Mindful Moments, a new photographic collection

Mindful Moments, the fifth publication from Wayne Scherr and Range of Vision Photography has been published and is now offered to the public for viewing and purchase. Mindful Moments is a collection of images is a cross section of imagery that ranges from the mountain landscapes of Glacier National Park to garden florals water movement and abstract photographs. All are from my home in Montana.

Mystery Creek cover for Mindful Moments

From the introduction:
It was the weathered wood fence and floral garden beyond at my brother’s home that defined Mindful Moments for me. This was where photographic images offered themselves to my camera and opened my heart.
Together as photographers we have discovered brief seconds of light that sculpt the natural world and in the creative process developed connections that define one’s life.
Mindful Moments have since shadowed my footsteps as I focus on broader landscapes and experimental visions. It is with great respect for the encouragement and support of my brother, Greg, that I offer these images to the viewer in hopes that sharing them will transcend my experiences into a greater awareness of thought and be moved by these, visual, Mindful Moments.
120 pages illustrated with 99 photographs
Standard landscape format 10 x 8 inches (25 x 20 cm) with soft cover $37.95
To preview and purchase your copy of Mindful Moments, go to

Mindful Moments by Wayne Scherr | Make Your Own Book

 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/abstract-from-a-land-of-landscapes/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/challenge-your-photographic-vision/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/water-the-meditation-of-liquid-music/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/fear-and-persistance-of-expression/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/sense-what-the-landscape-is-telling-you/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr,
Range of Vision Photography, 2012, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any
manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of
Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com.

You can contact me through this blog or email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

 

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Touching the West

Touching the West – A Visual Journal

Photography by Wayne Scherr

 

 

Touching the West is a photographic journal by Fine Art Photographer and Photojournalist Wayne Scherr.   Based in Montana, Wayne’s images presented in this book are a selection of Western Heritage photographs made in pursuit of self discovery and expression.

Touching the West is a full color book depicting time spent exploring the Northern Rockies recording experiences and in the process discovering the history held within this dynamic landscape.

Sun, wind and the ravages of both time and man have taken their toll on these western relics and the stories they have to tell. It is easy to sense the ghostly memories and the personal tales of mountain men and rendezvous, pioneers, miners and cattlemen that swirl from the weathered and worn buildings. Investigating their wooden planked walls, glassless windows and squeaky door frames you cannot help but wonder who has passed this way.

80 pages illustrated with 76 photographs.

Standard landscape format 10 x 8 inches (25 x 20 cm) with soft cover $37.95

To preview and purchase your copy of Touching the West, go to

 http://www.blurb.com/books/2840862

 

 

 

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Waterscapes in Glacier Park

The pristine ecosystem of Montana’s Glacier National Park was made for landscape
photography. Called the “Crown of the Continent” its’ graphic glacier carved
geography and flow of energy is nothing short of stunning.

Known as the “Backbone of the World” by Native Americans, Glacier has more
than a million acres of aspen and pine forests, flowery alpine meadows, clear lakes,
jagged peaks and prominent glacial-carved valleys.

The Park’s diversity is also home to nearly 70 species of mammals including the grizzly bear, and wolf, Mountain Goats and Bighorn sheep. Everywhere you turn it’s easy to get
electrified by the view and the life that surrounds you.

Up at Many Glacier on the eastern side of the Park I intended to photograph Swiftcurrent
Falls.

Swiftcurrent Falls

I wanted my images to be powerful and dynamic. I scouted the location and climbed down to small ledge facing the deafening cascade. You could feel the energy of the thunderous falls charge through your body.

To convey its’ power and flow I chose a 20mm wide angle lens and got in close, careful not to slip into the stream and get flushed down into the gorge and river
below.

I used the juxtaposition of background and fore ground to create an illusion of perspective. I feel it gives the viewer a sense of being there in the image, itself. It expands the experience and gives the viewer a further sense of your perception. In this
case a sweeping wide angle of power and strength.

Near far compositions create scale and interest. Coupled with the slight zigzag pattern of diagonal lines in the composition it keeps the viewer’s eyes moving back and forth
within the picture.

Morning at Swiftcurrent

When photographing waterscapes it’s a good idea to eliminate as much of the sky as
possible because the sky can be a distraction drawing the viewers eye away from
the essentials, the dynamics of the composition.

Overcast light, even haze is good when photographing water because it diffuses the light
so that you can employ slower shutter speeds and not get hot spots that are
created by bright light. A polarizing filter also comes in handy.

The use of motion blur and the texture that forms with water from a timed exposure is
essential in capturing the vitality of a waterfall.  Applying a full depth of field and an ISO of
100 with shutter speeds from ¼ to ½ second and you’ve got the shot. Slower
shutter speeds in brighter light would have washed out the highlights and
faster speeds would have distracted from the impression of movement and flow I
wanted to portray.

I encourage readers to get out and photograph water. Experiment with liquid movement,
motion and blur as design elements to express yourself. Be in the moment. Let
me know how it goes.

Get helpful information from these websites:

Glacier
National Park – www.nps.gov/glac

Glacier’s webcams – www.nps.gov/glac/photosmultimedia/webcams.html

Lodging and activities – www.glacierparkinc.com

Montana Visitor’s Guide – www.visitmt.com

Sunrise Sunset calendars – www.sunrisesunset.com

The Photographer’s Ephemeris – www.photoephemeris.com

Related Posts:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2011/09/24/astracts-from-a-land-of-landscapes/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/05/08/salty-legs-and-mountain-goats/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/05/02/crown-of-the-continent-glacier-national-park-montana/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2011, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com.

You can contact me through this blog or email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Abstracts from a Land of Landscapes

Entering Glacier from Babb on the eastern side of this National Park in Montana
I drove the potholed two lane road toward Many Glacier.
Aspen trees lined the road and whipped by my car window.

Bursts of laser white pulsed backlighting the aspens’ deeper shadows. Traveling at 40 miles per
hour sunlight reflecting off Lake Sherburne flashed bright specular highlights
across my face like a strobe. The sub alpine lake shimmered in the afternoon
light drawing my attention.

Lake Sherburne Glacier National Park Montana

It was abeautiful day with blue skies, fresh mountain air and no one else on the road.
Each time I explore Glacier I am inspired by the dramatic landscapes that
blanket both sides of the Continental Divide, here in this Crown Jewel of
Montana. This sparkling day was no different.

I grabbed my camera that is always waiting at my side and opened the window. A quarter of
a second exposure, the lens set at infinity and with the car rolling down the
road, I couldn’t resist tripping the shutter.

Implied motion within a still image has always been intriguing to me.  Obviously composition is difficult but leaning toward spontaneity keeps the adrenalin going and in this situation it is all
trial and error anyway.

Swiftcurrent Creek Montana

I don’t know what the aperture was. It doesn’t matter. That kind of thing is
immaterial. What counts is inspiration and being there. This kind of exercise
is more primal. It is recording the flow of energy. Trying something different,
experimenting with what comes your way keeps the photographer’s creativity in flux.

I was excited by the revelations that followed.

The extended exposures formed the definition of an abstract image with patterns,
harmonies of color and touchable textures. They ask the viewer to participate
by projecting their thoughts and experiences into the question of what these
pictures are about.

What do you see in these turbulent shifts of light and motion? Is it something new?
Do they engage you in thought?

Let me know your impressions or comments.

Related Posts:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/challenge-your-photographic-vision/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/water-the-meditation-of-liquid-music/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/fear-and-persistance-of-expression/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/sense-what-the-landscape-is-telling-you/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr,
Range of Vision Photography, 2011, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any
manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of
Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com.

