Tag Archives: agriculture

Grain Elevators in the Palouse

Posted on August 23, 2009 | 3 comments

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

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

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

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

3 Comments

Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice

Tagged agriculture, clouds, combine, elevator, farming, grain elevator, harvest, harvester, John Deere, landscape, photography, wheat

Dust as a Creative Element in Your Images

Posted on August 20, 2009 | Leave a comment

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

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

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.

Leave a comment

Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice

Tagged agriculture, combine, dust, farming, harvest, harvester, John Deere, landscape, Palouse, photography, sunset, tractor, wheat

Make your Images into Products

Posted on August 19, 2009 | Leave a comment

A Deere against the Sky - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

I am going to share this great post entitled “Want to go Pro? Productize Your Work” by my friend and mentor Scott Bourne. Be creative in putting your images into a product.

Visit the Palouse and share your great images with the world on a collection of products.

Leave a comment

Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice

Tagged agriculture, combine, farming, harvest, harvester, John Deere, landscape, Palouse, photography, tractor, wheat, wheat field

Choose your Combine by Color

Posted on August 17, 2009 | 1 comment

John Deere Combine 1 by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

When shooting harvest in the Palouse not only are you treated to some beautiful landscape, but the various colors of the farm equipment adds to your images.

John Deere Combine 2 by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

John Deere combine 3 by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

In this post I am going to mainly just share images with you that were taken during the wheat harvest last week in the Palouse. The harvests showing the John Deere and Case combines were shot near Steptoe Butte. Each of the growers that was using these two brands was harvesting between 8500 and 10,000 acres. These are large operations and involve several combines and trucks at each location.

Case IH Combine 3 by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Case IH Combine by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Case IH Combine 1 by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

The harvest showing the Gleaner equipment was shot near Dayton, WA. They were harvesting only 4500 acres and using two combines. In this process a tractor pulls a wagon up to the high country where the grain is emptied then the tractor pulls the wagon down to where it is loaded in a truck.

Gleaner Combine 2 by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Gleaner Combine 1 by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Gleaner Combine 3 by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

The dog in the last picture belongs to the man driving the combine. He runs with the combine all day, every day during the harvest.

Try to get to the Palouse to photograph the harvest. It is a colorful scene and very interesting to observe. Hopefully the images in this post let you experience some of the process and scenery that is involved during the wheat harvest.

1 Comment

Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice

Tagged agriculture, clouds, combine, farming, harvest, harvester, John Deere, landscape, Palouse, photography, Steptoe Butte, tractor, wheat, wheat field

Protecting Your Gear in Dusty Conditions

Posted on August 14, 2009 | Leave a comment

Combine Kicks up Dust by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I recently spent the last week shooting wheat harvest in the Palouse area near Colfax, WA. It was a great experience and the scenery was terrific. I quickly became very much aware that I needed to protect my camera gear from the dust that is kicked up by the combines.

The best way to protect your gear in these dusty conditions is with the rain covers you use when you shoot in the rain. They will also protect and keep dust off your gear. I have rarely been in conditions with the extreme dust and chaff that is surrounding you continually. Another word of caution, don’t get directly behind the combine as they are spewing out excessive amounts of dust and chaff whenever they are cutting. In addition to protecting your gear wear something to cover yourself as well because you will be extracting dirt and straw from your person for quite a while if you don’t.

Dust and Chaff in the Air by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

In the images that are displayed in this post hopefully you get the idea of the dust and debris that is present. Have a great time shooting the harvest but be prepared so you and your gear can have a more enjoyable time.

Leave a comment

Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice

Tagged agriculture, combine, farming, harvest, John Deere, landscape, Palouse, photography, tractor, wheat, wheat field

Lentil Harvest in the Palouse

Posted on August 9, 2009 | 4 comments

Harvest has finally begun in the Palouse. Everything is several weeks later than normal but a visit now will allow you to see the harvest in full swing. Farmers work long hours each day to get the fields cut and the seeds into storage. In addition to the cereal crops of wheat and barley, lentils are also grown and harvested in the Palouse region.

Patterns of Rows by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Palouse farmers generally harvest lentils by mowing and swathing, or they may combine the crop. Swathing is often necessary to kill green weeds and allow them to dry so the lentils can be threshed efficiently. Plants are usually swathed when the pods turn a cream to golden color; then older pods will be dry and their seeds firm.

Lentil Patterns by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

The images in this blog were all taken from Steptoe Butte in eastern Washington. This high vantage point gives an almost aerial view so the many patterns and contours of the land and crops can be appreciated. Lentil harvest provides beautiful colors and patterns to enrich the landscape in this picturesque region. Visit this region and come away with some truly unique and colorful images of the harvest.

4 Comments

Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice

Tagged agriculture, combine, farming, harvest, harvester, landscape, lentils, Palouse, photography, Steptoe Butte

Use lines and patterns to move through an image

Posted on June 26, 2009 | 6 comments

Patterns in the Hay by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

As you are composing your images look for elements to use as leading lines. in the image above I used the patterns in the hay to draw attention to the barns and lead you through the image.

In the second image the grass leads to the ramp and up to the door. It invites you to enter the barn as well as enter the image and explore.

Entrance to Old Barn by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

In the final image below the diagonal line of the grass leads your eye to the barn and on throughout the image. The road also adds to leading you through the image by taking you to the stop sign in the distance.

Red Barn near Dirt Road by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

These are just a few examples of using elements as you compose to add interest and provide an entry point and a way for your eye to move through the image.

6 Comments

Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice

Tagged agriculture, barn, clouds, farming, harvest, landscape, Palouse, photography

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

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

Transition between Seasons Provides Interest

Posted on May 22, 2009 | Leave a comment

Winter Wheat Leads to Barn by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

One of my favorite times of the year in the Palouse is early spring. As the winter wheat starts to show through the dark, rich earth we know the winter is behind us. This transition usually takes place during March and early April. The bright vibrant colors for which this region is known are not present yet.

I think it can be a great time to photograph some of the barns and homesteads. Even though the abundant crops are not seen there are patterns in the plowed fields of earth and tracks in the stubble that are left over from the previous year’s harvest. The skies are usually clear and because of the moisture in the fields there is very little dust to mute the colors of the sky.

The photograph at the top of the page pictures a barn surrounded by winter wheat in morning light. The image that appears below shows an evening glow on the winter wheat. Once again the Palouse has beauty and much to offer at almost any time of the year.

Evening Light in Early Spring by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights REserved

Leave a comment

Posted in Palouse Landscapes

Tagged agriculture, barn, farming, landscape, Palouse, wheat, winter wheat

Tag Archives: agriculture

Grain Elevators in the Palouse

Dust as a Creative Element in Your Images

Make your Images into Products

Choose your Combine by Color

Protecting Your Gear in Dusty Conditions

Lentil Harvest in the Palouse

Use lines and patterns to move through an image

Preparation is a key to a successful image

Beauty and Change in the Palouse

Transition between Seasons Provides Interest

Search It!

Recent Entries

Links