or other inanimate objects to improve a composition.  Professional landscape photographers do it all the time, though they usually don’t like to admit it!  But don’t become a slave to manipulating natural objects in your photograph, or your pictures will appear manipulated and trite.  And please don’t uproot living plants and other subjects in your quest for better compositions.

 

How to monitor the progression of fall foliage:

www.foliagenetwork.net

http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/fallfoliage/

http://phototravel.com/fall.htm   (more than you’ll ever need!)

http://www.wxnation.com/fallfoliage/ (lots of cams)

 

Bridleveil Falls, Cuyahoga NAtional Park, Ohio

OHIO FALL PHOTO WORKSHOP / PHOTOGRAPHING the AMISH

              This October, I’ll be spending a few days in Ohio with Bob Kulon at the

            4^th annual FALL in NE OHIO PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP. ( 10/23-10/27).

Bob has made some changes in the itinerary from previous years, so those of you who may have attended the workshop will find new locations and with all the advances in equipment, technology etc new information that will help you become better photographers.

 

The big hit of last years workshop was the time we spent photographing on an Amish dairy farm. Amish country is located about an hour or so S-SW of the airport in Cleveland. I know of no other workshop that features this unique experience.

 

Based on past years experience, our group will be split in two, for a morning and afternoon shooting session on the farm. This will afford you 2-3 hours to shoot right on the farm, not from the road! You will have the run of the farm, however, (obviously not inside the farm house.) Nothing is off limits. While one half of the group shoots on the farm, I will take the other half of the group into the Amish countryside to get some shots of some of the areas I know by experience, (kind of “Off the Road Places”). We will all gather together about 5:30PM for an Amish meal provided by our hosts in their gathering hall (included in the price!). The food is outstanding (I think last year there was a choice of 5 pies). The experience is something you won’t get anywhere else. I encourage you to register ASAP.

 

Bob has elected to offer this day in the Amish country, along with the other day’s events on an al la carte basis. (Quite generous of Bob!). Rather than me tell you about it, I have posted a copy of Bob’s latest mailing below. All contact information is provided.

I look forward to seeing you all in a few short weeks!  

 

 

 

                                                                                                                       Dinner at the Yoder’s

 

PLEASE — READ  MY POST HERE (after Bob’s info)……“PHOTOGRAPHING THE AMISH”. 

 I’ve photographed in this area many, many times. I hope I can offer you some tips and insight.

___________________________________________________________________

 From Bob Kulon  7/29/09

You probably know I am inviting Jack Graham back to OHIO to join forces with me for a super Fall Workshop. OK, it’s high time I get in gear and start making some exciting announcements about our plans and how this adventure has evolved. Here are a few realities – no one else (to my knowledge) is doing a northeast Ohio Fall workshop. Centering this on Cuyahoga Valley National Park sort of ignores the rich palette of other venues we have within our reach.

 

What we have decided to do is extend this workshop to 5 days, available a la carte, each day concentrating on a different region know for fall opportunity. There is a bundle price which makes this workshop… oh so affordable. The hub of this workshop will be in Streetsboro, Ohio, central to all venues. Checkout out our plans:

 

·         Thursday 10/23 – Amish Tour and Dinner (Sugar Creek & Holmes County) – $120 a la carte

·         Friday 10/24 – Beaver Creek State Park (East Liverpool) – $75 a la carte

·         Saturday 10/25 – Mill Creek MetroPark (Youngstown) – $75 a la carte

·         Sunday 10/26 – Holden Arboretum & North Chagrin MetroPark (Wood Ducks!) – $75 a la carte

·         Monday 10/27 – undiscovered parts of Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Peninsula) – $75 a la carte

 

Get This: THE BUNDLE PRICE FOR EVERYTHING IS ONLY $295! Comfortable transportation is available from the rendezvous point for $25/day (limited to 6 attendees) – first come first serve. Please contact Bob Kulon now at bkulon@hotmail.com or 330-635-7557 to make reservations. I accept check or Visa/MasterCard.

 

 

A RARE SHOT of somewhere in the CVNP ( any ideas? email me at jack@jackgrahamphoto.com)

 

 

 

©Jack Graham

_________________________________________________________________________

 

PHOTOGRAPHING the AMISH

©Jack Graham

 

Yes I live in Oregon, so why the Amish. Well, as many of you know I lived in NE Ohio for a few years and really enjoyed getting down to the Amish country either to make some images or just hang out and enjoy the leisurely pace of life.( The foods not bad either!)

