Each night Duke of Gloucester Street is illuminated by many lanterns like this one. They sit on the steps of several buildings and create a unique ambiance. These lanterns are just one of the many reasons why I enjoy walking in the Historic Area at night.
A big thanks to Wes Fortney for taking this image at Bryce Canyon. Most photographers aren’t fond of the camera being turned on them: our comfort zone is behind the camera. However, one benefit of traveling with talented photographers is the opportunity for great environmental portraits of each other.
Environmental portraiture is exactly what it sounds like; capturing your subject relating to their environment. Wes did a great job showing me working in the environment I was trying to capture that morning.
The fondest memories I have of the Southwest workshop are not of the places but the people. We certainly had phenomenal locations to photograph but the conversations, laughter and stories that were shared really made it a great trip. Wes helped make the trip great for me and many others.
Each image I process helps cement the memories of the fellowship we had with each other in my mind.
I made this image at Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce is know for tall rock formations called Hoodoos. When the first light hits them they glow a bright orange. I have never seen anything like it before. I will post a few of my photographs of Hoodoos next. (My Gallery from Bryce Canyon)
I spent the morning photographing the Hoodoos but this little tree caught my eye as I panned along the ledge where I was shooting. This was the only “non-rock” image I made that morning.
One of the keys to photography is to shoot when the light is at its best. That might mean getting up early in the morning for sunrise or waiting for sunset to photograph certain subjects. It also means that you should put your subject where the light is most flattering (like portraiture). Photography is all about light and how it interacts with the physical world. How you capture this interaction will make or break the shot. This is true for any type of photography from macro, landscape to portraiture (especially portraiture!).
I made this image because of the lighting. The light wraps this small tree from behind and turns an average subject (in my opinion) into one that is more dynamic and interesting. The way the light interacted with this little tree is what caught my eye. Look for the light!
This was not the image I set out to make. I find this happens to me often. It reminds me of a common sayings among landscape photographers: “Don’t forget to turn around.”
I was fortunate to be at Zion National Park several days after a light snow. It was my second time at the park within a week. Earlier in the day we wrapped up the workshop that I attended and was so moved by our visit Zion I had to go back. I overheard several people during the workshop mention a certain tree that photographer John Shaw “made famous”. When I arrived at Zion for the second time it was on the top of my shot list. This tree was behind me when I made this photograph.
The only traces of the recent snow were small puddles like this. The photographs of the tree I set out to capture turned out nice but I am much happier with this one comparatively.
Want to make more interesting photographs? Sometimes you just need to turn around.
What a great couple of days! I have logged over 1000 miles on the rental car, met some great people and photographed some amazing locations.
This image is from Lower Antelope Canyon. The light came into the slot canyon at just the right angle to illuminate the sand streaming down the edge of the wall.
This is what I mean when I say amazing location! Enjoy!
Just returned from a short trip to New York City. I was there for meetings and for Photo Plus Expo. Very productive trip; had a great time at the Expo and was able to spend a couple hours photographing in and around Central Park.
If you watch 30 Rock you are familiar with this shot. Here is my take on an image they show on nearly every episode…
We were blessed to have the band Downhere perform at our church last night. They are great musicians and put on quite the show! After many years of touring and recording they have decided to end their ministry. I remember seeing them for the first time seven or eight years ago. Over the years they got better every show. I believe this was the fourth time I saw them live.
This is the second to last show and I am grateful to see them one last time…
So many great subjects to photograph in Colonial Williamsburg; these locks are among my favorite…
