Tag Archives: landscape

How to Grow your Photography Business

Posted on October 31, 2009 | Leave a comment
GHamburgh_MG_6801-Morning-Tug-at-Central-Ferry-2009-10-27

Morning Tug at Central Ferry - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

I was definitely impressed with an article published by my mentor Scott Bourne on his Photofocus website. It deals with how to grow your photo business. As I have been expanding my name and face in the Palouse over the last year, these points really hit home.

Take the time to read the article and inject these ideas into your current business plan. I believe you will realize added success by following his advice.

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A Day Trip to Whitman Mission

Posted on October 28, 2009 | 3 comments

 

 

GHamburgh_MG_6760-Evening-at-Whitman-Mission

Evening at Whitman Mission - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

When visiting the Palouse region of eastern Washington, a day trip to Whitman Mission National Park near Walla Walla is a great way to experience some of the important history and beauty in this area. It is about a 2 hour drive from Colfax and provides you with great views of the Palouse all the way to Walla Walla.

Interest and beauty abound at Whitman Mission as well. The picture at the top of this post was taken on an actual part of the Oregon Trail. Many species of birds and mammals can be found  at Whitman Mission. Go to the website and see exactly what can be found on a visit to this national park.

I enjoy going to Whitman Mission in the early morning or late evening. There is such a solitude  and beauty in this place. Below are a couple of images that were taken in the early morning at the Mill Pond in the park.

 

GHamburghDaybreak-at-the-Mill-Pond

Daybreak at the Mill Pond - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

GHamburghDSC_2256-Reflection-at-Dawn

Reflection at Dawn - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Take the time to visit the beautiful area and you will be rewarded with a look at the history and beauty in eastern Washington.

 

 

 

 

 

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Use a Polarizer to Add “Pop” to Your Fall Colors

Posted on October 20, 2009 | 3 comments
Bennington Lake Reflection - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Bennington Lake Reflection - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

At this time of year the fall colors are really starting to pop in the Palouse. The image at the top of this page was taken last week with a polarizer as I visited Bennington Lake near Walla Walla, WA.

An article by Kevin McNeal was published in the latest online edition of Outdoor Photographer and he talks about the use of filters to enhance your images of fall colors. I especially liked the discussion about the use of a polarizer.

Hopefully this article will encourage you to use filters to give your fall images that extra “pop”.

