Photography: My Shot – Amazing Formations @ Cathedral Gorge

November 25, 2019November 28, 2019Jeff

National Parks receive much earned praise and attention, but there are many state parks which provide unique experiences every bit as exciting in their own right.

One such treasure is Cathedral Gorge State Park in Nevada. Erosion over time has created sculptured columns of soft bentonite clay that form arrays of spires in brownish, orange and contrasting lighter colors.

The towering cones cluster together forming alleyways and maze-like areas which, in our experience, lead to dead ends sooner or later. They are fun to explore. Some “rooms” had abundant groupings of tumbleweed.

The photo above shows one section of spires which beckons hikers to come and explore. The clay is very soft and quite susceptible to erosion. Notice the “window” forming at the top-right of the central arc.

Cathedral Gorge
111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road
Panaca, NV 89042

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All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged #please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2019 JBRish.com

Animal Photography – Faux Foes: An Unlikely Pair

October 24, 2019Jeff

Nature has its way and every now and then it reminds us that the rules of the Universe often bend.

This is a short story “captured” by Finnish photographer, Lassi Rautiainen, who witnessed a friendship between an unlikely pair of nature’s predators. A female wolf and a male brown bear became friends and hunting buddies.

Photo copyright of photographer Lassi Rautiainen

You can see more photographs and read the entire short story HERE

Read more miscellaneous stories on JBRish HERE

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All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2019 — JBRish.com

Photography: My Shot – Nature’s Color Palette

October 14, 2019November 25, 2019Jeff

There appears to be a little-known gem in near Winslow, Arizona. It is to be found in Navajo County. It is a beautiful natural land mass that unfortunately receives little or no care from the federal, state or local governments. There are volunteers who try to keep the sparkle on this natural wonder.

The area is known as the Little Painted Desert and it is very much as pretty as many areas of the Painted Desert National Park. We happened to stumble upon information about this natural display of formations and colors and decided to visit the property to see it for ourselves.

This is just one small area and you can see how beautiful the colorful hues of purple, grey and brown mix together for a stunning display. Nature truly is the best at providing exquisite vistas upon which we are fortunate enough to gaze.

If you are on your way to Winslow, AZ near the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert Natioinal Parks, I think you would enjoy a brief stop at the Little Painted Desert as well. Just be aware that it is easy to miss as there is no signage and the rim road is in very poor, but drivable condition if you take it slow and exercise care.

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Metadata

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Capture time: 2:35:45 PM
Capture date: Sep 9, 2019
Exposure: 1/50 sec @ f/16
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO: 200
Fujifilm X-T2
18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS

Edited in Lightroom

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Photography: My Shot – The Serendipity of Art

August 30, 2019November 25, 2019Jeff

I presume most of us are familiar with the expression “Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder” and that is quite true. Personal taste or recent life events may color a person’s perception and one individual may view something very differently than the next person.

As a photography enthusiast, I have learned to look at the little things and the everyday objects for beauty that often lurks under our noses and yet goes undetected. A few years ago on a trip to Japan, I “discovered” this item which I found immensely appealing.

The area was crowded and I had to wait to take the picture to avoid other people entering the frame. I edited some of the surrounding area that might have been distracting to enable the viewers to appreciate the delicate and well-balanced beauty of this artwork.

I am sure many of you know what the item in the picture is. Why not leave a comment a) with your suggestion of what the item in the photograph might be, or b) about the piece itself?

Another quote about the perception of art and/or beauty:

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

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Metadata

File Name: Japan_IMG_2598a.tif
Capture time:
Capture date: July 24 2015
Exposure: 1/250 sec @ f/6.3
Focal Length: 5.8mm
ISO: 100
Camera: Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
Lens: 5.8-23.2

Edited in Lightroom & Photoshop

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Photography: My Shot – The Alhambra from the Hill of the Sun

August 12, 2019November 25, 2019Jeff

The Alhambra palace and fortress in Granada, Spain is one of those locations that is so monumentally beautiful and interesting that it defies description. Not only is the ancient architecture magnificent, the castle grounds and gardens are also magnificent.

