Oct 22, 2009 | Landscape Photography
You might recognize this structure, it’s not the first time it’s been on the blog. Maybe because I first shot this with one of the 1st D3s around, it’s in the middle of nowhere or it’s just cool, whatever it is I really enjoy photographing this part of history.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP3310.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
We arrived well before dawn to the locale leaving most of the gang in the dark why we were out in the middle of nowhere. While standing in the dark, a school bus came and lit up one side of the school house casting some really cool shadows. Once it was gone, McNally took one of the vans and tried to imitate the bus light but it wasn’t as bright. Something to remember and come back to redo.
This photo was taken in really, really, dark, flat light but that didn’t phase me. To finish this photograph, I went into NX2 and did W/B Point and removed the color cast from just the school house. I then went into PS and used Nix Silver Efex Pro to convert to B&W. The final image turned out pretty cool. I was planning on making a video lesson of this today for you but realized my recording mic wasn’t with me so, I owe you one.
Photo captured by D3x, 24PC-E on Lexar UDMA digital film
Oct 21, 2009 | Landscape Photography
Been on the road since the 15th Sept and I have no bloody clue what day it is and barely know we’re in MI, it’s a blur! The photography just keeps on smoking though; never had this kind of back log of images to process ever before. DLWS is great, a really killer group of really nice folks making this so much fun for me and the staff. I will post more and tell more later, even a new lesson to share. For now, enjoy this simple barn image shot yesterday morning.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP3436.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
Photo captured by D3x, 105VR on Lexar UDMA digital film
Oct 20, 2009 | Landscape Photography
I just love this state, in the fall that is (to be fair, I have never been here any other time). The little treasures that are tucked away in its countryside are simply so much fun to find. For example, we took the DLWS gang to Hartwick State Forest Park yesterday afternoon. Barely on maps, this great piece of wild heritage it really tucked in the middle of nowhere.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP3165.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
All the photos here were taken by walking no further than 100 yards from where we parked. Yeah, there is just that much potential because these are only 3 of the 19 set ups I did in this small stretch of the forest. I walked really slowly just looking side to side, up and down selecting those opportunities I wanted to capture.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP3189.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
I mentioned in an earlier blog I wanted to work my B&W fall color, kind of an oxymoron, I know but what can I say is, I was very pleased with my progress in that pursuit yesterday. Here’s my favorite from yesterday.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP3251.swf, 444, 585 [/swf]
The skies were not the best for shooting straight up but were beautifully diffused for shooting in the forest, but I wanted to shoot up. I kept looking and looking, got a stiff neck and then finally after the sun had set I found a small window to shoot. I took a number of variations of this, dancing with the bit of blown out sky you see here in the lower left. Still not sure if I will leave it of close in some leaves to make the bright area smaller or not, but I’m happy with the image.
We were going until after 11PM and out again well before daylight. MTC
Photos captured by D3x, 24PC-E on Lexar UDMA digital film
Oct 19, 2009 | Landscape Photography
Starting at a place called Fishtown, sounds kinda fishy to the newbies but the photography at this small locale smells pretty sweet! Arriving prior to sunrise, the surprise that the old dock town has in store is hidden. Once the light starts to come up, the possibilities abound.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP3104.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
The clouds had so much promise, the light was encouraging but it ended up being a promise unanswered. So I turned to the digital darkroom. This photo was taken at -1.5 so capturing all the highlight detail in the sky was tricky because the 16Fish takes in so much. That meant the fishing village went into shadows and black. That was a plus and minus. The plus was some of the yuck disappeared, the minus was some of the cool stuff disappeared as well. So I simply went into NX2, dropped some Color Control points on the buildings, brought up the brightness, contrast and warmth and called it finished. It was a lesson that the class thought was pretty darn cool. Especially since it only took a minute to finish.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_bmp3106.swf, 444, 585 [/swf]
And then there is my hero, Joe McNally. From this sleepy little village Joe enters and finds subjects, situations and of course, killer images. I was on the other end of town and got in only during the last few minutes but I like the one quick portrait I was able to capture. That guy, he just works magic!
It’s going to be a great week!
Photos captured by D3x 16Fish / 200f2 on Lexar UDMA digital film
Oct 18, 2009 | Landscape Photography
We revisited a favorite MI scene of mine today. This very tranquil farm just screams to be photographed. But unlike our last visit, the dramatic lighting was missing this time. Drama is incredibly important to a strong landscape photograph, without it they simply suck, suck, suck. So without drama in the light falling on the scene, this is what the camera recorded.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP2869b.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
Most would see this and rightly so enjoy the scene but not make any clicks. You have to admit, the light is pretty boring. But with knowing NX2 and its Color Control Points, you can “light” the scene by simply working the colors that are available in the scene. This photo was finished entirely in NX2 and took less than 2min.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP2869.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
Yeah, I would rather mother nature did all the heavy lifting and light the scene for me but there are times when that just doesn’t happen so you need to turn to the tools in the digital darkroom to finish your passion.
Photo captured by D3x, 24-70AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
Oct 17, 2009 | Landscape Photography
DLWS is back in MI and it’s great! It’s just gorgeous here, the fall color just blazing away and the scenery just couldn’t be finer. The staff as usual has come in early to scout the food…er, I mean the locations, and have found the best locales for fudge… I mean photography.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP2807.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
The hardwood forests here on the UP (yeah, I know, we’re not technically on the UP so don’t email me) are spectacular. Part of the scouting we do prior to DLWS is a bit of history learning. We went to a lumber museum where I learned a lot. I had no idea how much of this part of the country was clear cut for lumber. Wow!
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP2842.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
Wondering the old lumber roads and railroad grades, uncovers some of the magnificent treasures this area has to offer.
[swf]http://www.moosepeterson.com/swf_imgs/_BMP2858.swf, 585, 444 [/swf]
And what might seem sacrilege when you have abundant fall color, exploring it photographically in B&W fascinates me. The key is: strong blacks, especially in the trunks. This is a good start but I plan on doing better as the week progresses and students push me to kick it up a notch. Probably the best thing about teaching is the push to take things beyond the safe and sure.
Photos captured by D3x, 24-70AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film
