The Palouse Guy

Preparation is a key to a successful image

Posted on June 24, 2009 | 1 comment

Ready to Work by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

When you are going on a photo shoot be prepared. I will be traveling to the Palouse for a two day trip to shoot a specific barn that I have been scouting. My preparation for this trip includes the photo gear that will be required for the images that I intend to capture.

In addition to the actual gear, I have looked at sunrise and sunset times, moon rise and set times as well as the predicted weather for the next few days.. This information allows me to plan for the images that I will be taking. I have also contacted the barn owner to let them know I am coming and to check to see the growth in the fields and the colors that will be in the area surrounding the barn.

Since I have scouted this barn previously I am able to use the information I have collected and visualize the shot that I want to take. If all elements are in place as I have envisioned, I should get the opportunity for a good photo.

We can’t always control all the elements but planning definitely increases your chances for capturing a worthwhile and useful image.

1 Comment

Posted in Palouse Landscapes

Tagged agriculture, farming, landscape, Palouse, photography, tractor

Tell a Story with Your Photos

Posted on June 16, 2009 | 2 comments

Old Car by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I mentioned in my last post about having a mentor. Scott Bourne who is my mentor, just wrote an excellent article that I feel is a must read. Thinking creatively as you photograph is so essential. His article “Get Creative – Tell Stories With Your Camera” has some very important food for thought.

The picture at the top of this post reminds of the story that was told in the movie “Cars” by Disney. I would like to know the story this old car in the image would tell.

I hope you enjoy this information as much as I did as I read it. Hopefully it will prove to be of value to you as you progress in achieving your goals in photography.

2 Comments

Posted in Photography Advice

Tagged old car, photography, story, story telling

Utilize a Mentor

Posted on June 15, 2009 | 2 comments

Morning Glow on Winn Barn by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I have used a mentor for my work since I first started photographing 6 years ago. His name is Scott Bourne . Over the years he has helped me by giving advice about both photography and business. At times I have paid for his expertise and other times he has offered free advice. It has been very helpful to me as I progress through my career.

Scott has posted an article that talks about Seeking Out the Advice of Others. I think you will find it very valuable as you look to improve your photography. I would highly suggest you find someone that is knowledgeable and very honest and unbiased about your work. Brutal honesty can be tough but very helpful as you critique your work.

Good luck and I hope you can find someone that can be as valuable to you as my mentor has been to me.

2 Comments

Posted in Photography Advice

Tagged barn, landscape, Palouse

Clouds Can Be the Main Element

Posted on June 13, 2009 | Leave a comment

Clouds above the Landscape by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I mentioned in a post a few weeks ago how clouds can be an important compositional element to balance an image. As I was in the Palouse last week, I saw this cloud formation that I decided to shoot as the main object of an image. This was taken just before sunrise as colors were beginning to show at first light.

In this image the clouds reminded me of a fountain spouting from the rolling hills. The uncluttered landscape and skies are one of my favorite aspects of the Palouse.

A trip to this region of eastern Washington can allow you to experience this beautiful simplicity.

Sweet Light Sells

Posted on June 11, 2009 | 3 comments

Sheep Graze near Old Barn by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

As photographers, we are always talking about how the “sweet light” of early morning and late evening can really enhance an image. A couple of weeks ago as I was visiting the Palouse this fact was brought to my attention once again in a very dramatic way.

I was actually on my way home going from Colfax to Issaquah and I decided to take one of my favorite roads which is SR 23 between Steptoe and Sprague. This twenty plus mile stretch of road has several nice and accessible barns for photographing. As I drove along I saw one of my favorite barns in very flat light but i decided to stop and shoot it to use as a teaching image demonstrating the idea that good composition in bad light still does not make a good image. The result was the image that you see below.

Red Barn in Flat Light by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

As I was walking around a bit just enjoying the solitude of this spot and trying to avoid becoming a major meal for the mosquitoes, I noticed a small clearing in the skies to the west. I decided to wait to see if perhaps the sun might break through for a brief moment so I could capture a similar image with good light. This would really help demonstrate the point I wanted to illustrate. As I waited I saw the light begin to break through and for a few short moments I was able to capture the barn in all its glory with good light as you see below.

Barn Glows in Evening Light by Gary Hamburgh - All Right Reserved

Hopefully the message you receive from what I have written is twofold. First don’t shoot in bad light and secondly wait, anticipate and be ready for the “sweet light” when it does present itself. If you do you will have a keeper. Good luck with your search as you explore the Palouse.

