Photography

Landscape Photography More or Less?

Jeff

Readers of JBRish know that I enjoy hiking and photography. If the truth be told, I enjoy photography more. Interestingly, however, when I put the two together, they have a beautiful synergy that gives me great satisfaction. Taking photographs also helps to keep the memories alive.

I found Thomas Heaton’s video (below) engaging. It contains worthy messages and photographs. On his blog, he uses this quote:

“We are not content with a nice view. We need the best view.”

This is very true. MOST landscape or scenery photographers do want the “best view.” I have come to realize that at my age, having captured a nice view or perhaps a very good view, might be good enough for me.

Most landscape photographers strive for the golden hours near sunrise and sunset and I agree that generally is the best light for landscapes, but can’t those vistas have a beauty of their own under different lighting conditions? I think they can.

After you watch the video, Wake Up. There’s More to Landscape Photography (below), I want to refer you to one of Heaton’s blog posts:

Yosemite Valley – I am People in which he decries the crush of the crowd at Yosemite, but then moves on to exclaim the wonder of it all.

When we visited Yosemite last June, which is the basis for my Year of Yosemite project, we found it extremely busy. It was so busy that even though we stayed in the Valley and paid for a nice room near the Lodge, we were NOT GUARANTEED a parking space.

It felt a bit like a Seinfeld episode. They can take the reservation for the room and you probably need a car to get there, but there may not be a parking spot. When I lived in NYC as a child, my parents would have to think really hard before we moved the car and relinquished our parking spot. I have come full circle more than fifty years later; but I digress…

If you liked any of my photographs of Yosemite, Thomas Heaton has captured much more of the majesty than I could manage and I think you will really like his work!

 

JBRish.com originally published this post

See previous Photography posts HERE

STATUS QUOte – Photography – 20161110

Jeff


Photography Quote

Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter.

– Ansel Adams

Rainbow over Sonoran Desert

** – Photograph Notes – **
Photograph Copyright by Jeff Ross – ALL Rights Reserved
Sonoran Desert Rainbow, North Phoenix, AZ
Canon A590IS, 1/60 sec @ f3.5, ISO 250, Focal Length 9.9mm

 

JBRish.com originally published this post

See previous Photography STATUS QUOtes HERE

See Jeff’s other photographs on Instagram

TIME Magazine – 100 Most Influential Photographs

Jeff

On November 17th, TIME Magazine will be offering an exploration of “the most influential images of all time.

The intent is to explore each of the images being considered and to decide what was the impact and lasting effect of each image.

What image would you pick as the most influential of all time? (i.e. had the most profound or lasting effect – my interpretation).

Would it be the Bambino saying goodbye at Yankee Stadium?**

Babe Ruth's goodbye at Yankee Stadium

Would it be the crash and burn of the Hindenburg blimp?**

The burning of the Hindenburg blmip

Would it be the famous end of WWII kiss in NYC?**

A sailor kissing a nurse at the end of WWII

Perhaps Jackie Kennedy reaching toward the back of the limousine.**

Jackie Kennedy when JFK was shot

**NOTE** – The pictures above were taken as screen shots from the video below.

As a photo enthusiast, I will be awaiting this series with great interest. Watch the video below to see if any of the photographs shown resonate with you.

From the notes on the YouTube Video:

Published on Nov 1, 2016

In this unprecedented exploration of 100 photographs that shaped the human experience, TIME goes behind each spectacular image to reveal how and why it changed the course of history.

From TIME’s Website: Visit the complete multimedia experience on Nov. 17th at time.com/100photos

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 114 (Half Dome – Bridge Over the Merced)

Jeff

Half Dome and Merced River 

As we drove back to Yosemite Valley, we passed a bridge over the Merced River and Half Dome held court!

After a day of hiking, we turned down a bend in the road and crossed a bridge over the Merced River where Half Dome could be seen in the distance. I pulled over as quickly as I could, reached for my camera in the back seat and headed to the bridge for a few captures.

There were a number of people floating down the Merced this day. Some had kayaks while others had inflatable rafts or inner tubes. This photograph brings a smile every time I see it!

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

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Meta Data – Day 114 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0335.NEF
Capture time: 3:13:41 PM
Capture date: June 8, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/22
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 560
Nikon D3300

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 109 (Nevada & Vernal Falls vs The Map)

Jeff

Nevada & Vernal FallsNevada & Vernal Falls with Big Cap off to the Left as seen from Glacier Point

In preparation for visiting a national park for the first time, it is very hard to visualize the relationship of the major points of interest. Looking at a map is abstract. Of course it provides a “sense of place,” but it can not prepare one for the actual physical experience (IMHO).

Let’s take the photograph above for example. The map can pinpoint Nevada Falls (upper) and Vernal Fall (lower), but it cannot adequately convey the juxtaposition to each other and the overall physical relationship to their wider surroundings. (Half Dome is not in the picture, but is off to the left.)