You can contact me through this blog or email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Storm on the Horizon or Forget me not

In Photography with the capture of form, texture and color, we
depict what we perceive as real and meld it into a more fantasy style of illustration.
This is called an abstract.

The visual connection between the subject and viewer is formed by
the viewer’s imagination, perception and experiences. Their insight transcends
the visual elements of the image in the communication process.

Storm on the Horizon is actually moving water
rushing over colorful rocks in an alpine mountain stream high in the Absaroka
Beartooth Wilderness of Montana. I used a timed exposure of three seconds and
this implied the motion I wanted to convey. Depth was created by the horizontal
lines of surging water and specular highlights it picked up in the foreground.

Storm on the Horizon

Incorporating a second layer of flowing water gave the composition
added depth and movement developing a translucent curtain above the underlying
streambed. This gave the image a windswept driving rain illusion. Perhaps a
hurricane or tropical storm in thought.

During post processing, using Photoshop, I enhanced color
saturation in the submerged rocks focusing on the red hues. I felt this gave
life to the image with an almost sunset feeling.

So what do you perceive when viewing this photograph, a sunset? Is
this a storm front on the ocean? Does it matter what the photographer saw or
thought he saw when composing in the viewfinder? Is it up to the viewer and
their experiences that actually determine the final communication between the
image, viewer and photographer?

Forget me not – In this floral abstract photograph I went for
the color effect of bright blue for its visual appeal.

Forget me nots

Over the last few summers I have tried to depict Forget- me -not
flowers in a direct way. I have used them as background splashes of color,
as distinctive out of focus bokeh (boquet) successfully but when isolating them
as a single documentary image it just didn’t work the way I envisioned.

Earlier this season I worked with panning the camera during
exposures, especially on trees, and was happy with the results. When these
brilliant sky blue flowers blanketed the garden midsummer I thought of this
technique again and used it to capture the color and texture of this ground
cover.

In order to slow the shutter speed to convey this style of motion
I added a polarizing filter to my wide angle lens and shot a series of one
quarter to one half second exposures. With the shutter open I panned the
camera, while attached to a tripod, and liked the results.

In post processing, again, I utilized Photoshop to enhance the
blue hues resulting in a dynamic color abstract photograph.

When photographing abstracts you have to kind of forget what your
subject matter really is, and be open to different uses of lenses, camera
settings and post processing techniques.

Imagination plays the most important role in determining the final
results of the finished print. Think in terms of shapes, textures and color
combining them to make a unique image that is not what it is but what your
imagination sees.

Related Posts:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/challenge-your-photographic-vision/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/water-the-meditation-of-liquid-music/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/fear-and-persistance-of-expression/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/sense-what-the-landscape-is-telling-you/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr,
Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any
manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of
Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com.

You can contact me through this blog or email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Winter Window… Frosted Opportunity

Outside it was minus 5 degrees with crystal clear skies and a feathery frost forming on my windowpane. It stopped snowing during the night but there was still enough moisture in the air to freeze and form tiny crystal patterns.

I had been checking this window for frost almost every morning throughout the winter. Most of the time there’s nothing interesting.  There were usually just small streaks of grey granular frost with no real graphic pattern or distinctive texture.

Frostscape 12x12

But, once in awhile the elements seem to line up and it’s a race to capture the scene before it melts away with the warmth of the direct light of sunrise. Crystalline frost is formed directly from the water vapor in the air.  As the vapor runs along the contours of the glass it goes right from being a gas to a frozen solid, without transforming from a liquid state first. These are the intriguing textures and designs that can be worked into surreal compositions.

I quickly set up my camera and used only ambient outside light to backlight the delicate structure of the hoar frost. I wanted to hold the viewer’s attention within the frame of composition so I focused just on the crystal formations looking for patterns.

Using a shallow depth of field gave me the separation I wanted to keep the distracting vertical lines of a backyard shed out of the background.

Frost Pattern 11x17

I had about ten minutes to check out several compositions and prepare visually before the light would begin to melt the intricate designs.  It was some of the most delicate hoar frost I’ve seen. In this image I liked how the crystals have just caught the first light of day creating dimension and texture within the scene.

The sparkle within the ice crystals changed quickly and within seconds all the little lines dividing the dynamic crystal structures filled in and pooled and like an ancestry tree forked into branches before running down the glass.

All photographs used in this entry are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2011, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any kind is prohibited. If you wish reproduction rights please contact: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Adding a Little HDR into the Mix

Out of curiosity and in an effort to continue forward movement regarding my creative efforts  I have been doing a little research and decided to learn some new technology regarding HDR photography.

HDR or High Dynamic Range photography is a post processing activity that combines a number of images with different contrast ratios that are unfeasible to complete with just one exposure. Usually you take three photos of the same scene at different shutter speeds and then combine them into one image. I have also tried this simply by bracketing, adjusting the exposure settings to plus one stop your normal exposure and minus one stop.

So you get three images, one overexposed, one for midtones and then one underexposed.  These are combined with software, I used Photoshop CS3. This process gives you details in both highlights and shadows that are joined with the medium or normal exposure giving you results that seem to be more accurate to what your eyes actually perceived at the scene.

What I found in working out the process is that it can work great for some images and not so much for others. My first attempts looked fake and artificial. The colors were exaggerated to the point that the scenic landscape I was working on looked gaudy.

However, when the HDR process really worked the image was much more suggestive of what I actually saw when I tripped the shutter on location. Shadow details were crisp and clear and the highlight information was bright and smooth. The final print represented what was much closer to actually being there and what I saw.

I have included a couple of examples of what I found in this post for your review.

Normal range image - Blackeyed Susans

High Dynamic Range image - Blackeyed Susans

There are many HDR software applications out there along with numerous books and

Normal range image - Elephant Brothers

tutorials on how to apply the process. Like most things this is just another tool that you can

High Dynamic Range image - Elephant Brothers

apply to your visual interpretations. It is always good to learn and experiment.  See what works for your style of photography.

I like the distinguishing details HDR portrays and as long as the colors are not overstated I’ll continue to have this method in my arsenal and use it to interpret different scenes and express my creativity. I encourage you to take a look at the HDR practice. It is definitely worth the time and effort.

All photographs used in this entry are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2011, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any kind is prohibited. If you wish reproduction rights please contact: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Range of Vision Book

Range of Vision – Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment

New Book by Wayne Scherr

Range of Vision is a photographic portfolio by Fine Art Photographer and Photojournalist Wayne Scherr.   Based in Montana, Wayne’s images presented in this book are a selection of nature photographs made in pursuit of self discovery and expression.

The Still Point is at the heart of the creative process. To be “Still” or “In the Moment” means to empty your psyche from the incessant flow of thoughts and create a state of consciousness that is open and receptive to your surroundings.

The Range of Vision portrayed in this full color book conveys a meditative approach to the design elements of  implied motion and movement of falling water, creeks and streams and features garden florals and interpretive abstracts.

80 pages illustrated with 87 photographs.

Standard landscape format 10 x 8 inches (25 x 20 cm) with soft cover $37.95

To preview and purchase your copy of Range of Vision , go to

http://www.blurb.com/books/1877388

Black-eyed Susans

 

Web site: http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com

Blog: www.myphotovisions.wordpress.com

Contact: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Horizon of Stars Book

Horizon of Stars, a Photographic Safari Journal

New Book by Wayne Scherr 

Horizon of Stars is a photographic journal with text depicting a wildlife safari to Eastern Africa and the country of Tanzania. The adventurous journey covers Serengeti, Tarangeri, Manyara, Arusha and Ngorongoro National Parks. Wildlife encounters and photographic illustrations include tree climbing lions, charging elephants and screaming baboons.

