Contributor III
Great - there seems like there's enough interest to setup a Zoom call. I'll set something up for early October. Details to follow shortly.
Contributor III
For the planned Zoom call, can everyone who is interested please give me their preferred days and time slots? I think we're all on the 'best' coast, but just want to make sure.
Off-Road Ranger I
I snooze a little and miss this event list! Pls keep me posted on openings!!
Contributor III
Hi Alex. I'll add you to the wait list for the trip. Thanks for the interest!
Ron.
Contributor III
I found a very interesting video on the topic of 'lighting the landscape' that discusses timing of shots to get what you want out your landscape photography -
In Death Valley we'll typically only be able to use the time of day to control light, as clouds are few and far between. If you're not thinking about it already, I recommend you look at my route plan and locations, and give some thought to the types of shot you might want to get. Planning is everything.
If you haven't been to these locations, it's also a good exercise to find photographs from others that appeal to you in those same locations, and try to figure out how they got a particular shot (location, time, lens etc.). With a couple of months to go it's a good time to start this mental planning process. I find that with photography the old rule definitely applies - if you don't know where you are going you definitely won't get there.
As always, please feel free to fire questions my way and I'll be happy to help or give you pointers to where you can do some more research.
In Death Valley we'll typically only be able to use the time of day to control light, as clouds are few and far between. If you're not thinking about it already, I recommend you look at my route plan and locations, and give some thought to the types of shot you might want to get. Planning is everything.
If you haven't been to these locations, it's also a good exercise to find photographs from others that appeal to you in those same locations, and try to figure out how they got a particular shot (location, time, lens etc.). With a couple of months to go it's a good time to start this mental planning process. I find that with photography the old rule definitely applies - if you don't know where you are going you definitely won't get there.
As always, please feel free to fire questions my way and I'll be happy to help or give you pointers to where you can do some more research.
Contributor III
And because I've found that my own photography has benefited significantly from inspiration, I thought I'd share some work from another photographer I admire, some of which were taken in the Sierras and Death Valley -
kosoff.com
For me, when the distance between the work I produce and work like this is so great, it encourages me to try a bit harder ;) Please feel free to share photographers that are an inspiration to you.
Portfolio IV
Landscape photographs of California, Nevada, Hawaii, Scotland, Tuscany, and Newfoundland
For me, when the distance between the work I produce and work like this is so great, it encourages me to try a bit harder ;) Please feel free to share photographers that are an inspiration to you.
Contributor III
Another photographer worth checking out is John Sexton -
All black and white, and the quality of the prints is quite stunning.
All black and white, and the quality of the prints is quite stunning.
Pathfinder III
I remember seeing his work when I was in photo school way back when. The great thing beyond his technical skills is his compositional skills as that has to carry the photo without color. I had just gone up to the Sierras a weekend ago to shoot the fall colors up around Bishop and while a lot of the pictures were ok and good I was somewhat lazy and it was really the colors of the scene that were doing the work. In sort of defaulting to grand landscapes I was not taking the time to seek out the more intimate scenes and abstract patterns that usually lead to much better images however I am being more self-aware of that now as I shake off the rust from not really being serious about my outdoor photos in recent years.
A couple of other influences I remember from years ago with regard to desert photography were Jack Dykinga and Linde Waidhofer. I had developed an affinity for a lot of the areas in region of southern Utah, northwest Arizona, and the Nevada/Arizona area through their work.
Contributor III
I get a feeling that the 'grand landscape' is maybe becoming a thing of the past - or maybe it's just the current trend to go for details. I'm tempted to run the whole trip with one of my 40 year old 50/1.4"s on the Sony. We'll see if I'm brave enough to stick to that.
I've done those trips. Always come back with different photos than I expect. I find adding limits like that is a really good way to see a place that you've been before in a whole new way.
With the paracord trick (discussed in details here Photography ) and a few extra minutes in post you can still take the grand landscape with a 50mm.
The 50mm 1.4 is also a PERFECT lens for nightscapes. and looking at the current plans and times you'll be there you should have great options to shoot nightscapes!
Boort
Phillysteak
Rank IV
Enthusiast III
Contributor III
There's a waiting list right now - I can add your name if that works for you. The trip filled up a few days after it was announced.
Contributor III
A couple of logistics updates for the trip. Right now it doesn't look like I'll have a chance to get my HAM license before December, so we'll be using FRS to communicate on the road and in the field. If necessary, if any of you have a HAM license you can run behind me and relay any directions to others in the group - I don't imagine we'll have any difficulty keeping together though as the routes are all pretty open with few turns.
Also, Iet's plan to rally at the Kohl's parking lot (junction of Gilroy Crossing and Camino Arroyo in Gilroy) at 6AM on December 10. With stops it's 8-9 hours to get to Racetrack Playa in Death Valley, and I want to get there in plenty of time for sunset. From Gilroy we'll take Pacheco Pass out to 5 south to Bakersfield, then north on 58-14 to Olancha and 190 to the Saline Valley Road where we'll hit dirt. If its more convenient for you to meet us along the route let me know and we can figure out a meeting point.
Also, Iet's plan to rally at the Kohl's parking lot (junction of Gilroy Crossing and Camino Arroyo in Gilroy) at 6AM on December 10. With stops it's 8-9 hours to get to Racetrack Playa in Death Valley, and I want to get there in plenty of time for sunset. From Gilroy we'll take Pacheco Pass out to 5 south to Bakersfield, then north on 58-14 to Olancha and 190 to the Saline Valley Road where we'll hit dirt. If its more convenient for you to meet us along the route let me know and we can figure out a meeting point.
Explorer I
Have a license and can relay.
I will probably hit the road on December 9th so I can split the drive and will meet you in Olancha (around 11-noon), I guess we can find a gas station to fill up before driving in.
I will probably hit the road on December 9th so I can split the drive and will meet you in Olancha (around 11-noon), I guess we can find a gas station to fill up before driving in.
Pathfinder III
I’m in the same boat as I am just running GRMS and haven’t followed through on my HAM exam either.
OutbackInTheWild
Rank V
Traveler III
- 2,190
- First Name
- Vladimirs
- Last Name
- P
- Member #
25591
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- K6VVP
Enthusiast III
I have a HAM radio but haven’t given the exam yet for the license. Might not find time either before our trip. It’s good for receiving if someone with HAM transmits.
What about gas? What’s the recommendation for carrying additional amount? I usually get 250 miles on a full tank. Where would we get the last gas station in our trip?
OutbackInTheWild
Rank V
Traveler III
- 2,190
- First Name
- Vladimirs
- Last Name
- P
- Member #
25591
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- K6VVP
