Tag Archives: 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

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.


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Sweet Light Sells

Posted on June 11, 2009 | 3 comments

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

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

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

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.

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Old Barns are Disappearing

Posted on June 10, 2009 | 2 comments

Clouds behind Red Barn by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

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

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

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.

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Cycling in the Palouse

Posted on June 3, 2009 | Leave a comment
Cycling through the Hills by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

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

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.

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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

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

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.

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Screen to Print Match

Posted on May 26, 2009 | 1 comment

Moon above Wheat Field by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

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.

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Edge Sharpening in Aperture

Posted on May 24, 2009 | 2 comments

California Quail on Post by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

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.

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Transition between Seasons Provides Interest

Posted on May 22, 2009 | Leave a comment

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

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

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

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Palouse Falls State Park for a Day Trip

Posted on May 19, 2009 | 2 comments

Palouse Falls 1 by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Palouse Falls 1 by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

If you are visiting in the Palouse region for a few days, a side trip to Palouse Falls State Park is a must. It is located about two hours from Pullman, Washington. It is best to shoot the falls at mid-day and through the afternoon. This is convenient in that you can shoot sunrise at a favorite location around Colfax in the morning and then head to the falls.

Palouse Falls plunges about 200 feet into a deep pool surrounded by rock. The whole area is actually a deep canyon and thus the necessity of shooting mid -day so the falls and canyon will be lighted as the sun is overhead. This is one of the more difficult falls to shoot and get a good image because the light is tricky and can be very harsh. In addition early in the season the water in the falls looks brown like chocolate milk from the dirt that is being released in the river upstream. Later in the season when the water is clear the falls diminishes in its volume. When the light is right you can see a rainbow in the mist. I have found the best time to photograph is late May and June.

Palouse Falls with Rainbow by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Palouse Falls with Rainbow by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

There is also some wildlife in the area that includes marmots, deer and several species of birds. In addition images of the actual canyon itself are interesting and there are several trails in the area for hiking.

I would suggest eating before you go and bring plenty of water because there is very little in the way of civilization in this area. Hopefully, you will take the time for the trip as it can offer a very rewarding photographic experience.


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Tips for Aperture Users

Posted on May 16, 2009 | Leave a comment

Morning Light at the Barn by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

Morning Light at the Barn by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I use Aperture in my workflow to manage my images. In a recent article by Scott Bourne three useful tips are given that I use on a regular basis as I work with images. Take a look at Photofocus and add some valuable tools to you workflow in Aperture.

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