Making Perfect Scenics

Sweeping landscapes can make beautiful images. But how do you make them the best they can be?

Here are several tips to help you make better landscape images:

1. Look for a center of interest. In this image it is the mountain which is large and fairly centrally positioned.

2. Use complementary colors. The blue-whites in the mountains complement the warm yellows and oranges of the trees and ground cover. Cool against warm colors can make for strong images.

3. Compose the image so that it has a base. In this image the base is the ground cover.

4. Use a medium to small aperture to maximize depth of field. In traditional scenics it is best to keep all elements relatively sharp.

5. Use an ISO of 400 or 200 whenever possible. Higher ISO's create noise, especially in the dark areas.

6. Choose the best time of day with the best light whenever possible. Early morning and late afternoon are generally best.

7. Take your time. Consider camera angles and camera height. Look for the different and the eye-catching.

If you keep these few things in mind, your landscape work will improve quickly. Try to find your own vision and chart your own path. It is OK to use other images as inspiration, but try to create unique images of your own.

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/800 sec.  Aperture f/7.1.  ISO 400.  Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS, set at 200mm.  Camera: Canon 5D Mark II.  Handheld.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, of the huge waves of the sea, at the circular motion of the stars; but they pass by themselves without wondering. "  -St. Augustine

Glacier Bay Puffin

Glacier Bay Alaska is filled with nature's abundance. It is an indescribable experience to view the variety of wildlife in this amazing wilderness.

This beautiful tufted puffin was strutting his stuff as our boat passed nearby. He flapped at the perfect time for us to get this great behavioral image. Puffins are beautiful birds, and look a bit comical with their large bills. They are much smaller than they appear in photos, and when you see your first puffin you will be amazed at their diminutive size.

When photographing any animal with black feathers or fur, it is important to expose for the blacks so they are not underexposed. Underexposed areas show more noise. Often it helps to use the Exposure Compensation feature on your camera to increase exposure by about one stop to make sure that the blacks have adequate exposure.

Stay tuned for information on a return trip to Glacier Bay National Park in 2016. It is an area teeming with wildlife including whales, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, mountain goats, brown bears, and so much more. We had a spectacular trip there this past August, and are making plans for a return visit next summer.

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/1000 sec.  Aperture f/9.  ISO 800.  Lens: Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5/6L IS II with 1.4x extender for an effective focal length of 560mm.  Camera: Canon 7D Mark II.  Handheld.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "In order to see birds, it is necessary to become a part of the silence."  - Robert Lynd

Magic Macro

Macro photography is indeed a magical thing. It enables us to see beauty that we would normally miss.

As many of you know, I love the freedom of shooting macro with no tripod. It seems to jump start my creativity, and is far less frustrating than messing with the tripod to get it at the right height and in the right position. 

I'm looking forward to doing a presentation at the upcoming Macro Conference in Massachusetts next weekend. While the Conference is full, I am offering two Macro Workshops in 2016. These workshops have just been announced! If you love macro, or want to learn how to set yourself free and REALLY enjoy photography, consider joining me at either or both of these places!

WILDFLOWERS AND WILDWATER PHOTO TOUR
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
April 2016
Spring in the Smokies is a spectacular time to be there, when the flowers are at their peak. In addition, the streams run full and wild. Join me for the best wildflower photography in the world!

CREATIVE MACRO OF FLOWERS WORKSHOP
LONGWOOD GARDENS, PENNSYLVANIA
June 2016
This is one of our most popular workshops, and it generally fills very quickly. Learn a variety of creative macro techniques that will take your flower photography to a whole new level. Join me and let your creativity soar!

For more information, email us at awakethelight@charter.net

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec.  Aperture f/5.6.  ISO 400.  Lens: Canon 100mm macro f/2.8L IS.  Camera: Canon 5D Mark III.  Handheld.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "A flower's appeal is in its contradictions  -  so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect."  -Terri Guillemets

Finally!

One of my hoped-for images in Alaska has always been a caribou at the top of a hillside. Each year when I go to Alaska, I look for this type of shot. Each year it has not happened. The animals have always been either on a flat plain or lower down on a hillside. But this year, success! Everyone in my group got a healthy dose of my excitement over this opportunity, and thankfully most of them got similar shots.

These kinds of moments in wildlife photography are fleeting and never controllable. The animals are where the animals are, and no amount of hoping or wishing can change that. But when all the elements line up in your favor, it is best to be prepared and be ready to shoot a lot of images when the opportunity presents itself.