The most important filter for fall is the polarizer. Useable in all facets of nature photography, this filter can make a significant improvement to your images. The polarizer deepens the color of blue skies, provides more saturated colors, and reduces glare and reflections in bright or sunny conditions. Concerning fall foliage, the polarizer eliminates glare on leaves and flowers. It intensifies and saturates color in wet foliage and adds color density to blue or hazy skies. One additional benefit of using a polarizer is that it cuts through the haze in the atmosphere. This added clarity allows subjects to stand out more against the deeper tones of the sky so that fall foliage looks even more pronounced.
When light hits a nonmetallic surface, it’s reflected and polarized—the wavelengths are aligned—and when we see this reflection from the surface of water, for example, we call it glare. The polarizer blocks the wavelengths perpendicular to its axis. This is achieved by using a specialized foil positioned between two sheets of glass. The front part of this polarizer then can be rotated, altering the amount of polarized light that can be blocked out by the filter. A simple rotation of the front glass allows the photographer to dial in the amount of effect desired in the image.
To do this properly, position the polarizer on the lens and rotate slowly while looking through the camera’s viewfinder. Choosing where to stop the rotation is a personal choice, but you want to maximize the effect up to the point where it begins to look unrealistic. For example, when the scene includes blue skies, rotate the polarizer only until you get deep, rich blues. If overrotated, the blues can turn into an unrealistic darker tone, especially in higher elevations. To maximize the potential of a polarizer, keep the sun at a right angle to the camera by holding your hands out to the side while facing the sun. Where your arms point is where the polarizer works best. A 90-degree angle to the sun is optimal because this is the location of the most polarized light in the sky.
One challenge many photographers have is determining the best time to use a polarizer. It’s effective in many situations, but if you’re unsure when to use a polarizer, hold it up and look through it with your eye instead of screwing it onto the lens. This is a quick way to see if the polarizer is having any effect. In the fall, the polarizer is best utilized just before midday when conditions are brighter. The increased brightness adds extra contrast to the scene and cuts through the haze, especially when shooting through a telephoto lens. Photographing fall color on sunny days can add additional depth in the image when including the sky in your compositions, especially when contrasted against the vibrant colors of fall.
In addition to deepening blue skies, the most understated reason for using the polarizer is to reduce glare and reflections. This is important because once glare is present in an image, no amount of postprocessing can undo the damage. That glare reduces the color saturation in images, giving them a flat, washed-out appearance. The polarizer alters this by blocking out the polarized light, enhancing color saturation.
Reflections can be an issue without a polarizer, as well. This is evident in subjects that contain water. Nature photography in fall often includes elements such as creeks and lakes, which cause unwanted surface reflections. I like to take images of colorful foliage against the backdrop of the darker water. This would be impossible without a polarizer. It also reduces the glare off darker rocks, which allows the color of the foliage to stand out even more. Having the ability to dial in a certain amount of polarized light allows each photographer to create a sense of style that’s uniquely his or her ownThe Polarizer
The most important filter for fall is the polarizer. Useable in all facets of nature photography, this filter can make a significant improvement to your images. The polarizer deepens the color of blue skies, provides more saturated colors, and reduces glare and reflections in bright or sunny conditions. Concerning fall foliage, the polarizer eliminates glare on leaves and flowers. It intensifies and saturates color in wet foliage and adds color density to blue or hazy skies. One additional benefit of using a polarizer is that it cuts through the haze in the atmosphere. This added clarity allows subjects to stand out more against the deeper tones of the sky so that fall foliage looks even more pronounced.
When light hits a nonmetallic surface, it’s reflected and polarized—the wavelengths are aligned—and when we see this reflection from the surface of water, for example, we call it glare. The polarizer blocks the wavelengths perpendicular to its axis. This is achieved by using a specialized foil positioned between two sheets of glass. The front part of this polarizer then can be rotated, altering the amount of polarized light that can be blocked out by the filter. A simple rotation of the front glass allows the photographer to dial in the amount of effect desired in the image.
To do this properly, position the polarizer on the lens and rotate slowly while looking through the camera’s viewfinder. Choosing where to stop the rotation is a personal choice, but you want to maximize the effect up to the point where it begins to look unrealistic. For example, when the scene includes blue skies, rotate the polarizer only until you get deep, rich blues. If overrotated, the blues can turn into an unrealistic darker tone, especially in higher elevations. To maximize the potential of a polarizer, keep the sun at a right angle to the camera by holding your hands out to the side while facing the sun. Where your arms point is where the polarizer works best. A 90-degree angle to the sun is optimal because this is the location of the most polarized light in the sky.
One challenge many photographers have is determining the best time to use a polarizer. It’s effective in many situations, but if you’re unsure when to use a polarizer, hold it up and look through it with your eye instead of screwing it onto the lens. This is a quick way to see if the polarizer is having any effect. In the fall, the polarizer is best utilized just before midday when conditions are brighter. The increased brightness adds extra contrast to the scene and cuts through the haze, especially when shooting through a telephoto lens. Photographing fall color on sunny days can add additional depth in the image when including the sky in your compositions, especially when contrasted against the vibrant colors of fall.
In addition to deepening blue skies, the most understated reason for using the polarizer is to reduce glare and reflections. This is important because once glare is present in an image, no amount of postprocessing can undo the damage. That glare reduces the color saturation in images, giving them a flat, washed-out appearance. The polarizer alters this by blocking out the polarized light, enhancing color saturation.
Reflections can be an issue without a polarizer, as well. This is evident in subjects that contain water. Nature photography in fall often includes elements such as creeks and lakes, which cause unwanted surface reflections. I like to take images of colorful foliage against the backdrop of the darker water. This would be impossible without a polarizer. It also reduces the glare off darker rocks, which allows the color of the foliage to stand out even more. Having the ability to dial in a certain amount of polarized light allows each photographer to create a sense of style that’s uniquely his or her own.

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Ideas for Improving Your Photography

Posted on October 13, 2009 | Leave a comment

 

Barn Lit by Morning Light - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

Barn Lit by Morning Light - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved

I would like to share with you an article “10 Ways to Improve Your Photography without Buying Gear” that was published by my mentor Scott Bourne on Photo Focus. It has some outstanding principles to help you improve your photography. Over the years that I have worked with Scott he has shared these ideas with me in various ways. 

That is one reason I created this blog and am emphasizing the Palouse. It is a beautiful area that is dear to my heart and it is easy for me to get passionate about the people and the images that are available there. Enjoy the reading and taking these ideas to heart will greatly enhance your images.

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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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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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