Look for Sweet Light First

Posted on October 12, 2009 | Leave a comment
Patches of Light - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Patches of Light - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

An important element in any photograph is the quality of light. Great composition with average light creates an average image. Trying to capture “sweet light” is the reason as photographers we are out shooting before dawn and staying out until well after sundown. This idea of light quality is so important that I would suggest that you search for quality light and then find a subject to place in it.

In the image at the top of this post that is exactly the idea that I had. I went to Steptoe Butte late one evening to capture what I thought would be a beautiful sunset. As I got closer to my destination I realized even though the landscape was beautiful the light might not cooperate. As I traveled up the road higher toward the summit the clouds socked in and I became anxious about the possibility of obtaining the shot I had envisioned.

I stopped at the area where I had planned to take the image and noticed that the clouds were parting and moving. Areas of the landscape were being illuminated while other areas were in shadow. I selected the area that I wanted to be in the beautiful light and waited. When the light reached the area, I clicked the shutter and I had my image. I was looking to light the area in the foreground of the image but a bonus for me was that the light also lit several other areas.

Due to the nature of the light I entitled the image “Patches of Light”. Remember to find great light and your opportuity for creating a great image is increased.

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The Palouse as an Outdoor Studio

Posted on October 7, 2009 | 1 comment
Perched on a Cliff - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Perched on a Cliff - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

My main passion in photography is shooting landscapes in the Palouse.  However a few weeks ago as I was preparing to capture a shot at Dry Falls State Park, a girl and her boyfriend came onto the scene. As I watched, she climbed over a barrier fence and proceeded to walk across the landscape in my photo.

I asked if she would mind if I took her picture and she agreed to also sign a model release. The photo at the top of this post gives some perspective as she sat atop a rock cliff high above the valley below. I must say she was a very daring model as I would not have climbed to that position myself.

Free as a Bird - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Free as a Bird - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

In the second photo, I concentrated on trying to capture her free spirit and used the valley, clouds and full moon as a interesting background. This was really a fun experience for all of us and I would suggest adding people in your landscapes to share a different perspective. The Palouse in this case provided not only beauty of its own but was also an amazing outdoor studio.

I asked if she would mind if I took her picture and she agreed to also sign a model release. The photo at the top of this post gives some perspective as she sat atop a rock cliff high above the valley below. I must say she was a very daring model as I would not have climbed to that position myself.
In the second photo, I concentrated on trying to capture her free spirit and used the valley, clouds and full moon as a interesting background. This was really a fun experience for all of us and I would suggest adding people in your landscapes to share a different perspective. The Palouse in this case provided not only beauty of its own but was also an amazing outdoor studioMy main passion in photography is shooting landscapes in the Palouse.  However a few weeks ago as I was preparing to capture a shot at Dry Falls State Park, a girl and her boyfriend came onto the scene. As I watched, she climbed over a barrier fence and proceeded to walk across the landscape in my photo.
I asked if she would mind if I took her picture and she agreed to also sign a model release. The photo at the top of this post gives some perspective as she sat atop a rock cliff high above the valley below. I must say she was a very daring model as I would not have climbed to that position myself.
In the second photo, I concentrated on trying to capture her free spirit and used the valley, clouds and full moon as a interesting background. This was really a fun experience for all of us and I would suggest adding people in your landscapes to share a different perspective. The Palouse in this case provided not only beauty of its own but was also an amazing outdoor studio.

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Include something familiar to add perspective

Posted on October 5, 2009 | Leave a comment
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.

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Early Morning Skies

Posted on October 2, 2009 | Leave a comment
Clouds Fill the Morning Sky - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Clouds Fill the Morning Sky - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

I was driving the road between Palouse, Wa and Potlatch, Id for a sunrise shoot of a barn I had spotted the day before. As I came around a corner the image at the top of this post came into view. I immediately pulled over and setup up my tripod and camera to capture the sky and the early morning light on the grasses.

I love to travel the roads of the Palouse in the early morning to experience this kind of beauty that exists in the land and skies of that area. After taking this image, I proceeded to the barn and was still early enough to get some good images. I guess I would say to be ready to alter your plans and be prepared for the outstanding vistas that you may encounter.

I love to travel the roads of the Palouse in the early morning to experience this kind of beauty that exists in the land and skies of that area. After taking this image, I proceeded to the barn and was still early enough to get some good images. I guess I would say to be ready to alter your plans and be prepared for the outstanding vistas that you may encounterI was driving the road between Palouse, Wa and Potlatch, Id for a sunrise shoot of a barn I had spotted the day before. As I came around a corner the image at the top of this post came into view. I immediately pulled over and setup up my tripod and camera to capture the sky and the early morning light on the grasses.
I love to travel the roads of the Palouse in the early morning to experience this kind of beauty that exists in the land and skies of that area. After taking this image, I proceeded to the barn and was still early enough to get some good images. I guess I would say to be ready to alter your plans and be prepared for the outstanding vistas that you may encounter.