Exposures can be difficult in this kind of situation. Anytime there is a dark subject against a light background, it is typical for the camera to underexpose the subject. This happens because the background  is so bright that it fools the light meter into providing an exposure that is accurate for the background but not for the subject. Even when you look at the histogram, the exposure might look correct. But there are many times when you have to consult your head as well as the histogram. In this case, you should automatically increase Exposure Compensation to +1 or +1.5. Doing so might show an overexposure on the histogram, possibly with "blinkies" on the sky area. But that is not a problem in these situations. Why? Because in most cases an overexposed light sky can be brought back down to normal levels after you download onto your computer by using Lightroom or other image optimization software. Most importantly, by increasing exposure you assure yourself that all the detail in the animal's fur will be recorded.

If you do not increase Exposure Compensation, you might still get a usable image, but the fur will be underexposed. When you try to increase the brightness of the dark fur using image optimization software, it WILL get lighter BUT it will show more noise (a grainy look) than had the dark fur been properly exposed in the first place. This is especially true when using high ISO's above 800.

Note that underexposed dark areas always show more noise than light areas.

So our tools are great, but we can't always rely on them completely. We have think and use our heads, as well as our tools, in many shooting situations. And we have to be prepared at all times for whatever Mother Nature might provide.

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/1000.  Aperture f/7.1.  ISO 1600.  Lens: Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II, set at 150mm.  Camera: Canon 7D Mark II.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "Serendipity always rewards the prepared."  -Katori Hall

Fogbow

Fogbow. What the heck is a "fogbow?" Who knew they even existed?

This fogbow was a curved white arc caused by sunlight striking fog, similar to a rainbow caused by sunlight striking moisture at just the right angle. We saw this unique phenomenon on a whale-watching trip in Glacier Bay Alaska. It lasted only a few minutes, as the sun was breaking through a thick fog bank over the water. What a piece of luck, and all of us were excited to see this unique effect.

What helps make this shot even more dramatic are the two curved lines at the bottom of the image. They were created by the wake from the boat. The use of a wide angle lens enabled me to incorporate the wake, which was very close, and the fogbow which was relatively far away. In addition, a small aperture kept all of it in focus.

We started out the day in search of whales, and we did find some. We never expected to see an usual phenomenon as well, which turned out to be one of the high spots of our photographic foray.

It proves once again that being prepared is the best approach. Know your equipment, choose lenses carefully, and know how to set your aperture and shutter speed to achieve the look you want.

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/1250 sec.  Aperture f/10.  ISO 800.  Lens: Canon 17-40mm lens, set at 17mm.  Camera: Canon 5D Mark III.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "Before anything else, preparation is the key to success."  --Alexander Graham Bell

Moose Mania

This was a banner year for moose in Denali National Park in Alaska. We saw more moose, and bigger healthier moose than in the past. This guy was huge. One of the members of the group compared his antlers to satellite dishes, and she was not far off.

His dark fur is set off beautifully against the fall tundra. We were lucky to hit peak fall color this year. Fall is always a moving target in Alaska, and you never know exactly when the colors will pop. And once they start to turn, the change occurs quickly in this far northern latitude. Within 5 days the entire show could be over.

Moose are elusive creatures in Denali and often are hidden in deep foliage, or stay very far away from even the longest of lenses. We were lucky to have seen several within range, but even so, this image is cropped a good deal.

Moose are also dangerous animals, even though they look slow and benign. They can charge at 40 or more miles per hour, and can cover a lot of ground quickly so keeping your distance is always imperative, especially during the fall mating season. Bulls are very protective of their females and will attack if they feel threatened.

In Denali we always travel with an experienced guide / driver who knows where to look for moose and how close we can approach safely.

It was a thrill to see so much wildlife during our time in there.

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/1000 sec.  Aperture f/8.  ISO 800.  Lens: Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II, set at 400mm with 1.4x extender for an effective focal length of 560mm. Camera: Canon 7D Mark II.  Handheld.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "Alaska ... is just like anyplace else, except with mountains and moose."  -Tom Bodett

Two Swans A'swimming

We all hope to be in the right place at the right time. That is exactly what happened during our shooting session at Wonder Lake in Denali National Park last week. The clouds, the lighting, the fall colors, and the serendipitous appearance of two swans in the perfect position all combined to make a striking scenic.

The swans and the calm water reflections provide a sense of serenity against the backdrop of craggy, formidable mountains.

I often see a pair of swans each time I visit this area, and I assume it is the same pair each year. Rarely, though, have I seen them arrange themselves in such a perfect position for a portrait in their summer home.

When photographing landscapes, it is best to use a small aperture in order to achieve deep depth of field. In this case, f/14 provided good sharpness for the swans in the foreground all the way back to the mountains many miles away.

It is a rare treat to spend time in this huge wilderness where Mother Nature is in charge. We humans are mere specks in the landscape and mere blips in the eons of time that have formed this wild paradise.