The photograph below was captured looking back at the Alhambra from the Generalife gardens located on the Cerro del Sol (Hill of the Sun). We toured the facility for three hours or more and there remains more I would like to have seen.

Perhaps one day we shall return!

“The Alhambra palace as viewed from the Hill of the Sun”

Photography enthusiasts who visit the Alhambra be warned: You will not be able to stop taking pictures. One scene is prettier and more captivating than the last!

NOTE: A complete pictorial essay of the Alhambra will be published on JBRish.com in the near future!

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Metadata

File Name: DSC_3226.NEF
Capture time: 1:38:34 PM
Capture date: May 17, 2018
Exposure: 1/320 sec @ f/9
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO: 100
Camera: Nikon D3300
Lens: 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Edited in Lightroom

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Check out Jeff’s Instagram account for more interesting photos!

Read more photography posts HERE

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All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross – 2018 – JBRish.com

Nature’s Color Bounty on Display at Glacier NP

July 24, 2019July 24, 2019Jeff

We spent a week hiking at Glacier National Park, Montana which is one of the most remote national parks in the United States. As the glaciers release the waters frozen in their winter larder, the streams and waterfalls flow freely. Although the sun was not dominating the sky on this day, the colors rendered all around us were magnificent.

While hiking along the Johns Lake Loop, we came across a number of vistas similar to the one below which was remarkable in the natural beauty rendered.

Nature's colorful palette on display at Glacier National Park'

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Metadata

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Capture time: 11:59:32 AM
Capture date: July 12, 2019
Exposure: 1/45 sec @ f/20
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO: 400
Camera: Fuji X-T2
Lens: XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM Ois
Edited in Lightroom

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Photography: My Shot — Wild Burros at Lake Pleasant – Morristown, AZ

February 18, 2019Jeff

We decided to take a hike at Lake Pleasant to see if we could locate the wild burros that reportedly live there. As we travel along the highways, we see signs to watch out for the burros, but we have never seen one.

The park has a Wild Burro Trail so naturally we decided this would be our target destination. Lucky for us we were less than ten minutes into the hike when we spotted a lone burro. Upon further exploration, we came across the tres amigos (three friends) pictured here.

So…there really are wild burros at Lake Pleasant!

Wild Burros of Lake Pleasant - Morristown, AZ

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Metadata

File Name: IMG_1103_r.tif
Capture time: 10:44:14 AM
Capture date: Feb. 15, 2019
Exposure: 1/400 sec @ f/5.6
Focal Length: 79mm
ISO: 80
Camera: Canon PowerShot AS590 IS
Lens: 4.3-215mm
Edited in Lightroom/Photoshop

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Photography: My Shot —Deer Mountain Peak, RMNP, Colorado

February 11, 2019Jeff

My wife and I enjoy hiking and every year we take two significant hiking vacations. During these hikes or treks, I enjoy taking photographs of the scenery, nature and other interesting finds.

The hike to the top of Deer Mountain, Rocky Mountain NP, was somewhat difficult in parts, especially the last ascent with a steep upward grade. The view from the top was striking although the day was overcast and the colors subdued.

Nevertheless, I captured the streaks of light coming from the sky, piercing the clouds and hitting the Moraine Park area. The picture captures the mood.

Longs Peak and Moraine Park area viewed from the Deer Mountain Peak Trail, RMNP, CO

I thought perhaps since the tonal values were not intense that it might be better depicted in a black and white rendition. As you can see, the subtle color of the streaks of light become lost as they blend in with the surrounding monochromatic tones. What do you think?

Longs Peak and Moraine Park area viewed from the Deer Mountain Peak Trail, RMNP, CO - Black and White

Longs Peak is almost directly north, far off in the distance of the leafless tree on the ledge. Here is a closeup of Longs Peak.

