Category Archives: Photography Advice

Include something familiar to add perspective

High Atop a Bankout Wagon - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

High Atop a Bankout Wagon - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Sometimes it is hard to get the perspective of how large an object, tree, rock or landmark is in a particular image. This is especially true as I like to emphasize the enormity of the equipment used during wheat harvest in the Palouse.

In the photo at the top of the page, I have used one of the workers as he was perched high on a bankout wagon to give perspective to the size of this equipment. These bankout wagons are used in areas where it is not convenient or possible to get a semi-truck and trailer into the field to empty the combine. The bankout wagon is pulled by a tractor to the bottom of the hill where it is unloaded into the semi-truck and trailer so the wheat can be hauled to a grain elevator.

Visit the Palouse and get ready to be amazed at the tremendous size of the equipment. Just the tires alone are almost as tall as a man. Remember using something or someone of a familiar size can add perspective to objects in your images.

In the photo at the top of the page, I have used one of the workers as he was perched high on a bankout wagon to give perspective to the size of this equipment. These bankout wagons are used in areas where it is not convenient or possible to get a semi-truck and trailer into the field to empty the combine. The bankout wagon is pulled by a tractor to the bottom of the hill where it us unloaded into the semi-truck and trailer so the wheat can be hauled to a grain elevator.
Visit the Palouse and get ready to be amazed at the tremendous size of the equipment. Just the tires alone are almost as tall as a man. Remember using something or someone of a familiar size can add perspective to objects in your imagesSometimes it is hard to get the perspective of how large an object, tree, rock or landmark is in a particular image. This is especially true as I like to emphasize the enormity of the equipment used during wheat harvest in the Palouse.
In the photo at the top of the page, I have used one of the workers as he was perched high on a bankout wagon to give perspective to the size of this equipment. These bankout wagons are used in areas where it is not convenient or possible to get a semi-truck and trailer into the field to empty the combine. The bankout wagon is pulled by a tractor to the bottom of the hill where it us unloaded into the semi-truck and trailer so the wheat can be hauled to a grain elevator.
Visit the Palouse and get ready to be amazed at the tremendous size of the equipment. Just the tires alone are almost as tall as a man. Remember using something or someone of a familiar size can add perspective to objects in your images.

Corvair Discovery

Corvair with Barn - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Corvair with Barn - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

A couple weeks ago as I was driving the countryside in the Palouse looking for barns, when I noticed the barn that you see in the image at the top of this post. When I stopped to check it out, I made a discovery of several old cars and trucks on the deserted property.

Corvair Pair - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Corvair Pair - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

I love cars from the 50’s and 60’s and have owned a Corvair and a couple of Mustangs from the 60’s. As I walked around I saw two Corvairs sitting side by side in the weeds. They were pretty much in disrepair and in various stages of rust. Still they were of interest to me as I thoroughly looked them over and took pictures. This was a fun experience for me and I hope you enjoy the images.

Rusted Corvair - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Rusted Corvair - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

One thing I have found in the Palouse region as in many other farming areas is that the farmers rarely get rid of an old truck or piece of farm machinery. There is a great opportunity to see and photograph these old vehicles if you have the desire.

A couple weeks ago as I was driving the countryside in the Palouse looking for barns, when I noticed the barn that you see in the image at the top of this post. When I stopped to check it out, I made a discovery of several old cars and trucks on the deserted property.
I love cars from the 50’s and 60’s and have owned a Corvair and a couple of Mustangs from the 60’s. As I walked around I saw two Corvairs sitting side by side in the weeds. They were pretty much in disrepair and in various stages of rust. Still they were of interest to me as I thoroughly looked them over and took pictures. This was a fun experience for me and I hope you enjoy the images.
One thing I have found in the Palouse region as in many other farming areas is that the farmers rarely get rid of an old truck or piece of farm machinery. There is a great opportunity to see and photograph these old vehicles if you have the desire.

Develop Your Artist’s Statement

Union Barn in Early Light - Copyright by Gary Hamburgh 2009- All Rights Reserved

Union Barn in Early Light - Copyright by Gary Hamburgh 2009- All Rights Reserved

It is important to develop an artist’s statement so that you can share your vision with other’s who may be interested in your work. My mentor Scott Bourne has written an excellent article discussing this topic. I have included that article which is titled “Do You Have An Artist’s Statement?”

I hope you take the time to develop an artist’s statement so that you may convey to your audience your vision for your work.

Dry Falls Overlook – experience exceptional beauty

Evening at Dry Falls Overlook - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009- All Rights Reserved

Evening at Dry Falls Overlook - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009- All Rights Reserved

On the 4th of July 2009, I went to the fireworks show at Grand Coulee Dam in central Washington. This region gives a different look of the Palouse with its many cliffs, plateaus and rock formations. About 20 miles west of Grand Coulee Dam, I stopped at a scenic view area called the Dry Falls Overlook. I was there in the middle of the day with very harsh light so I made a note to return for a sunset shoot at some time in the future.

Two days ago I was returning home from a trip to Walla Walla and Pendleton. I decided to head for a northern route and see if I could get some good weather and light to shoot sunset at the overlook. I had been planning to take images and then use Photomatix Pro to process the images because of the high contrast composition with the cliffs, water and sky. This software has become a very useful tool for me because it allows for processing multiple images in a simple and effective manner.

As I arrived at the Dry Falls Overlook, the view was as breathtaking as I had remembered. I got there an hour or so before sundown so I had plenty of time to prepare myself for the approaching sunset. I was excited to see a few clouds on the horizon opposite the direction of the setting sun as they gave me the hope that I would have an interesting sky to include in my images.