 

Many folks have asked me when they see my images of the Amish “Isn’t it against the Amish religion to photograph them?” The correct answer is NO. However the Amish religion DOES NOT allow for the Amish to pose for an image.

 

It’s been my experience, if you ask an Amish person for an image, they will probably think you are asking them to pose and they will politely say “No”. Most of the other photographers I know, and Amish themselves have told me they don’t mind photographs as long as they are not asked to pose. I’ve seen some photographers (that give the rest of us a bad name), do things like stand in driveways, blocking buggies, or worse, with out permission just walk onto property and begin photographing. Most of the Amish I have met really don’t care if we photograph them or their farms as long as we are respectful and inquire first

 

There are many “orders’ of Amish. Some are more conservative than others. If it appears like you are being a pest, just leave and look for another subject.

 

Like everything else in photography, the difference between making a so-so image and a really great image can sometimes be very small. I’ll try and offer you a few tips based on my experiences to come back with some good images in Amish country.

 

1)     Don’t be afraid to talk to the Amish. They are really great folks. They love small talk and often will chew your ear off. Often this is a great way to find interesting locations. Just don’t be afraid to ask!

2)     If you are fortunate to live close to the Amish country, get to know the areas. Go there on “scouting” missions. Just like any other type of photography, you need to know the best times to be there to get the types of images you want. Horses, buggies, kids, horse drawn plows etc are all great subjects, but you need to know where and when they will be there for you to photograph. Also get to know what goes on in different times of the year, week and even day. For example livestock auctions occur on different days of the week in Kidron, Farmers town and Mt Hope. Amish schoolchildren play at recess during the school year. Sundays are not a good day to be there photographing. You might get some pastoral barn scenes from the road while the Amish are at church, but I usually avoid Sunday’s altogether.

3)     Avoid the often crowded town areas (especially on weekends in the summer and fall). For example, I know many roads around the busy towns like Berlin, Sugarcreek, Kidron and the like by heart. Travel the back roads when you can. However the folks in these more rural areas aren’t used to photographers as much as the town’s folk, so again be respectful and don’t take too many images of one subject. Sometimes you have to work a bit faster than normal. Expect dust, dirt, mud, bumps, narrow twists & turns. Do not travel in a RV. A GPS is extremely helpful and good maps are essential.

4)     Apply good photographic technique. Be careful not to get caught up in the moment and continue to watch your backgrounds, corners of the image etc. Forget the “I can fix it in Photoshop” theory. Work to get it right in the first place.

5)     Patience, patience, patience…. I remember waiting over an hour to make one image of an Amish farmer plowing his field in a horse drawn plow until he was just in the proper spot.

6)     Shoot both verticals as will as horizontals. I like verticals of windmills.

7)     Choose the right time of day to be there. Like anywhere else the early morning and evenings are the best times to be there. There is nothing like a frosty fall morning, a foggy spring morning or best of all the morning after a snowfall to get some great shots.

     I won’t get into equipment such the need for tripods etc….. Except for the need to bring long lenses. This affords you the ability to shoot fro distances that are respectful to the Amish.

 

CALENDAR OF PHOTOGRAPHIC OPPERTUNITIES

 

WINTER: Snow covered farms, buggy tracks in the back roads

                 Pastoral farm scenes, smoke coming from the Chimney.

          (Christmas is not what you think in the Amish Country—another subject for another time)

 

SPRING: Planting, plowing, lots of tractor and field activity

               Amish children playing in they school yards

               Wildflowers against old fences

AUTUMN: Harvesting, field work

                 Colored leaves and trees

                 Corn stacks in the fields

                 Pumpkin & Gourd shots

SUMMER:  Patterns of the hay in the fields ready for harvesting (late summer as well)

                  Livestock Auctions

                  Wheat stacking

                  Flower covered farm houses

                  Vegetable & Fruit Stands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TO BE WARY OF:

 

Be very careful driving the roads in Amish country, especially the back roads. If you see an image, don’t jam on your breaks and stop short….sometimes it’s better to drive ahead, turn around and come back to photographic it. You never know what’s around each turn. Constantly check your rear view mirror. Park in the widest area along the road, not in the middle of the road and never park jus over the crest of a hill. Obviously the buggies and bicycle traffic must be respected.