Photojournalist and Fine Art Photographer Wayne Scherr documented this savanna sojourn while preparing a marketing plan for a safari outfitter that operated out of Arusha, Tanzania.

80 pages (106 color photographs)

Standard Landscape 10×8 inches (25×20 cm) with soft cover ($39.95)

To preview and purchase your copy: Horizon of Stars http://www.blurb.com/books/1924512

 

 

 

Lion in Ngorongoro crater, Tanzania

 

Web site: http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com

Blog: www.myphotovisions.wordpress.com

Contact: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Challenge Your Photographic Vision

Not being able to travel as much as I would like to seek out and photograph the big dramatic landscapes of the Rockies, I have begun focusing on more intimate scenes.

Discovering abstract patterns in nature’s details and then capturing that energy flow through the magic of light has become just as powerful and exciting for me.

In spending more garden time instead of mountain -time I’ve learned to be more observant, detailed and to move at a much slower pace. Less ground to cover and an excellent opportunity to watch the movement of light throughout the day.

You still use your vision and consciousness conceiving the image in thought and reacting to details, composition and patterns with emotion, capturing the moment. The process is just on a smaller scale.

Three new garden images are being released through my website gallery.

Summer Light

The first which is part of a series of images I am assembling on a decorative grass called Bunny Tails. This photograph came together with the very last warm reflective sun light of a summer’s day.

“Summer Light”, has the added touch of a single blue forget me not flower that enhances the background tying both elements together creating depth. These were the only blooming plants in my yard when I set out to make an image.

Throughout the day I walked past the foot tall Bunnies swaying in the wind waiting for the moment of inspiration to grab me. Just before dusk they signaled they were ready. I saw a new composition and exposed for four different views as the sun sank below the horizon.

“Beckworth Garden”, is an 8×24 inch panorama.

Beckworth Garden Panorama

Three times a growing season this family garden is awash with the radiant colors of thousands of tulips in spring then in summer poppies are blooming everywhere. Late summers’ Black-Eye Susan’s flowers were what brought our cameras out.  We rose before dawn and on location making exposures before any direct light greeted us.

Black eyed Susan's

With “Black Eyed Susan’s” the challenge of making a simple composition was made more difficult with the use of only a wide angle lens. With thousands of blossoms filling the viewfinder directing attention to the scene’s essence was the object.

I previewed a shallow depth of field and used that setting range to explore the semi circle view of the garden we had access to.

The subtleties of morning light and the vibrant color tone of the flowers combined to convey different emotions from the same garden view.

Changing one’s perspective in the way we would normally approach a familiar subject to photograph inspires us with new ideas and refines our studies in light and composition. It gives us new directions for our vision.

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http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/fear-and-persistance-of-expression/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/sense-what-the-landscape-is-telling-you/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Water – The Meditation of Liquid Music

Water, the essence of life, its constant movement has always drawn my attention both in my search for spirituality, a catalyst for meditation, and as a means of creative expression through fine art photography.

I find there is something extremely soothing about water. Flowing water comes alive with a vibrancy that is gripping to ones soul, sparkling and dancing in a blur of movement and light.

Fluid - 11x17 Giclee watercolor print

Just as water has a lot of physical benefits to the body, it also has a lot of mental benefits when utilized in meditation.  Ever wonder why a person feels refreshed while standing near the ocean, a waterfall or a stream?

Besides how calming the sound of flowing water is, water produces negative ions. When near a cascading waterfall or stream these negative ions get absorbed into the bloodstream and we feel both calm and invigorated.

Feeling its peacefulness is what I want my images to portray.  I want viewers to close their eyes and take long deep breaths and feel refreshed. I want them to imagine the sounds that emanate from a flowing creek and trigger a sense of serenity into their subconscious.

Unlike my work in photojournalism, fine art photography, for me, is all about the pure pleasure of creating the image.

Liquidity - 11x17 Giclee print

My approach is to interpret the mood of the waterfall, river or creek before I photograph it. A fast shutter speed freezes the movement and in a sense documents the action. Using a slower shutter speed begins to transform the mood with a more mystical feeling.

Those long multi second exposures present a scene with a silky flow and a more dreamlike sensation. Illustrating the point of view of what water meditation can convey to the psyche is part of the creative process in capturing the image.

Sometimes enhancing the color saturation of the rocks that lie under the water may best define your vision. Capturing bright specular highlights is another way to convey your feelings to the viewer. It is a personal matter of interpretation and creative vision.

Proper print display culminates your invitation to extend your private experience and share it with others. Water meditation exemplified through Giclee prints on watercolor paper can invoke calm, soothing feelings both for the mind and body. They can help bring about a feeling of well being while washing away stress. It is the whirl of the moment caught in an image that draws attention and captivates the viewer developing a meditative state.

Related posts:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/fear-and-persistance-of-expression/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/sense-what-the-landscape-is-telling-you/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Sense What the Landscape is Telling You

As a follow up to my last post,” Vision and Experimentation Creates Expression”, I wanted to make note of another photo session in an effort to push my thoughts on what makes a Fine Art Photography print and how to expand my interpretation of landscape images.

Driving back from Missoula to Bozeman, Montana last weekend I took a detour and drove the Pintler Scenic Route, MT Hwy 1. Through the Sapphire Mountains and along Georgetown Lake’s cobalt blue waters where the views were mostly pine forest and snow capped peaks.

I had photographed the area many times before when I was the publisher of a regional travel guide some years back.  It was the familiarity of the scene that was a problem for me. I didn’t want the same style landscape I already had in my stock files.

Aspen Grove Abstract Giclee Print

In making a change from a photojournalist to fine art photographer I am always trying to leave behind a documentary style of communication to a more interpretive and personal one. I am always asking what if?

Among the tens of thousands of pine trees I found a small grove of aspens dressed in bright spring green color.  I have more than a dozen aspen grove images in all seasons. What could I do that would be different this time?

Walking along the road I felt the sense of movement of the aspens in my vision. How could I capture this feeling and compose it in the viewfinder?

Setting up my tripod I began panning across the trees. With a slow shutter speed of ¼ second I exposed a shot.  It just wasn’t the right motion.

I stood there and stared at the white bark surrounded by fluttering green leaves. Then the image came. A vertical pan or tilt with the same shutter speed.

It captured the mood I felt and it was visually different from my stock landscapes of aspens.

Experimenting, trying something a bit unorthodox is always a good thing. It doesn’t matter if the results work or not as an image that communicates. The point is that you try something different to make changes in your vision.

Expand awareness of your surroundings be in the moment and the images will reach out to you as connections are made.

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http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/vision-and-experimentation-creates-expression/

 http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/twenty-minute-challenge-photograph-an-orchid/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/use-red-accent-photographs-to-capture-attention/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/1/12/what-can-orange-do-for-you?/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/purple-an-element-of-fire/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/can-color-photgraphs-enhance-positive-feelings-of-well-being?/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/photography-and-feng-shui-for-interior-design/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Vision and Experimentation Creates Expression

 

I have read that the key to a creative effort is trying to achieve what your imagination sees. This can be a challenge. 

Working on extremes of color is one way to enhance creative vision. This is especially true when working with abstract images where you can be free to experiment in different ways such as increasing or decreasing color hue and saturation, middle tone adjustments or contrast levels.

Apricot Tulip Petals

Seeing color in your imagination is one way to begin to make your images more expressive. This is called color interpretation and boosting saturation levels in individual colors is a good starting point to see how an image can evolve into something that can be a bit surreal in impact or subtle and softer in presentation.

Sometimes the simple task of adjusting individual channels for color alterations will give you the most dramatic changes that correspond to your ideas and thoughts of expression.