Sun Bathes the Cliffs - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Sun Bathes the Cliffs - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Each of the images in this post was five exposures between -2 and +2 with a one stop interval between shots. I imported them into Aperture, made a few adjustments. then combined them into a single image and applied tonal mapping with Photomatix Pro. It was nice to have the full moon in the final image even though it appears very small above the clouds.

Moon at Dry Falls Overlook - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Moon at Dry Falls Overlook - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

It was fun to capture the images in this beautiful and often overlooked area of the Palouse. Hopefully you will add this trip to your agenda as you plan your visit  east of the Cascades in Washington.

Transporting the wheat to market

The last few weeks I have been photographing the wheat harvest and sharing aspects of that process.

Waiting to Load - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Waiting to Load - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Yesterday as I was leaving Colfax on my way to Walla Walla I decided to stop at Central Ferry and watch another part of getting the wheat to market.

It is a colorful process watching the tugboats and barges as they wait to be filled and then start on the long journey downriver to market. Central Ferry is located on the Snake River and it is interesting to watch the large trucks unload and then eventually the grain is transferred from the elevators to the waiting barges.

Getting Underway - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009-All Rights Reserved

Getting Underway - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009-All Rights Reserved

Take the opportunity to visit Central Ferry and you will get some great images as well as be able to see still another step in the wheat harvest.

Headed Downriver to Market - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Headed Downriver to Market - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Create images that share your experiences

Combines at Harvest - Copyright Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Combines at Harvest - Copyright Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I have stated many times that “I hope to share the beauty that i see with others.” That is my goal as a photographer to share the actual experience that I am having with others.  I love to see vibrant exciting scenes that depict what is actually happening  at the time. I attempt to put myself in a position and frame of mind so I can feel like I am part of the environment and then capture that so others can enjoy that experience later.

I have shown the entire scene as I saw it in the photo at the top. In the second photo i was riding in the combine with the driver to show the details that he sees as he is cutting the wheat. I must admit that it is an awesome experience riding in the combine especially as the terrain steepens.

View from a Combine - Copyright Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

View from a Combine - Copyright Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

As you create and share your images with others consider the idea of helping to give them the same sense of time and place that you experienced. I believe this will help you to be more creative and give more impact to your images.

Overcome your Fears and Go For It

First Light Caresses the Landscape - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

First Light Caresses the Landscape - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Over the last few years I have been working with my friend and mentor, Scott Bourne, he is always encouraging me to be bold, get out the boat and really go after what I want. As I read this article he wrote entitled “The Fear of Failure”, it brought into perspective many of the ideas that he has been sharing with me. These concepts have helped to shape me both in my photography and business practices.

Nobody knows you as well as you know yourself so you must truly believe in your dream and go for it. Don’t let the negative ideas of others influence your goals. I hope this post by Scott and my words help to encourage you to really be creative and work hard as you pursue your dreams in the world of creating beautiful images to share with others. Good luck and have no fears.

Controlling artifacts in your images

Heading to Unload - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 _ All Rights Reserved

Heading to Unload - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 _ All Rights Reserved

I am sharing an article that discusses a very real problem that can exist in some of your images. The problem is artifacts which are blotchy or jagged areas that appear in the image when you zoom in.

This article was written by Nicole Young and was published by Scott Bourne on Photofocus.  The article explains artifacts and offers some advice for avoiding the problem.

I hope you find this article helpful and will utilize the information as you are creating wonderful images.

Combines at Work - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Combines at Work - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Grain Elevators in the Palouse

Grain Elevator on Harvey Shaw Road - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Grain Elevator on Harvey Shaw Road - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

While traveling through the Palouse, it is always nice to shoot the beautiful contours, shapes and colors. In addition I like to include barns and old homesteads in the images. I would like to suggest another element of architecture that is often overlooked and that is the grain elevators.

Rolling Hills Lead to the Valley - Copyright Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Rolling Hills Lead to the Valley - Copyright Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Grain elevators are in abundance in this region and are a very important part of the economy and lifestyle of the grain growers in the Palouse. These large structures can be seen in the countryside as well as in many of the towns. They are typically very large and many times fill the sky as you come upon them. They can be made of various materials but the most of them are made of concrete or steel. Each one seems to have a character of its own and is definitely an addition to the landscape or the overall look of small town.

Harvesting near a Grain Elevator - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Harvesting near a Grain Elevator - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

In this post I have included several elevators and attempted to show how they can be the focus of your compostion or just an element with the overall context of the image.

Grain Elevator in Morning Light - Copyright Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Grain Elevator in Morning Light - Copyright Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I would suggest that you start a collection of images of these awesome gigantic structures that are one of the symbols of life in the Palouse. I find it rewarding and sometimes a challenge to photograph these elevators. Give it a try and enjoy the opportunity as well as the result.

Grain Elevator Fills the Sky - Copyright Gary Hamburgh - All  Rights Reserved

Grain Elevator Fills the Sky - Copyright Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Dust as a Creative Element in Your Images

 

Light Filters through Dust and Chaff - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Light Filters through Dust and Chaff - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

A week or so ago, I posted about being careful while shooting the harvest because of the extreme dust. I suggested protecting your gear with rain covers.

 

Dust surrounds Truck - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Dust surrounds Truck - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

 

Last night I had the privilege of shooting the wheat harvest in the Palouse again. This time after protecting my gear, I decided to use the dust that literally fills the air at times as an element to enhance my images. By using the dust in the image a more complete story of the harvest is told. After all, this is dry land farming with no irrigation and dust is very prevalent.

 

 

Combine Silhouette at Sunset - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Combine Silhouette at Sunset - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

 By planning for the dust it can emphasize the conditions of the field and also give some substance to the lighting conditions. Remember if used with some forethought dust may become your friend.