Title: “Winter Sunrise 2012”
The rising sun reflecting off of a low level cloud line was complimented with the parallel tree line to the right. I shot this with my Nikon P7000. The first couple of images indicated overexposure, so I adjusted the exposure by 2 EV. This brought a little detail into the foreground. Because I shoot in RAW quality mode, I was then able to create 3 images separated by 2EV each way from the image.
Using Photomatix, I then tone mapped the 3 images to produce a file for editing. Minor editing and cropping yielded the final image.
Two suggestions: First: Never delete the files by reviewing the camera LCD. You do not have a good image for that decision. Second: Always have a camera ready. This scene lasted only a couple of minutes before it disappeared.
I posted the image on Facebook and am surprised at the response I received. Thanks to all who replied with “Like” and comments.
Your questions and comments are welcome.
Title: “Cold Front”
Advice: Reset your camera to normal shooting mode when finished using special settings!
I started watching this cold front line early Sunday afternoon. My intention was to take pictures about the time it covered the sun, so my cameras were already in the Jeep. At the moment I realized how fast the front was moving, our Lab, Sparky was with me and the nearest good location for a picture was 2 miles east of our home.
A few minutes later, Sparky and I arrived at the intersection of SW 70th and Hunter Rd. Turning off the pavement and pulling over to the side, I grabbed my D700 and started taking pictures. I quickly realized that my camera was still set up on a previous shoot with HDR settings.
Fortunately, it only took a few seconds to reset my camera to slow burst mode, vibration reduction ON and select f/16 for the final image. Aperture priority was already selected.
Resetting my cameras to normal modes is certainly a habit I should do better. Also, Sparky was not exactly happy with staying in the back of the Jeep while I took pictures – sorry Sparky.
Title: “Approach”
This scene came together while visiting family in Hutchinson. This flock of geese was approaching a small pond for the night when I took this picture. I was using my NikonD200 with the zoom lens at maximum or 450mm equivalent focal length.
A 13x19 inch print is now on display and for sale at L’image, Towne East Square, Wichita, KS. The price for the print is $119.95.
Title: “Farewell September”
I like the beauty of a great sunset just like most of you. I simply feel that sunsets need foreground or some subject in order to provide added interest to the picture. I was heading east from Wichita on US54 when this sunset started showing promise. I kept glancing down side roads looking for something to grab my attention (I always checked my mirrors before the “glances”).
Turning north on Santa Fe Lake Road, I knew that time was running out. So, I pulled into the Santa Fe Lake park and then stopped at the entry parking lot by the dam. With the edge of the parking lot in the foreground, the the sun reflecting from the water and finally the far shore, I thought this might make a decent image.
Your comments are always welcome.
Title: “October Flowers”
We’ve lived on this property since 1973 and this is the first year that we’ve seen Blue Sage wildflowers. This cluster of flowers is along our front fence line and probably spread by the traffic passing by.
I used my Nikon P7000 in manual focus mode so I could zoom the lens for the final cropping. The editing was limited to minor levels adjustment, sharpening, and slight vignette. By selecting f/5.6 with the zoom at 85 mm, the rustic fence in the background is pleasantly out of focus.
Your comments are always welcome.
12K Acres For Sale
Want 12000 acres including: mineral rights, historic sites, National Natural Landmark? Landmark is Monument Rocks. Auction is through Faulkner Real Estate, Ulysses, KS. Bidding accepted through 08/14/12.
On October, 31, 1968, Monument Rocks became the first site to be designated a National Natural Landmark. The site is located north-east of Scott City, KS.
Among other points of interest is a Butterfield Overland Dispatch route marker (shown in this photograph). A plaque at the base of the marker declares this as “the most dangerous route”.
Notes:
The designation “National Natural Landmark” does not assure public access to the site. The current land owner has graciously permitted the site to be visited at no charge. A new owner may elect to restrict access to this beautiful landmark.
National Natural Landmarks are included in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321). This act, at least, requires an impact statement prior to any work within the site area.