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/320 sec.  Aperture f/14.  ISO 400.  Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS, set at 138mm.  Camera: Canon 5D Mark III.  Handheld.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "We must go out into the untrodden depths of the wilderness, and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey."  -John Hope Franklin

Oh You Beautiful Dall (Sheep, That Is!)

AFTER

BEFORE

The next few blogs will cover more of the incredible things we saw in Alaska over the past several weeks. What a trip! The scenery, the wildlife, the experiences, and most importantly the people who traveled with me, were fantastic in all respects. Two separate groups accompanied me first to Glacier Bay National Park, and then to Denali National Park.

I returned to the east coast late last night, a bit tired but energized by all the pristine beauty and animals we saw.

The photos above are actually the same photo, cropped differently. The Before image shows the entire shot, taken with a Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS set to 200mm. The After image is cropped down to showcase the Dall Sheep more clearly. Today's high quality lenses have improved sharpness and images hold up well to serious cropping after the fact.

Why did I not use my longer Canon 100-400mm lens for this shot? Because this image was shot from the bus taking us to our lodge deep inside Denali National Park, and I had to choose one all-purpose lens to have with me for that leg of the trip. All my other gear was packed in my camera case for transport, and was inaccessible for this part of the journey. 

So which version do you prefer? Do you like the wider view showing the entire scene with the sheep being a tiny part of this huge expanse? Or do you prefer the closer crop which showcases the sheep? I'm eager to hear your comments. You can comment here on this blog, or on our Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/Awake-The-Light-123508281034128/timeline/  or via email at awakethelight@charter.net 

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/1000 sec.  Aperture f/5.6.  ISO 800.  Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS, set at 200mm.  Camera: Canon 5D Mark II.  Handheld.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world."  -John Muir

Catch Me If You Can

Lake Clark National Park in Alaska is a very special place for brown bear. The bears are treated with the utmost respect, most individuals are recognized by their distinctive appearance, and the few people who live there feel a strong sense of responsibility for the bears' health and safety.

I saw all of this firsthand last week during a wonderful 4-day stay in the park. Each day was filled with fantastic photographic opportunities along a beautiful stretch of the Cook Inlet. Our guide drove a 4-wheel drive ATV with a cart attached that seated 4 photographers and their gear. With his experience and skill, plus a powerful pair of binoculars, he spotted bear and took us to their locations. In addition to being a top-notch guide, he knew how to get us into position for the best lighting angles to best show off the bears in their environment.

At this time of year, we saw mothers and cubs, plus lone females. The males have already retreated back into the mountains in search of food and a place to hibernate for the rapidly approaching winter. The females will head into the hills in a few weeks to hibernate with their young.

This lone female was chasing the abundant silver salmon along the tidal pools and water's edge. She caught this beauty and seemed pleased to show it off to all of the onlookers.

We always kept a respectful distance from the bears, but they did not seem concerned about our presence and often walked toward us with no malice or fear. As they approached, we would retreat so they could pursue the path of their choice.

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/1000 sec.  Aperture f/9.  ISO 800.  Lens: Canon 100-400mm set to 247mm.  Camera: Canon 7D Mark II.  Handheld.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "Bears are made of the same dust we are, breathe the same winds, and drink the same waters. A bear's days are warmed by the same sun, his dwellings are overdomed by the same blue sky, and his life turns and ebbs with heart-pulsings like ours and was poured from the same fountain."  --John Muir

Just Another Sleepless Night In Paradise

Conditions were right for a Northern Lights display during the Glacier Bay photo tour, and most of the group was game for getting up at 1am to venture forth. We stepped outside our lodge and were greeted by an incredible display. A variety of swirling, undulating, and flashing lights in shades of green and reddish-purple chased all across the sky.

I had seen this spectacular phenomenon only once before, and that was fleetingly from a jetliner crossing the wilds of northern Canada in the middle of the night. No way to photograph it, so I was thrilled to be able to see AND photograph it this time.

The display lasted about 2 hours and all we could say was WOW!! over and over again. What a thrill for all of us.

I was surprised that the colors looked more intense on my camera's view screen than to my eyes. Apparently this is not unusual.

Exposure was easy. See details below. While most of us have limited opportunities to see the Northern Lights, if you ever travel to places where they are viewable, I highly recommend it. It is a feast for the eyes and the soul.

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 15 seconds.  Aperture f/4.  ISO 400. Set lens to manual focus and then focus on infinity. Set camera to Manual and preset shutter speed, f/stop, and ISO before heading out. Check histogram after a few test shots. Often Exposure Compensation of +1 or +2 is needed.
Lens: Canon 17-40mm f/4 set at 17mm.  Camera: Canon 5D Mark III. Gitzo tripod with Really Right Stuff ballhead.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "Northern Lights wall earth with fire."  -R.P.T Coffin