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Friendly Folks in the Palouse

Posted on October 1, 2009 | 1 comment
After a morning shoot at Steptoe Butte, I was traveling toward Oakesville when I spotted the barn in the image above. The rain was coming down in a steady downpour but I  stopped to look around. I saw a house back in the trees and decided to ask for a property release so I could come back and shoot the barn later.
I came to find out a few minutes later that the owners of the barn were a friendly couple that invited me in for some coffee and conversation. They told the story of how they had acquired the barn and were raising Arabian horses. After about an hour, we noticed it had stopped raining so they wanted to show me the barn up close as well as show me their horses.
This experience is very similar to many that I have had in the Palouse. The folks that live there are very warm and friendly and welcome you with open arms. Plan on spending some enjoyable time if you engage someone in conversation.
Needless to say, I left with a property release, some great images and a couple of new friends that assured me I was welcome to return at any time for a visit and also to photograph the barn and horses.
Horses near Red Barn - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Horses near Red Barn - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

After a morning shoot at Steptoe Butte, I was traveling toward Oakesville when I spotted the barn in the image above. The rain was coming down in a steady downpour but I  stopped to look around. I saw a house back in the trees and decided to ask for a property release so I could come back and shoot the barn later.

I came to find out a few minutes later that the owners of the barn were a friendly couple that invited me in for some coffee and conversation. They told the story of how they had acquired the barn and were raising Arabian horses. After about an hour, we noticed it had stopped raining so they wanted to show me the barn up close as well as show me their horses.

This experience is very similar to many that I have had in the Palouse. The folks that live there are very warm and friendly and welcome you with open arms. Plan on spending some enjoyable time if you engage someone in conversation.

Needless to say, I left with a property release, some great images and a couple of new friends that assured me I was welcome to return at any time for a visit and also to photograph the barn and horses.

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Corvair Discovery

Posted on September 30, 2009 | 3 comments
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.

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Mule Deer in the Morning

Posted on September 29, 2009 | Leave a comment
One of the reasons I love traveling the Palouse is the opportunity I have to see wildlife up close and personal. I seems many times they are as interested in observing me as I am in watching them. At times they appear fearless as if they know they own the environment and I am just an interested guest.
I came across the mule deer in these images early one morning as I was traveling just north of Dayton, WA. There was a herd of six mule deer that were grazing and just appeared to be enjoying the crisp air of the early morning. If you have the opportunity to watch the “mulies” (as they are called) run they appear to just bounce across the fields. It is quite impressive to see.
Remember as you travel the Palouse, keep your eyes open and your camera close at hand especially in the early morning or late evening hours.One of the reasons I love traveling the Palouse is the opportunity I have to see wildlife up close and personal. I seems many times they are as interested in observing me as I am in watching them. At times they appear fearless as if they know they own the environment and I am just an interested guest.
I came across the mule deer in these images early one morning as I was traveling just north of Dayton, WA. There was a herd of six mule deer that were grazing and just appeared to be enjoying the crisp air of the early morning. If you have the opportunity to watch the “mulies” (as they are called) run they appear to just bounce across the fields. It is quite impressive to see.
Remember as you travel the Palouse, keep your eyes open and your camera close at hand especially in the early morning or late evening hours.One of the reasonsOne of the reasons I love traveling the Palouse is the chance I have to see wildlife up close and personal. It seems many times they are as interested in observing me as I am i watching them. At times they appear fearless as if they know they won the environment and I am just a guest in their home.
I came across the mule deer in these images early one morning as I was traveling just  north of Dayton, WA. There was a herd of six mule deer that were grazing and just appeared to be enjoying the crisp air of the early morning. If you have the opportunity to watch the “mulies” (as they are called) run, they seen to just bounce across the fields. It is quite impressive to see.
Remember as you travel the Palouse, keep your eyes open and your camera close at hand especially in the early morning and late evening.
Mule Deer Couple - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Mule Deer Couple - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

One of the reasons I love traveling the Palouse is the chance I have to see wildlife up close and personal. It seems many times they are as interested in observing me as I am in watching them. At times they appear fearless as if they know they own the environment and I am just a guest in their home.
Mule Deer Stare-down - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Mule Deer Stare-down - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

I came across the mule deer in these images early one morning as I was traveling just  north of Dayton, WA. There was a herd of six mule deer that were grazing and just appeared to be enjoying the crisp air of the early morning. If you have the opportunity to watch the “mulies” (as they are called) run, they seen to just bounce across the fields. It is quite impressive to see.
Remember as you travel the Palouse, keep your eyes open and your camera close at hand especially in the early morning and late evening.

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Utilizing Lines in your Composition

Posted on September 26, 2009 | Leave a comment
Busy at Harvest - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009- All Rights Reserved

Busy at Harvest - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009- All Rights Reserved

Lines are wonderful elements in a photograph. They draw the viewer’s eye through the image from one spot to the next, sometimes all the way around and sometimes in one direction. In the image above the line in the wheat as well as the direction of the combine leads you to the other elements in the scene.

Truck Fills the Landscape - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Truck Fills the Landscape - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Lines can put emphasis on distance or illustrate a relationship between foreground and background elements. The truck in the image above acts as a leading line as well as gives some perspective to the combine hard at work in the background.

Riding the Slope - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Riding the Slope - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Curved lines or S curves suggest sensuality, elegance and a serene sense of balance.  S curves don’t necessarily need to be S-shaped; any form of a winding line can be used.


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

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

Using lines can definitely add impact to your compositions but remember to keep the lines simple and don’t let them take attention away from the intended subject. Have fun shooting in the Palouse and look for the opportunity to use the natural lines that are abundant in this region.

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Develop Your Artist’s Statement

Posted on September 21, 2009 | 1 comment
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.

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Dry Falls Overlook – experience exceptional beauty

Posted on September 5, 2009 | Leave a comment

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.

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