On the apricot tulip petals, illustrated, the original image had a faded orange-yellow cast that I felt required a little manipulation to match what my imagination saw when I composed the photograph.

I enhanced just the red saturation channel which gave the image just a bit more visual texture adding more impact to the overall interpretation.  By adding the red and then a bit of contrast I now felt that the image conveyed what I saw, or wanted to see, in the viewfinder.

White Iris

The iris image actually had slight lavender cast along its white inner petals that caught my attention. I cropped the image to isolate the subtlety I was after and increased the magenta hue and saturation levels. This picked up the delicate color quality giving the image just a bit more dimension and depth.

A very pastel larkspur floral image was originally desaturated from the overall capture. The middle tones were devalued then just the magenta hue channel was adjusted which saturated and isolated the flower from a distracting background.

The color enhancements used on these images became part of a series of prints that delivered a nice velvety appearance when printed on Museo matte archival watercolor substrate.

Pastel Larkspur

The most important part of experimenting is really how it makes you feel. You do not need an audience although of course this is nice to be able to communicate your vision to others. If the image completes your expression of the scene then that is all that matters. The image is pure and successful.

Good photography requires an understanding and application of the principles of color and design – this takes intuition, study and experience. It is through the knowledge of your craft and how you use it that creates the art expressed in your soul. It holds our attention and makes us feel.

Related Posts:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/twenty-minute-challenge-%e2%80%93-photograph-an-orchid/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/use-red-accent-photographs-to-capture-attention/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/1/12/what-can-orange-do-for-you?/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/purple-an-element-of-fire/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/can-color-photgraphs-enhance-positive-feelings-of-well-being?/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/photography-and-feng-shui-for-interior-design/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Surreal Landscapes Found in Utah’s Sandstone Formations

After almost stepping on a rattler hidden under a prickly pear cactus, my heart pumped adrenaline through my body so fast I turned bright red, flushed from being scared. I leaped vertically onto a two foot tall red sandstone boulder as the snake slithered away.

Barely fifty feet from the car, this, was my introduction to Arches National Park in southeastern Utah. Arches, is the center of the world’s largest congregation of natural stone arches. http://www.nps.gov/arch/index.htm, www.arches.national-park.com/

73,000 acres and more than 2000 natural sandstone arches to explore and photograph. It’s a great location to rejuvenate and feel inspired by the landscape. Arches Park has an arid desert climate. With red sandstone formations called spires, fins, arches and balanced rocks in all directions it is hard to choose which way to go. www.utah.com/nationalparks/arches.htm

Hiker at Double Arch

Arches’ is actually one of my favorite places. Located just outside of Moab, Utah Arches’ is about 119 square miles in size. Its highest elevation is 5,653 feet (1,723 m) at the top of Elephant Butte, and its lowest elevation is 4,085 feet (1,245 m) which is at the Park’s visitor’s center.

Nature’s forces that created the landscape throughout the park reveal rock layers depicting millions of years of erosion and deposition. These elements continue to shape life in Arches today.

A 40-mile round trip paved road will lead you to all the major sights and trails throughout the Park.

For landscape photography the park’s most famous geologic feature is Delicate Arch but other major areas include: Skyline Arch, Double Arch and Balanced Rock in the Windows Section of the Park. Hikes into the Devils Garden will expose Landscape Arch and Double O Arch. The Fiery Furnace section of the Park is a labyrinth of salmon-colored sandstone cliffs.

Arches National Park, Utah

Understanding the process that creates the landscape gives the photographer a more exacting choice in deciding on interpretation and which compositional elements to include when capturing the image. Time, water and wind sculpted both the Entrada and Navajo Sandstone creating layer cake lines and swirls that spark design ideas.

Light can get harsh very fast here and for the best photography early morning and especially the evening hours are the best for drama. That’s when you have to decide if you should include those intriguing snow-capped La Sal Mountains that are always looming on the horizon into another image.

Hiker in Devil's Garden

Arches National Park receives only an average of 10 inches of rain a year. Each season offers something different in light quality and weather conditions to experience. Hot in summer, cold in winter just like nature intended.

An excellent book to help capture the spirit of the Park into your images before you travel is by Edward Abbey who was a park ranger at Arches National Monument. He kept journals that became his inspirational book Desert Solitaire.  

Canyonlands National Park, www.canyonlands.national-park.com/ and Dead Horse Point State Park, www.discovermoab.com/stateparks are both close by, each is distinct and worth more than just a side trip but even a day trip to each is worth the effort and they will expand the opportunities for quality landscape photography. The views are amazing.

Related post:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/what-flies-beyond-imagination/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Hot Springs and Icebergs – Two Unique Photographic Destinations

An ice mass emerged from the deep shadows and cold waters of the glacial cirque that holds Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana. www.visitmt.com . As it floated by in the sun and crossed the background for some reason I saw a hawk formation within the composition of my viewfinder. An abstract image of course but it was a noteworthy shutter release.

Iceberg Lake Glacier National Park Montana

Many Glacier Valley is located on the east side of the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park, to the north of St. Mary. www.nps.gov/glac/ Iceberg Lake is an aquamarine colored jewel. The lake was named for the icebergs that float in the lake after the spring/summer melt occurs. It lies deep in the shadows on the northern flank of Mt. Wilbur – receiving very little sun.

Because of this, the lake develops a thick coat of ice during the winter. It slowly melts away during the summer. Adjacent snowfields also drop icy chunks into the lake. Consequently, even in August, the lake usually is full of floating ice.

The trail to Iceberg Lake is 9 miles roundtrip and passes through prime Grizzly Bear territory, so it is not a good idea to be hiking after dark.

The hike begins behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, www.NationalParkReservations.com, and follows the Ptarmigan Wall through some spectacular scenery. There is an elevation gain of 1200 feet. For most of its length, it passes through very open terrain, with lots of wildflowers and a few forested sections along the south slopes of Altyn Peak and Mt. Henkel.

Incredible views are all around with the turquoise waters of the lake, 3,000 foot towering cliffs and the clear cold marshy wetland waters of Wilbur Creek below the trail make for a fantastic day hike with amazing photographic opportunities.

On the southwestern end of Montana and into northern Wyoming, www.WyomingTourism.org lays Yellowstone National Park with all its geysers and hot springs. Deep into the heart of this the world’s first National Park is Midway Geyser Basin and the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring.

Prismatic Hot Spring In Yellowstone Park

The Grand Prismatic Hot Spring bubbles and steams from the depths of the earth. The scent of sulphur clings to the heated mist. It is the largest hot spring in the US and is the third largest on earth.

Yellowstone, www.yellowstonenationalpark.com, itself contains the most concentrated display of hot springs and geysers in the world. The Grand Prismatic Spring is spectacular. It is large 90 meters (300 feet) across and 50 meters (160 feet) deep.  The dark blue water in the center of the pool is 87° C (188° F). Along the cooler edges of the pool heat-loving bacteria and algae thrive.

The bacteria produce colorful tints in the mineral rich waters and as a result, the pool shows off with a spectrum of colors.  In the summer, the algae mats are likely to be orange and red, whereas in the winter the mats are usually a dark green color. The deep blue color in the center is a result of the high purity and depth of the water and is sterile because of the extreme heat. Grand Prismatic discharges an estimated 560 gallons of the heated water per minute.

Rudyard Kipling, who visited Yellowstone in 1889, gave this basin the name of, “Hell’s Half Acre.” All of Midway Geyser Basin is packed with photographic opportunities. Several trails crisscross this volcanic area giving the photographer a chance to view things from all directions with changing light patterns. It is another unworldly location for the travel and outdoor photographer to capture moments of nature’s beautiful exhibition.