Longs Peak closeup taken from the Deer Mountain Trail, RMNP, CO Black and White

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Metadata

File Name: DSC_1031-2.tif
Capture time: 11:04:48 AM
Capture date: Sept. 16, 2016
Exposure: 1/80 sec @ f/25
Focal Length: 21mm
ISO: 100
Camera: Nikon D3300
Lens: 18.0 – 55.0mm f/3.5-5.6
Edited in Lightroom/Photoshop

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Photography: My Shot — Elephant Mountain Cave Creek, Arizona

December 28, 2018Jeff

A couple of weeks ago, the weather was rather mild in our part of the Sonoran Desert so we decided to take a hike which was partly in the Spur Cross Recreation Area. As we hiked over a dozen miles that day, we could see Elephant Mountain from numerous vantage points.

Elephant Mountain - Cave Creek Conservation Area, Arizona

This is a well-known landmark in the area and there are several ranger-led hikes to the mountain every year. You can call for information if you like. Our hike this day took us near the mountain and around the sides, but not on to it. It was our near constant companion as we trekked along.

If you are having difficulty “seeing” the “elephantness” of the mountain, here is another copy of the photo with my interpretation.

As a bonus, I included a relevant quote. If you read my website regularly, you probably surmised that I am a collector of quotes.

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Metadata

File Name: DSC_4018.NEF
Capture time: 10:50 AM
Capture date: Dec 14, 2018
Exposure: 1/160 sec @ f/10
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO: 100
Camera: Nikon D3300
Lens: 18.0 – 55.0mm f/3.5-5.6
Edited in Lightroom

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Photography: My Shot — Pine Cones in the Mist

December 14, 2018Jeff

When we plan our hiking and photography trips, we understand that we are most likely going to have some days when the weather is not ideal. Even if it rains, as long as it isn’t a deluge, we carry out our plans to hike. We may elect to alter the selection of trails, but hike we will.

During our adventures in Sequoia National Park, California, we wanted to see a stand of the giant sequoias that were located in the Muir Grove near the end of the Muir Grove Trail. The day was a dreary, drizzly one. To add a bit of drama, we had a map that accessed the trailhead through one of the campgrounds that was unfortunately closed for renovations. Cars were not allowed, but we were told we could walk in.

The construction turned the campground into ghost town and the cloudy, misty, rainy day created an eerie spectacle. Undeterred however, and with most of the landmarks altered or removed, we finally located the trailhead.

As we made our way along the designated path, we came across the beautiful branch pictured below. The two elongated pine cones were dangling in the air. They were posed in such near perfect juxtaposition against the misty background, that I was inspired to take this photograph and I am glad that I did.

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Metadata

File Name: 000031_sequoia_1619.NEF
Capture time: 12:10 PM
Capture date: June 10, 2018
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/16
Focal Length: 35mm
ISO: 1250
Camera: Nikon D3300
Lens: 18.0 – 55.0mm f/3.5-5.6
Edited in Lightroom

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BTW – Here is a picture of me by the unbelievably huge sequoia’s near the end of the trail. To give some perspective to the scene, I am nearly six feet tall and I am standing at the base of a single tree.

Click HERE for more information about the Grove Muir Trail.

See more photography posts HERE and visit Jeff’s Instagram site HERE

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JBRish.com – quips & queries

A life of musings, queries, quips and quandaries

Photography

Photography: My Shot – Amazing Formations @ Cathedral Gorge

Animal Photography – Faux Foes: An Unlikely Pair

Photography: My Shot – Nature’s Color Palette

Photography: My Shot – The Serendipity of Art

Photography: My Shot – The Alhambra from the Hill of the Sun

Nature’s Color Bounty on Display at Glacier NP

Photography: My Shot — Wild Burros at Lake Pleasant – Morristown, AZ

Photography: My Shot —Deer Mountain Peak, RMNP, Colorado

Photography: My Shot — Elephant Mountain Cave Creek, Arizona

Photography: My Shot — Pine Cones in the Mist