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

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

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

Mule Deer Stare-down - Copyright Gary Hamburgh 2009 - All Rights Reserved
Posted in Wildlife in the Palouse
Tagged animal, mammal, mule deer, Palouse, photography

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
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
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.
Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice
Tagged cliffs, Dry Falls Overlook, evening light, full moon, landscape, moon, Palouse, photography, sunset

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
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.
Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice
Tagged agriculture, farming, harvester, landscape, Palouse, photography, tractor, wheat, wheat field

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.
Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice
Tagged landscape, Palouse, photography, Steptoe Butte

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
Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice
Tagged agriculture, artifact, combine, farming, harvest, harvester, landscape, Palouse, photography, tractor, wheat, wheat field

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.
Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice
Tagged agriculture, combine, dust, farming, harvest, harvester, John Deere, landscape, Palouse, photography, sunset, tractor, wheat

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.
Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice
Tagged agriculture, combine, farming, harvest, harvester, John Deere, landscape, Palouse, photography, tractor, wheat, wheat field

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.
Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice
Tagged agriculture, clouds, combine, farming, harvest, harvester, John Deere, landscape, Palouse, photography, Steptoe Butte, tractor, wheat, wheat field

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.
Posted in Palouse Landscapes, Photography Advice
Tagged agriculture, combine, farming, harvest, John Deere, landscape, Palouse, photography, tractor, wheat, wheat field