 

Try to stay at least 30-40 feet from anyone you may be photographing. Usually if you ask a farmer, or the head of the house if you should take a shot of the house they will say yes. Sending them a print is a way to not only make new friends, but to get them to know you when you return. If you must, always try and shoot Amish folks from the side or behind. If an Amish purposely turns away don’t take the photograph.

 

If you follow these basic rules, I have no doubt you’ll come back with some great images. And if noting else, you’ll be a lot more relaxed after a day with the Amish.

JG

THE MOUNTAINSIDE LAVENDER FARM, Beauty in the Oregon Hills

July 11,2008
While driving around the foothills of the Chehalem Mountains, roughly 25 miles SW of the airport in Portland Oregon, My wife and I discovered a hidden gem. We noticed the “You Pick Lavender” signs along the Hillsboro Highway, which runs north to south from Hillsboro toward Newburg. Nestled along the highway and up a long driveway is the MOUNTSINSIDE LAVENDER FARM a family owned farm, owned by Bill and Lori Carlson. We were greeted by their chocolate lab, Milo who is friendly and curious at the same time.

Mountainside Lavender
17805 SW Hillsboro Highway
Hillsboro (Scholls), OR 97123
website: www.mountainsidelavenderfarm.com

As a photographer, I was immediately taken by the scenic beauty of this farm. Not only is the lavender in full bloom (the purple & green is something to see and these images don’t do it justice!) but this location is breathtaking. Lori and Bill Carlson have more than 2,000 lavender plants in shades of white, pink and purple available for U-pick. On clear days Mount Hood, St. Helens, Rainier and the Coast Range are clearly visible along with the pastoral views of the Willamette Valley. Many painters and fellow photographers take advantage of this beautiful location with the permission of Bill and Lori.

Lavender is a native of the Mediterranean and thrives in  dry, sunny, rocky habitats. This location is all of that. Yes, it rains in Oregon, but typically between mid June and October less than 2” of rain fall. It’s sunny most of the time. And besides, England is not exactly a hot dry climate is it and England is also a world renowned area for growing lavender as well.

Here on the farm, Bill and Lori not only offer “You Pick” Lavender, but they do their own distillation. The “essential” oils from the lavender plant can aid in helping sunburn as well as acting as a mosquito repellent. Interestingly enough the oils also helps digestion. Most folks use it as soap and other fragrant uses. You can purchase lavender oils in their Lavender Store, as well as many other crafts from local artists ( web sales are also available)

This weekend is the OREGON LAVENDER FESTIVAL. (July 12th & 13th 2008) All the lavender farms (and there are quite a few) are open with music, food, and special events to coincided with the peak of the growing season. Check out www.oregonlavenderfestival.org . The MOUNTSINSIDE LAVENDER FARM is already decked out for this event. They are open 9 am to 6 pm both days

Weather you live here in the area or are venturing out to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, don’t miss seeing the MOUNTSINSIDE LAVENDER FARM. And if you are not as lucky as we are to live close by, you can always contact them on the web at www.mountainsidelavenderfarm.com  to purchase their products mail order.

When you stop by, tell them Jack says hi!
JG / Sherwood, Oregon  jack@jackgrahamphoto.com

What I’ll Miss about Ohio

Things are moving along pretty fast these days here in NE Ohio. Movers have been arranged, boxes being collected etc. We are off to Oregon on about 7/15 and really looking forward to getting back west. I will miss a lot here in Ohio. The folks I’ve had the privilege to meet are primary. Theres lots of photographic material found here, that is really unique as well. I can only encourage the photographers that live here to get out and explore and look around. You will never get bored.

On a recent excursion last month down to Holmes County, the home of the largest Amish population in one area in the country ( I think?) my good friend Tom Schwerin and I stopped to look at something you just don’t see  too often. Not only was there one horse drawn plow, but a father and Son working the land.We immediately made the most and captured similar images, all the while not even communicating with each other a whole lot.

I’ll try and post s few more before I leave.  I know that Oregon will offer new challenges, but I’ll miss this place.

JG