3 Comments

Posted in Palouse Landscapes

Tagged barn, homestead, landscape, light, Palouse, photography

Old Barns are Disappearing

Posted on June 10, 2009 | 2 comments

Clouds behind Red Barn by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

It is with some sadness and emotion that I write this post. The bad news is that many of the old barns and outbuildings that are so much a part of the history and the landscape of the Palouse are disappearing. Due to their age and the passage of time with the elements as well as the materials they were made of, many of these old structures are failing.

The three photos that are included in this post are an example of what is happening. All three of these barns are no longer standing. About a year ago an unusually strong wind storm blew through this region and all of these barns were left in a pile of rubble. I feel fortunate I was able to capture them while they still had their structural integrity.

Clouds Gather over Old Barn by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

In addition many of the old barns are being replaced with new materials like metal roofs and siding. In talking with the farmers I understand their need to reconstruct with a more durable material but it does somehow take away from their character.

Small Barn in the Evening by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Because of the disappearance of some of these structures, I would encourage you to visit this beautiful region in the near future so you can glimpse into the past by enjoying these old barns.

2 Comments

Posted in Palouse Landscapes

Tagged barn, farming, homestead, landscape, Palouse

Cycling in the Palouse

Posted on June 3, 2009 | Leave a comment

Cycling through the Hills by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I thought I would give a suggestion of a different way for exploring the Palouse region of eastern Washington. Cycling can be a great way to see some of the beautiful landscape.

Some of the positive aspects of traveling this region by bike would be the well paved roads with very little traffic. In addition you are going at a pace where you can really take in the scenery. The exercise in the clear fresh air is another aspect that makes this mode of transportation enjoyable. I however would caution that you are prepared for the elements as the temperature can soar to very high extremes especially in the summer months. Make sure you have plenty of water and food with you as the towns are few and far between in some areas.

Riding the Hills through Farmland by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I was an avid cyclist for many years and have ridden thousands of miles in this area. So from experience I can assure you that cycling is a very good way to explore, view and enjoy the Palouse landscape.

Beauty and Change in the Palouse

Posted on May 31, 2009 | 1 comment

Cupola Acts as Chimney for Clouds by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I just returned from spending the last four days in eastern Washington. The colors in the Palouse region are about three weeks later than normal according to several of the local farmers. Fortunately colors were vibrant adding to the beautiful patterns and textures for which this region is known.

The picture at the beginning of the post illustrates one of the many barns in the region and the clouds helped to enhance this image as they appear to be coming from the cupola at the top of the barn. As you can see I was being treated to some excellent early morning conditions.

The image below illustrates one of the changes that you find in this region. Grapes are being planted adjacent to some of the wheat fields. This pattern is more prevalent just south of the actual Palouse region around Walla Walla. It does add a new pattern and texture to the familiar agricultural landscape.

Vineyards Add to the Palouse Patterns by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

During my entire trip, I had beautiful weather and vibrant colors. Hopefully you will take the time during this green season to enjoy the beauty of eastern Washington.

1 Comment

Posted in Palouse Landscapes

Tagged agriculture, barn, clouds, farming, landscape, Palouse, vineyard

Screen to Print Match

Posted on May 26, 2009 | 1 comment

Moon above Wheat Field by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Many times it can be a struggle getting a print to match what it looks like on the screen. The following article by David Saffir entitled “Screen to Print Match for Photographers” gives some good advice for dealing with this problem. Utilize this information and it can save paper, supplies and headaches as you are printing your images.

Remember to print those beautiful images you take while visiting the Palouse so others can enjoy this interesting region of eastern Washington.

1 Comment

Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Uncategorized

Tagged landscape, moon, Palouse, wheat field

Edge Sharpening in Aperture

Posted on May 24, 2009 | 2 comments

California Quail on Post by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

The above photo of a California Quail was taken at Whitman Mission near Walla Walla, Washington which is located just south of the Palouse region. I find many species of birds at the Mission especially in the early morning hours.

I came across this excellent article “A Basic Primer On Aperture Edge Sharpening” by Scott Bourne which I thought you might enjoy as well as answer some questions.

It is always best to get your image as sharp as you can in camera, but at times an additional tweak can be helpful.

2 Comments

Posted in Workflow tips

Tagged Aperture, bird, california quail, Palouse, quail, Whitman Mission

The Palouse Guy

Preparation is a key to a successful image

Tell a Story with Your Photos

Utilize a Mentor

Clouds Can Be the Main Element

Sweet Light Sells

Old Barns are Disappearing

Cycling in the Palouse

Beauty and Change in the Palouse

Screen to Print Match

Edge Sharpening in Aperture

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