Related posts:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/28/lee-metcalf-wilderness/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/03/14/absaroka-beartooth-wilderness/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/03/28/yellowstone-national-park/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/05/02/crown-of-the-continent-glacier-national-park-montana/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/06/28/the-pristine-thorofare-a-yellowstone-experience/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/05/08/salty-legs-and-mountain-goats/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/track-of-the-grizzly-bear/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Spring Scents and Gazing at the Stars

Some people think that Daylilies and in particular the Stargazer Daylily are the most perfect perennial flower. With this in mind when I came across a few stems in the store the other day I couldn’t pass them up.

Their intoxicating fragrance alone made it worth the $3.99 I spent on them. A heavenly scent first filled my car and then my kitchen with its sweet and heady perfume. They are one of my favorites as well reminding me of the tropics.

Stargazer - 11x17 Giclee Prnt

Remnants of this season’s winter snow was still in my yard, the soil was softening from Spring’s warm sun but still frozen just a few inches below the surface so nothing was growing or ready to photograph in my garden yet. So I opted for store bought to have something to work with.

Its unique graceful form and showy decorative value make Stargazers easy to photograph which in turn makes it harder to find the right angle and lighting scheme to depict something a little more unusual in composition.  You have got to put a personal touch on these things or your photographs look just like everyone else’s.

A slight turn of the stem to elongate a shadow or a raise in the tripod makes a difference.

Stargazer - 12x12 Giclee Print

In the art of Feng Shui both colors, red and pink, denote an expression of love but while red is more passionate, pink indicates lighter feelings of romance being more soothing to the heart as a color.

Stargazers, like all lilies, are native to Asia and are related to lily-of-the-valley, daylily and hyacinth. They all have an unforgettable scent with more than one hundred different species of lily alone.

In one of the images shown here as viewed from the front of the bloom, the flower segments tend to be long and pointed and their shape looks like a three or six-pointed star, hence their name.  The second image is a little more abstracted, closer to the stamens and utilizes shadow to create depth within the image.

This week I have noticed that little green shoots are popping up in the soil all around town. Another week and tulips and daffodils will be on parade in front of photographer’s lenses everywhere.

Related Posts:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/03/22/twenty-minute-challenge-%e2%80%93-photograph-an-orchid/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/use-red-accent-photographs-to-capture-attention/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/1/12/what-can-orange-do-for-you?/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/purple-an-element-of-fire/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/can-color-photgraphs-enhance-positive-feelings-of-well-being?/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/09/28/photography-and-feng-shui-for-interior-design/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or through email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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How to Prepare for an African Safari – Part 3

In preparing for a photographic wildlife safari in Eastern Africa there are several things to consider when organizing and packing your gear. First it is very important that your clothing should be in neutral colors. Light brown and khaki are the most popular followed by dark green.

When viewing wildlife you do not want to attract an animal’s attention with your bright red or yellow shirts. Blending in is the way to go. You want to view and photograph animals in their natural environment doing their own thing, not paying attention to your movements.

Out of the Bush

The same goes for waving your arms or calling out to wildlife to get them to look at you for a portrait. Respect for wildlife should be your number one goal before capturing an image.  You are not in a zoo environment and every animal needs all their strength and energies just to survive.

So you want to dress comfortably in non restrictive, lightweight clothing. You need protection from the sun during the day and from mosquitoes especially at night. Most safari guides request that you do not wear any type of military clothing.

Some in town restaurants do require more formal clothes however I found that casual was the mainstay wherever I went.  When I attended several business meetings in Arusha safari casual was still very acceptable. I guess they expected me to be coming in from the bush.

Khaki shorts and lightweight hiking boots or sneakers are popular everywhere.  Tee shirts and a long sleeved shirt are quite acceptable just watch the colors you take.  A light weight jacket or rain coat is necessary. Weather changes and evenings can get chilly especially at elevation.

Bull Elephant Tarangeri National Park

Many of the main safari lodges have swimming pools so a bathing suit is a good idea. For me I spent all my daylight hours being jostled around on dirt roads seeking and observing wildlife never making it poolside. It just depends on your preferences.

Socks, undies a belt and a sun hat make up the jest of required clothing. Packing light makes travel easier and with modern synthetic materials you can always wash your things out in your room at night.

Small bottles of sunscreen, shampoo, lotions and repellents will cut down on space and weight. A small flashlight, sunglasses, binoculars, batteries, shaving kit and eyeglass cleaners should find their way into your duffle.

Keep your medications and travel papers in your carryon bag along with your camera equipment and laptop if you take one.

Wildebeest on the Sarengeti

Luggage choice is another important item to consider. Most safari operators have restrictions on hard sided luggage. Keep you gear down to one duffle styled pack plus your personal carryon bag. Major international airlines and especially the smaller charter carriers have restrictions and it is important to check with them before you leave home.

Photography Equipment:

First remember that for most people on safari it is a once in a life time experience of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat along with unique cultures and exotic environments. You want to make sure you have enough film or compact flash cards. Both are hard to find and are very expensive on location. Extra batteries and a charger with the proper converter are also essential.

If you can afford it take two camera bodies and a minimum of a 300mm, 70mm to 210mm zoom and a wide angle complement of lenses. Changing lenses in a dusty environment or when an animal sets the action takes precious seconds. You always need to be ready for the unexpected.

Maasai Men in red sukas - Kisura

Tripods are next to impossible to use from a Land Rover so a bean bag is recommended for camera stability.  Hang onto all your gear you don’t want to get out of your vehicle with a pride of lions outside your door to pick up a filter or lens brush.

Clean and check your equipment each night. Dust gets into everything. I kept everything in plastic zip bags.  I noticed other photographers on the road had their entire camera bag in a trash bag because of the dust potential. They also help with protection from rain and condensation from air conditioned rooms.

If you decide to purchase new equipment before you go get it a few weeks beforehand and study the manuals and use the gear so that you are familiar with it and won’t fumble when an elephant rushes at your vehicle. A little practice will make a big difference.

So this covers the basics of safari preparation. Always inquire about other specifics from your safari operator when you book your adventure. Be adaptable and patient, two main travel essentials.

Related posts:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/04/10/how -to-prepare-for-an-african-safari-part-2/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/how-to-prepare-for-an-african-safari/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/flamingos-baboons-and-a-bull-elephant/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/safari-notes-part-one/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/04/18/safari-notes-part-two/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/safari-road/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/horizon-of-stars/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/kopjes-rock-islands-for-lions/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/tree-climbing-lions 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/tracking-lions 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/elephant-brothers 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/altered-images/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/zebras-and-wild-horses/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or through email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

Read Full Post »

How to Prepare for an African Safari – Part 2

In my last post I wrote about how to find the proper safari guide and outfitter for your African adventure. Remember that is very important to find a properly sanctioned guide and get references from past clients before you make a reservation and commit to your travels. www.atta.travel – African Travel and Tourism Association.

With this post I want to give you an idea of what to do before you pack for your safari adventure.

Range Rover with lions

Most people who have been on safari are eager to answer questions so when you seek out travelers it is good to have some questions in mind. The more specific inquiries you have regarding your particular trip the better.

The US dollar is the main travel currency in Africa. However, it is a good idea to know the exchange rates for the country you are headed to or passing through.

Some countries have an airport tax that is due before you can depart. Check with the airlines that you may be using to get specific information.

Always make copies of your passport and itinerary. Leave a set at home with someone you can contact if the need arises.  In addition always take a copy with you but keep them in a separate place just like you would some extra emergency cash.