See the partial map below with noted points outlined by ovals and rectangles:

 
Map of Glacier Point

I particularly like the zig-zaged relationship of the falls that flow in the Half Dome neighborhood, but this cannot be truly appreciated from looking at a map. The other half of the problem is that when looking at photographs, it is hard to get a sense of the total layout of the area because pictures are narrow in scope. Plan we must, but we also need to be prepared for “surprises” and to be flexible in our goals.


***** BTW *****

I didn’t see one person arrive at Glacier Point and leave within a few minutes. Everyone I watched lingered and walked around as though they couldn’t soak in enough of the views. I admit, I was one who lingered for a length of time.

I wish these photographs and my skills could depict the grandeur of the panorama that was cast before me, but they are only a lesser reproduction.

For another part of the panorama seen from Glacier Point incuding Half Dome, located just to the North (left) of the above photo check the link below:

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 63 (Glacier Point-Half Dome)

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

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Meta Data – Day 109 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0279.CR2
Capture time: 3:01:40 PM
Capture date: June 6, 2016
Exposure: 1/400 sec @ f/6.3
Focal Length: 20mm
ISO 100
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

 

STATUS QUOte – Photography – 20161022

Jeff


Photography Quote

Like all photographers, I depend on serendipity… I pray for what might be referred to as the angel of chance.

– Sally Mann

Pink and white Bougainvillea - by J. Ross
Photograph Copyright by Jeff Ross – ALL Rights Reserved

** – Photograph Notes – **

Pink and white bougainvillea at the Desert Botanical Garden (near herb garden) against an orange wall.

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April 25, 2014 – Early Afternoon
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
1/30 sec @ f4.5
ISO 100
Focal Length 14 mm

 

JBRish.com originally published this post

See previous Photography STATUS QUOtes HERE

See Jeff’s other photographs on Instagram

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 108 (Another Pass – Tunnel View)

Jeff

The main players seen from tunnel viewAs we passed by Tunnel View again, the color of light was changing and painting the landscape

This picture taken from the Tunnel View overlook and parking area shows the sun beginning to reach that golden stage. We had just finished hiking in the area and were heading back to Yosemite Valley. Although we were tired, the scene was so beautiful, we just had to stop.

The main players, Half Dome (background), El Capitan (foreground – left) and some of the “pinnacles” (foreground right – perhaps Cathedral Rocks) were exhibiting their finery for all the onlookers; and there were many.

This scene is awe inspiring. Changes of the sun’s position and light as well as the seasons provide variations on the theme; daily weekly, monthly!

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

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Meta Data – Day 108 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 6:11:14 AM/PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/200 sec @ f/8
Focal Length: 33mm
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Canon SX50 HS

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 106 (Owl’s Clover – Hetch Hetchy)

Jeff

Owl's Clover at Hetch Hetchy 

Owl’s Clover (Castilleja exserta) at the Hetch Hetchy section of Yosemite National Park

It was very interesting for me to see this variety of Owl’s Clover at Hetch Hetchy because we have a variant of this plant in our Sonoran Desert. It looks slightly different, but the relationship is unmistakable.

The plant is not really a clover although it does look a bit like one. An interesting fact about this plant is that it uses host plants to derive some of its sustenance. It may not be parasitic, but it does have a symbiotic relationship of some form.

The purple against the brown grasses made for a pretty setting on this overcast day.

Learn more about Owl’s Clover at the California Native Plant Society

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

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Meta Data – Day 105 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0427.CR2
Capture time: 12:03:30 PM
Capture date: June 11, 2016
Exposure: 1/200 sec @ f/6.3
Focal Length: 53mm
ISO 100
Canon SX50 HS

STATUS QUOte – Photography – 20161010

Jeff


Photography Quote

When your mouth drops open, click the shutter.

– Harold Feinstein

Sprague Lake, RMNP, CO - by J. Ross

** – Photograph Notes – **
Photograph Copyright by Jeff Ross – ALL Rights Reserved
Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO – Sept. 13, 2016 – 9:06 AM
Nikon D3300, 1/60 sec @ f18, ISO 140, Focal Length 27 mm

 

JBRish.com originally published this post

See previous Photography STATUS QUOtes HERE

See Jeff’s other photographs on Instagram

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 96 (Beauty Among the Debris)

Jeff

Beauty among nature's debrisEven among the debris, nature leaves behind, beauty stands out!

What I like about this photograph is that even among the debris left behind by nature, the inherent beauty shines through. There are dead trees, debris in the pond left by recent rains and branches dying on nearby growth. Yet the beauty in the background was breathtaking!

The sapling to the left of the water (foreground) should serve to remind all that nature rejuvenates our world when left to her own devices. Yes, Half Dome peering out above the distant mountain watches over the lush, green valley; joy to the world!

 
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.

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Meta Data – Day 96 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0290.NEF
Capture time: 10:00:14 AM
Capture date: June 8, 2016
Exposure: 1/340 sec @ f/25
Focal Length: 24mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300