Landscape, Nature And Travel Photography

Fresh off the heels of my Practical Review of the Canon 17mm TS-E f/4 lens I thought I’d post one of my many favorite photos taken with the lens. The areas surrounding the Golden Gate Bridge forever call me when I’m testing or learning new gear. In particular I love exploring between Baker Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge. It never hurts photographing this area when Mother Nature serves up an amazing sunset made up of great light, clouds and surf.

The photo below was taken after sunset when both the sky and beach turned an amazing purple color. What you see is what I saw… no filters were used on the lens (if you read the review you’ll understand why). I suppose the draw to ideal, yet rare, conditions like this are what keep me coming back to this area over and over again.

Golden Gate Bridge Sunset & Surf

Photo Info: Canon 1Ds Mark III, 17mm TS-E, f/18 at 1.6 sec.

Technorati Tags: San Francisco, California, photography, photo, stock photo, landscape, surf, beach

Two quick updates to report I’ve added a new dimension to the JMG-Galleries experience by creating the  JMG-Galleries Community Photos group on Flickr and the JMG-Galleries Fan Page on Facebook.

On Flickr I’ve created a discussion for you to submit your best photo in relation to the theme “Rain, Mist or Fog”. Check out what your peers are photographing and let the fun begin. With a little luck not only will  you be able to see some great work, but you’ll have the opportunity to learn from the great community behind my blog.

On the JMG-Galleries Fan Page I’m adding additional content you might find of interest and some additional conversations are starting to sprout up. Check in and join the conversation.

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I’ve been itching to test out the Canon 17mm f/4 tilt-shift lens for a long time and thanks to BorrowLenses as a courtesy this lens was made available to me for testing. I am far from being a camera gear tech-head, so if you want to get MTF chart info and other technical minutia I have provided links below to other reviews of this lens that I think are great & include greater tech info. The purpose of my time with this lens was to write up a practical review… in other words share with you how this lens held up in real-world conditions. Read more…

Glacier National Park in Montana is a location I’ve always been able to travel to with a virtual guarantee of finding a quiet place to soak in Mother Nature’s very best. The incredible snow covered peaks and cliff walls of Glacier National Park are incredibly beautiful and awe inspiring. The light and wind constantly transform the view minute by minute. If you’re lucky, as I was on the morning I took this photograph, with a little patience you’ll also see the moon dance across the mountaintops teasing you with its presence.

Glacier Moonset - Glacier National Park, Montana

Photo Info: Canon 1Ds Mark III, 420mm (300mm f/2.8 + 1.4x), f/18 at 1/160 sec

If taking in the view of the mountains makes you feel closer to the top of the world, the moon has a way of reminding us all how inseparable we are from Earth… our oasis in space.

Technorati Tags: Landscape, Photography, Montana, Glacier National Park, Stock Photo

Last week wasn’t the greatest week by any stretch. In anticipation of “Baby G’s” arrival we’ve undertaken a bit of remodeling. Much to my surprise I developed back spasms as a result of moving items from one room to another. With a little extra time to sit still I took it upon myself to setup a Facebook fan page while resting. If you’re on Facebook become a fan and check in often. I’m looking to put up some exclusive content on the fan page and welcome your participation.

Become a JMG-Galleries Fan on Facebook

See you there!

Both mentally and photographically the most enlightening times I find are in moments of transition. It’s at these moments that my creativity and my admiration of my subject peaks. As it relates to landscape photography “transition” is likely to be  interpreted as the transition between light and dark. This is certainly an accurate interpretation, but it is also true of any subject I photograph or genre of photography I pursue. Photography captures but a split second of the world around us, but still photographs that resonate most are those that capture a moment fleeting and/or seldom unseen. Transition between order/chaos, emotions, light/dark, etc. are those that so clearly stick in our mind. So many of us take these moments for granted, yet they’re so rarely seen.

Dawn at the Racetrack - Death Valley National Park, California

Technorati Tags: photography, Death Valley, National Park, Racetrack, landscape, nature, stock photo, fine art

I’ve been tinkering with this idea for a while and there’s no time like the present to see if my idea has legs.  I’d like to pursue taking the JMG-Galleries blog to the next level by including the writing of other great photographers. I’m on the fence as to whether participation of those that are interested should be of the order of “guest post” or “regular contributor”. I suppose this determination will depend on the level of interest I receive and qualifications of those who contact me.

If you’re interested in contributing articles here submit your qualifications/resume and/or article ideas through my contact form. Be sure that you title any submissions “Call for Contributors”.

I look forward to your ideas and submissions. Have a great weekend!

Friend and photographer Lane Hartwell has done an amazing job of putting together in an extremely short time a great collection of photography highlighting the culture and beauty of the Haitian people prior to Tuesdays devestating 7.0 earthquake. This collection of photography titled  “Onè Respe” has been compiled in a magazine format produced by MagCloud where all proceeds are being donated to the Red Cross.

The magazine features work from preeminent photographers and all proceeds will go directly to the International Red Cross to assist the people of Haiti. The issue is titled Onè Respe, after a traditional Haitian greeting meaning honor and respect.
Mary Ellen Mark, winner of three Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards and acclaimed photographers Peter Pereira, Chet Gordon, Lindsay Stark and Kari Hartmann donated their work for this important project.

More about this project can be found in today’s Onè Respe press release.

Donations/Orders for Onè Respe can be found at MagCloud

In addition to my donation directly to the Red Cross I’ve also placed an order for this great piece of photojournalism. I urge you to do the same.

Additional information can be found in Lane’s most recent blog post Haiti Onè Respe A Photographic Benefit for the Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake – ThePostAndReview.com

Technorati Tags: Onè Respe, Haiti, Earthquake, Red Cross, Donation, Lane Hartwell, Photojournalism