Crossing the road

Check with the US Embassy to see if there are any travel restrictions regarding the country or countries you plan to visit. The political world can change quickly in some places. www.usembassy.gov/ It is always a good idea to let the embassy know your travel plans for security.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html

Contact your destination country about any Visas you may need several months in advance of your trip in case there are problems. See your personal physician and secure any reentry medical documents regarding smallpox and hepatitis shots and medicine prescriptions like Malaria well in advance. For further information contact the US Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.hhs.gov/ .

Travel insurance isn’t a must but Safari businesses have been known to shut their doors without warning or if they do not book enough clients they may cancel the trip just as you are ready to depart. You may have an unforeseen problem and have to cancel yourself. You should at least check into travel insurance and weigh the logistics. www.TravelGuard.com/Compare

Check to see if you own health insurance will cover you if there were to be an accident or you are injured on location. Be sure it will cover an air extract from remote locations. You may be a long way away from a major airport or real hospital.

Lion cub, Serengeti National Park

Electricity in Africa is 220-240V AC50HZ. You can obtain adapter plugs from companies like Magellan’s catalog online, www.magellans.com. They also have reliable travel gear and clothing. Travel Smith is another company that has safari gear and clothing. www.travelsmith.com.

Now, for some information about clothing tips and safari gear, it is important to note that while on a wildlife safari do not make the mistake of wearing bright colored clothes.  Safari clothing should be in neutral colors like light brown, khaki and darker green. For wildlife viewing you want to blend in.

To enhance your travel safari experience get yourself a language dictionary and learn some of the local words for better communication and showing an interest in the country’s culture. I did pick up English – Swahili pocket book for useful phrases and it did bring more smiles from locals. Just making an effort can mean a lot. www.taboraonline.com

The next post part 3 will finish with information on clothing, personal and camera gear to consider before you go on your safari.

Related posts:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/how-to-prepare-for-an-african-safari/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/flamingos-baboons-and-a-bull-elephant/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/safari-notes-part-one/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/04/18/safari-notes-part-two/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/safari-road/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/horizon-of-stars/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/kopjes-rock-islands-for-lions/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/tree-climbing-lions 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/tracking-lions 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/elephant-brothers 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/altered-images/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/zebras-and-wild-horses/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or through email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

Read Full Post »

How to Prepare for an African Safari – Part 1

Not long ago I had a chance of a lifetime opportunity to go on an African Photo Safari. My client arranged and paid for the trip as payback for developing a marketing plan and web design for his Safari business in Tanzania, east Africa. 

The thoughts of photographing wild animals in their habitat, ancient native cultures and diverse landscapes from savannah to volcanic craters couldn’t be more exciting for a nature photographer. Preparation for such an adventure is a must if you want to have your trip go smooth.

What follows are some suggestions that may help you along.

 First, if there is time before your trip begins get some books to read. Find as much information on your destination as you can so that you are familiar with what to expect.

 Since my destination was Tanzania, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com , I picked up Lonely Planet’s Tanzania, www.lonelyplanet.com, they offer a series of other travel books for Africa so check out their website for highlights and pre-planning information.

Safari Vehicle Manyara, Tanzania

 Wildlife of East Africa, by Martin B. Withers and David Hosking is valuable for getting a background of animal behavior and identification. Published by Princeton Pocket Guides, www.pupress.princeton.edu

I also found that a book by Peter Matthiessen called The Tree Where Man Was Born was an intriguing story about traditional Africa and the melding of Western culture. www.penguin.com

Searching the internet is another way of doing valuable research about wildlife, National Parks and Heritage Sites that you may visit. www.tanzaniaparks.com , www.serengeti.org/, www.ngorongoro-crater-africa.org/ . There are many sanctioned Safari operators that also have excellent websites specifically for your destination.

Cheetah on the Serengeti savannah

It must be stressed that finding an honest safari operator is very important. As in all things you must do some homework before committing to spend a lot of money and travel half way around the world.

Get recommendations for Safari operators and check out their credentials. If you are going to Tanzania or Kenya check out listings from KATO – Kenya Association of Tour Operators, www.katokenya.org TATO – Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, www.tatotz.org .

 Find out how many other people will be on your trip. The fewer people the better. Trying to photograph wildlife from a crammed vehicle takes the experience down more than a notch or two.

Equally important is to find out what their payment policies are and get a clear explanation of their cancellation and refund policies.

Elephants near Sopa Serengeti Lodge

Once you have narrowed the potential field down ask for recommendations from their past clients. Then contact them and ask serious questions regarding their experience and professional treatment while on safari. Find out how environmentally conscious the tour operator is. A clean camp with minimal impact is essential. Are the guides and owner knowledgeable of the geography, customs and wildlife you intend to photograph?

 I have heard of one safari operator who took guests half way up Mt. Kilimanjaro then said he did not have enough money to pay his support staff and unless the clients paid more on the spot he and his guides would leave them there. Bad things can happen. Be sure to investigate. Getting bargain prices is not always the best way to go and you do not want hidden fees to pop up while on your trip.

 Before you pack your gear you need to know what your safari operator will provide. If you are going on a trekking/camping safari do they provide sleeping bags, all weather gear, mosquito nets, etc. Do they have baggage restrictions? Most do. All operators should provide a pre-packing list of what to bring. Use this as a guide.

Large suitcases will be a problem for transport even if you are not going on a trekking trip. It is imperative to pack light. Dealing with heavy bags on hot dusty days can be a real pain. Besides you will be amazed with how much you don’t really need.

 In my next post I will cover what to pack regarding personal gear and photographic equipment.

 Related posts:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/flamingos-baboons-and-a-bull-elephant/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/safari-notes-part-one/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/04/18/safari-notes-part-two/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/safari-road/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/horizon-of-stars/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/kopjes-rock-islands-for-lions/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/tree-climbing-lions 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/tracking-lions 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/elephant-brothers 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/altered-images/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/zebras-and-wild-horses/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or through email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

 

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Photographic Prospects in the Valley of the Temples

A heavy mist rolled over the Ko’olau Mountains bordering the backside of the Valley of the Temples on Oahu.  Crossing the long wooden footbridge from the parking area takes you into an Asian world surrounding the Byodo- In Temple.

Byodo-In Temple on Oahu

The setting is exotic with a Zen styled garden, ponds and a replica of the 950-year old Byodoin Temple that is located in Japan near Kyoto. www.byodo-in.com

Visually striking this Temple was built almost 40 years ago to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigrant workers who came to work in the sugar plantation fields of Hawaii.

They merged with other cultures notably the Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and native Hawaiians, all who toiled in the sugar plantations throughout the mid 1800’s. www.hawaiiweb.com

A three-ton “Peace Bell” was being rung and you could hear it echoing off the sharp jagged pali’s, (cliffs), that nestle the Temple grounds. Ringing the five-foot brass bell is said to purify your mind and release bad spirits bringing you happiness and long life.

Peace Bell and Temple Bishop

This seems a bit ironic since the Temple and gardens are part of a cemetery complex. However the location is a great place to seek privacy, meditate and search for inner peace.

We rang the bell and met the Temple Bishop who told us about the history and architecture of the site while he somehow called in sparrows from the surrounding hibiscus bushes and waddle trees and had them eat cookies from his hands.

He instructed us on how to have the birds come to us but they flew directly to him instead. The calming peace he exuded made you want to stay and study meditation from him. For a few moments it was like being in the presence of Zen Masters Thich Nhat Hanh, (Plum Village) www.plumvillage.org or John Daido Loori, www.johndaidoloori.org.

A Meditation Pavilion and koi pond lie at the foot of the Temple building. It is a good place to stop and take in the beautiful atmosphere of the Japanese gardens. Schools of colorful five pound koi patrol the shallow waters of the two acre pond. Their vibrant gold and red colors reflect Hawaii’s tropical light like shinny metal.

Koi at Byodo-In Temple

Up at the Hoodo or Hall of the Chinese Phoenix is the nine-foot Amida or “Lotus” Buddha. It is named “lotus” because the Buddha statue sits upon a lotus flower. This nine foot sculpture is the largest wooden Buddha carved in over 900 years. It was stained in black lacquer paint and then hand decorated in gold leaf.

Respectfully moving your shoes before entering the sanctuary and lighting incense sticks you feel you are in a truly sacred place regardless of one’s religious preferences.

The best time for photography is in the morning because the towering cliffs cast deep dark shadows from the west onto the grounds mid to late afternoon. Much of the structure detail and color saturation is lost.

This out of the way side excursion is truly a fascinating experience and photographic opportunity that no one should miss while visiting Oahu.

Related Posts:
http://www.myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/06/14/waipo’o-falls-one-of-kauai’s-best-hikes
http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/05/31/lost-valleys-and-the-wettest-spot-on-earth
http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/14/napali-coast
http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/21/house-of-the-sun

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or through email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Kopjes, Rock Islands for Lions

Lions and cheetahs often hide their young cubs on the Serengeti in what are known as Kopjes, pronounced “copies”, they are ancient rock islands in the sea of savannah grasses that make up most of this National Park located in northern Tanzania.

While on a photo safari gathering images for a client my driver and I ventured out along the eastern border of the Park in search of the big cats. We had heard on the radio that a large male lion had been sighted near the Barafu kopje.

Kopjes on the Serengeti Savannah

Having secured an off road permit we headed toward a series of boulder outcrops that were formed by liquid granite bubbles in the Precambrian lava flows. Softer rock wore away over the years and left these special rocky habitats that rose from the plain of grasses.

As it turns out they are ideal locations to gather for many hunters of the vast savannah, especially cats. We traveled toward the horizon circling several outcrops, each distinctive in their own way with rounded boulders forming hidden caves and protective shelters.

These high points are lookouts where the big cats can survey the plains all around prior to a hunt. The rocks also provide sunny defensive platforms where they can just relax and sleep during the heat of the day.

Lion cubs play on kopjes in Serengeti

My driver pulled our Land Rover right up to some small boulders that cushioned one such rock castle. Instantly, a large male lion rose to his feet to check us out. A good three hundred plus pounds of fur and muscle glared down at us.

I felt small but there was no fear just a sense of awe realizing where in the world I was at this moment. After a series of exposures I stopped to change lenses as quickly as I could. By the time I raised my camera again he was gone, vanishing into the scrub brush that formed his sheltered backdrop.

Nuzzling lions on Serengeti savannah

On the backside of the kopje several lion cubs were playing in what looked like a nursery den. They were guarded by three females lounging in the shaded rocks. We moved in closer, just thirty feet away and I continued to photograph them.

Two young cubs in particular seemed to be playing for my camera. They nuzzled, bumped and licked each other like small domestic kittens but with huge paws. They growled, moaned and danced about the rocks before settling down for a portrait or two.

It only lasted a minute or two before one of the females called them over for a cleaning and the show was over. We drove further around the kopje.

Just at the parameter of granite in the tall dried grass was a pair of adult lions grooming. The female nestled and let out a guttural purring sound so loud we could hear it from the Rover. We were observers in moments of lion privacy it does not get better than that.

Related Posts:
http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/tree-climbing-lions 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/tracking-lions 

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/elephant-brothers 

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or through email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Crossing the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness – a Backpacker’s Goal

With more than 750 miles of trails in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness to choose from this was an excellent choice. It is the most popular Trans- Beartooth trail in this system but it was hard to resist. We began our trek near the Chief Joseph campground and the Clarks Fork trailhead, just east of Cooke City Montana. http://www.cookecitychamber.org

Once we divided up the gear we added another fifteen to twenty pounds of camera gear rounding our packs at almost 80 pounds each. It was hard to keep balanced. That first mile was just getting use to the added weight.

Backpackers Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness

We choose to start our trek on the west side because of the long elevation gain on the East Rosebud side. With our heavy packs it would be better to be hiking downhill the last 16 or so miles.

Just off a foot bridge we could hear a waterfall.  We checked it out for photo possibilities.  One of the new guys to these trails leaned over the wooden rail for a better view and his camp shoes slid off his pack and down thirty feet into the creek. Within seconds his shoes tumbled over the falls another twenty feet.

Dropping our packs we scrambled down the side path next to the falls recovering Buzz’s shoes which added another two pounds to his ordeal. This was our great start to a 30+ mile, seven day hike to the East Rosebud side of the wilderness.

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, covering 920,310 acres, is an administrated unit of the Gallatin National Forest, http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin,

 Custer National Forest, http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/custer and the Shoshone National Forest, http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/shoshone. Both Montana http://www.visitmt.com
and Wyoming http://www.wyomingtoursim.org claim sections of this magnificent wilderness.

Sky Top Lake Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness

This mountain range was named after a jagged mountain peak above Hell Roaring Canyon that resembles a bear’s tooth. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is one of the largest contiguous road less areas in the United States.

The high granitic plateaus of the Beartooth Mountains contain hundreds of lakes that lie throughout the bald rock and alpine tundra. This is a backpacker’s dream, with more contiguous acreage of alpine tundra above 10,000 feet than any range in the lower 48.

We moved on the trail which lead us past Kersey Lake and up toward Fossil Lake. Panoramic views surrounded us with ragged rock peaks and sheer rock walls that plunged down talus slopes to canyon bottoms.

Fossil Lake is the drainage divide between the Clarks Fork and East Rosebud. During the night at Fossil Lake the northern lights glowed along the horizon to the northeast. The faded green light turned to reddish streaks adding to the mystery of stars that blanketed the big sky.

Dewey Lake Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness

On the descent toward East Rosebud we spent a couple of days at Dewey Lake and explored side trails that climbed up to Sky Top Lakes to get views of Granite Peak, Montana’s tallest mountain at 12,807 feet.

Impasse Falls was impressive as it cascaded down the rocky canyon walls. The great diversity of this region really comes into play as the trail crosses paths with dozens of streams, waterfalls and lakes on the descent toward the tiny summer community of Alpine that borders East Rosebud Lake at the trailhead.

The Beartooth’s are very different from its neighbor Yellowstone National Park http://www.yellowstoneparknet.com with so much alpine territory to travel. It is important to allow enough time to enjoy this spectacular country.  Backpackers should allow at least four days. Six or seven days gives one some rest time and opportunities to do some side trails that would expand the experience and soak up the isolation of this wilderness.

Related Posts:
http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/track-of-the-grizzly-bear
http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/28/lee-metcalf-wilderness
http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/03/14/absaroka-beartooth-wilderness

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or through email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Snow Ghosts and Winter Photography

We were up in snow ghost country, high in the Gallatin National Forest just west, of West Yellowstone, Montana on a mountain called Two Top. Pure white spectacular snow blanketed all the mountain ranges a hundred miles in every direction. http://www.westyellowstonechamber.com

Snow Ghosts Gallatin National Forest

I am normally not much of a snowmobile person but photography can put you in all kinds of situations. Sitting on top of six feet of snow in near zero temperatures certainly can be part of an assignment for any nature photojournalist. Unique scenarios happen each time the phone rings.

Winter photography is always a challenge. Cold weather, extra bright light and blue reflection shadows are a real test for equipment and personal stamina. Long undies, a snowmobile suit and heavy duty Sorrels take care of the human concerns while zip lock bags and body warmth with deep pockets go a long way in protecting camera gear.

Condensation on cameras and lenses can ruin any photo shoot. Just like glasses that fog up when breathing on them or entering a warm room coming in from the cold your lenses and camera does the same. It can take hours to remedy this kind of water situation.

Always keep extra batteries, scan cards or film, if you are not using digital, deep inside your coat.

A disaster situation example for me happened while on a winter assignment in Yellowstone National Park, http://www.yellowstoneparknet.com/ at minus 50 degrees, I managed to keep frost off my camera but later found I lost all the days’ images due to reticulation of my film and lubrication oils freezing from the solidifying temps.

I had great Bison and elk shots with fur covered in thick frost, plus geysers and hot springs enhanced by low lying icy fog. The images turned out fine however, every frame was plastered in pot marked crystals of ice.

It is a hard lesson to learn before having to confront my client and explain why their monetary and time investment in my services failed. They will never call again. The message here is to be prepared for all eventualities and know what you are getting into.

Snow Ghost Formations

Besides the cold, exposure with bright whites and contrasting blue shadows can also be a problem with winter photography. If you just go with your average meter reading from your camera you will get a nice grey tone instead of detailed bright whites for snow.

Your meter is always reading an 18% gray so you have to make some exposure compensations. Usually an added compensation of +1 or +2 stops will give you the detail required in whites. When in doubt and you have a great scene before you it is always good to bracket a bit because you probably won’t get that second chance.

A gray card is your best bet for winter landscape photography. Place your card in the same light angle you are shooting in. Fill the frame with the card and take a meter reading. Then recompose and expose with that reading even though your camera will then give you a different meter reading. It can be a little tedious but it really works.

Since you cannot recover details in blown out highlights it is best to expose for them first hand. A circular polarizing filter can also come in handy. It reduces glare and enhances the sky which can add a little more drama.

To me one of the best rewards of winter photography is the hushed atmosphere that is prevalent in nature.  This sensation is even more pronounced in the backcountry as when sitting on top of Two Top Mountain in the Gallatin National Forest, http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin/, surrounded by magnificent sculpted snow ghosts. They speak of a different world wrapped in the purity of white and occasionally share it with those who seek life’s spirits.

Related posts:

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/02/28/lee-metcalf-wilderness/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/03/14/absaroka-beartooth-wilderness/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/03/28/yellowstone-national-park/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/05/02/crown-of-the-continent-glacier-national-park-montana/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/06/28/the-pristine-thorofare-a-yellowstone-experience/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/05/08/salty-legs-and-mountain-goats/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/track-of-the-grizzly-bear/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2009, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Final Fall Visuals to Keep the Focus on Creative Photography

Today, wind has gathered grey clouds with a minus 24 degree temperature.  Silenced by a deep winter blanket of snow Bozeman is quiet today, just after a week of sun and above normal temps. A new season has made its’ transition.

With no large fall landscapes to photograph this year because of an early freeze in October, I had to be content to work on close ups and search for compatible light in my backyard garden last week.

Autumn Leaf - Digital Print

Living in the mountains I like the grand vistas of autumn with colorful aspen, maple and cottonwood trees. It is easy to bypass the individual or smaller splash of color. The garden was stark and matted down with only a few leaves hanging on twisted branches.

Twigs rubbing on a wooden shed caught my attention.  A handful of leaves clung to the shrub. Backlit they stood out from the grey weathered shed. It gave me possibilities.

Using macro focus and a very shallow depth of field I isolated a single leaf, blurred the background and utilized the stem, twig and limb structure of the shrub to draw the viewer further into the image. My composition was clean and simple, offsetting the leaf and getting the plane of focus accurate enough to give the setup a three dimensional feel.

Hanging Hollyhock Leaves - Digital Print

A series of images produced both back and front lit leaves incorporating small branches with an almost bonsai structure setting.

Autumn Leaf 6 - Digital Print

The south side of the garden produced a different scenario. A withered Hollyhock with a string of leaves hung from a downed stalk, only inches from the ground. I thought the background was busy however I really liked the colors of border rocks and blue shadow playing on the ground behind the dead leaves. I stayed with the shallow depth of field and used my macro focus on a 200mm lens compressed the image and isolated the subject.

The shrunken leaves reminded me of mice hanging by their tails. I laughed.  Good light was essential to the success of the image. It gave me crisp detail and subtle color that created a late moody autumn shot.

A final arrangement consisted of wrinkled Hollyhock blossoms with only a touch of deep wine red in the gnarled petals. Seed pods formed a bug eyed Preying Mathis in my minds’ eye so I recomposed to depict the essence of the bug structure with an illuminated background.

Bug Bud - Withered Hollyhocks

Guess, I will call it a whimsical abstract.  Look hard you may see it too.

This weekend having to bare the winter chill I’ll get out there again with camera in hand.  Colors are more monochromatic and compositional lines both sensually soft and with deep shadows, very graphic.

There is no ideal time of day or season to go outdoors and have some fun finding the flow of energies that gather before your lens. It is the visual exercise and the process that counts. You need to stay creative no matter what.

Related Posts:
http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/would-you-get-up-early-to-photograph-this/

http://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/11/11/no-fall-color-only-seed-pods-to-photograph/

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2009, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or through email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com

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Headwaters – Three River’s Rush Through History

 

Our canoes slipped silently through the chilly waters of the Madison River. A few geese honked overhead and ducks splashed along the shoreline seeking safety in the reeds and overhangs.

The ceaseless current guided our crafts past eroded sandstone and mud packed banks, on this stretch of the river it carved them into endless shapes.

Madison River near Three Forks, Montana

I couldn’t help but fantasize about Lewis and Clark and the Native Americans who also floated and crossed this scenic river in the not so distant past. Not a lot has changed since those canoes pasted this way. The cottonwood trees that bore witness are still standing tall near the water’s edge.

If you read the 1805 journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, http://www.lewisandclarktrail.com, then you know where to find their campsites and place yourself in their footsteps building campfires and setting up their tents. History is all around.

The damp scents of the river and sweet cottonwoods invigorate my senses. It is easy to stay alert, watching for game, or picturing a Hidatsa Indian party riding up on the ridges, looking for Sacagawea. Her kidnapping was the beginning of a venture that led her into the annals of history in the American West and relocated her far from her homeland.

Missouri Headwaters State Park, Montana

We drifted on the river’s flow past Three Forks, Montana, www.threeforskmontana.com, and on toward the Missouri River Headwater’s State Park. Headwaters, or as most of those who live here, just call it “Three Forks”, is the geographic confluence of the Madison, Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers and forms the headwaters of the Missouri, the longest river in the  U.S.

Each river has its own course flow and visual landscape. Friends and I have had many adventures, seeing the sights, on these clear water tributary trips. Deer, Moose Eagles, Heron and, of course, rattlesnakes are all out there.

Each season different animals appear, just like the transition of wildflowers from Sagebrush Buttercups to Queen Ann’s Lace or the brilliant color change from early green spring willow buds to bright yellow autumn leaves. All you have to do is pay attention.

And these graceful rivers will grab your attention!

Contact Information: Missouri Headwaters, Region 3 FWP Office, 1400 S. 19th St. Bozeman, MT  59715 or call (406) 994-4042.

For Further Information:

Bozeman Chamber of Commerce – http://www.bozemannet.com

Information on the Lewis and Clark Trail – http://lewisandclark.state.mt.us/discovery.shtm

Montana Department of Commerce – http://www.travelmt.com

Photographs used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2009, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. My image catalog can be viewed at http://www.rangeofvisionphotos.com. You can contact me through this blog or through email at: wayne@rangeofvisionphotos.com 

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