Landscape, Nature And Travel Photography

In 2010 I had a great time behind the camera and I was fortunate to have been present for some amazing moments including the  birth of my son (the ultimate experience).  While I’ve ranked my best photos in years past (best photos of 2009, best photos of 2008 and best photos of 2007) this year I’m finding it impossible to do. In fact by doing so I may just end up in the dog house as you’ll soon discover. So in no particular order here are my 10 favorite photos taken in 2010. Enjoy!

Untitled Color Study
Just a photo that resonates with me and my exploration of light and color. This is part of a larger collection of work that I’ll be releasing so stay tuned to see more. Taken at sunset not far from my home.

Untitled Color Study

Foggy Forest
Since moving to San Francisco I’ve embraced the days the fog rolls in while most curse it. I really enjoy seeing how the fog adds atmosphere to a scene whether I’m photographing it or just walking through. Of all things San Francisco, strangely, the fog is what I enjoy most.

Foggy Forest

Golden Gate Bridge Sunrise
The morning I took this photo I drove over 70 miles to catch a unique view of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise. Thinking my morning was a bust after being fogged in I returned home to find this view waiting for me. Why did this photo make the top 10 of the year? It’s a rare and nearly impossible view of the south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge enveloped by fog. I say “nearly impossible” not because the bridge was 4 miles away, but because San Francisco is normally under fog when the bridge appears like this.

Golden Gate Bridge Sunrise

Taken with a Canon 1Ds Mark III and Canon 800mm f/5.6

Ion Banner Wipeout at the 2010 Mavericks Surf Contest
As you’d imagine witnessing the huge waves of Mavericks is quite a rush, but nothing compares to what the surfers actually experience.  I’m not sure people realize exactly how athletic these guys are. Most just think of them as crazy, but they’re incredibly fit. Anyhow photographing this event was an incredible experience made easy with a Canon 7D. Having photographed this event in years past with my Canon 1D Mark II I decided to try out the latest and greatest. No complaints.

Ion Banner Wipeout at the 2010 Mavericks Surf Contest

Zen – White Sands National Monument
Exploring the pristine beauty of the dunes with in White Sands National Monument was one of the best experiences of the year. New Mexico has some of the most impressive light in the lower 48 and the white sand mirrors that light in amazing ways. Amazing things happen in White Sands. I look forward to returning again in 2011 (join me on my  White Sands by Moonlight photo tour).

Zen - White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Taken with a Canon 1Ds Mark III and Canon 24mm tilt-shift lens

Untitled Color Study
Just a photo that resonates with me and my exploration of light and color. This is part of a larger collection of work that I’ll be releasing so stay tuned to see more. Taken on a trip down the California coast near Santa Barbara.

Untitled Color Study

New Addition to the Family

Being there for the delivery of my son is by far the most amazing experience of my life. Portrait photography has quickly become a regular activity. For the first 6 weeks I made constant use of a Canon 85mm f/1.2 and it paid off with photos like this.

New Addition to the Family

Serenity – White Sands National Monument
I can’t say enough about White Sands National Monument. Standing atop a 60 foot dune and witnessing this scene took my breath away. The dunes are so complex in shape and the randomness at which the light falls across them makes finding exceptional compositions a real challenge. No location challenges my eye like White Sands and I can never get enough of it.

Serenity - White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Taken with a Canon 1Ds Mark III and Canon 70-200mm USM IS f/2.8

Lunar Layers
This was a photo that almost never happened. Unpredictably clouds moved in the weekend I was reviewing a Canon 800mm f/5.6 lens, but Mother Nature gave me a 45 second reprieve on this particular evening to compose 3 images of a full moon veiled behind clouds kissed with sunset light. It pays to be patient and prepared. As to what attracted me to this image in my year end review of work… its the abstract nature of it. Even still I see an eye in the sky when I view this photo.

Lunar Layers

Dusk at White Sands National Monument

Some things just have to be experienced and this was one of those moments. No focal length lens or camera sensor could do this scene  justice.

Dusk at White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Taken with a Canon 1Ds Mark III and Canon 70-200mm USM IS f/2.8

Technorati Tags: best photos, best of 2010, photography, pictures, fine art, stock photo, white sands national monument, Mavericks, landscape, nature

It’s not often I’ve watched snowfall and by that I mean “watch” snow fall. As a child I’ve waited for snowfall to end in order to be let out to play and as an adult I’ve darted from point A to B in a car while it has started to snow, but in both of these instances my mind was elsewhere preoccupied on other goals and activities. To simply watch snow fall is amazing, and to rediscover it behind a camera is an experience everyone should enjoy.

Yosemite Valley Chapel in Snow Storm

Last year I was very fortunate to time a visit to Yosemite valley to witness the first snowfall of the year. Much to my surprise it was also the storm of the season dropping 11 inches of snow and transforming a golden brown valley into a white winter wonderland overnight. It also made for a very interesting time in a small tent, but that is another story.

While photography is all about light, it is as much about how you see the world. To that end you have to be in the right mindset and position to observe the world before you. My time in Yosemite on this trip was first and foremost to experience nature at its best, second to hone my skills to see it and third to photograph it. To each of these ends here are 3 tips that helped me get the photo featured here today.

1. To experience nature at its best monitor the weather and be there when its most dramatic.
2. To hone ones observational skills look at the world as a child might, where every experience is new and a source of curiosity & exploration.
3. To photograph a snow scene such as this over expose the image 1 to 1 1/2 stops via exposure compensation on your SLR otherwise your camera will meter the snow as 18% gray.

Also featured on PhotoAdvent.org

Technorati Tags: Yosemite, Yosemite Valley Chapel, snow, pictures, photography, stock photo, nature

Yes its come to this… a top 10 list of “top photo lists”. If you’re still following along I highly recommend checking out these amazing links to see the best of the best photography this year! I can’t pick a favorite so you’ll have to share your favorite in the comments or even add another link you think I missed that should have been included. Enjoy and Happy Holidays.

1. Top 10 Best Vimeo Videos of 2010 – Momentum Blog
2. Pictures of the Year 2010: Spectacular Crashes and Daring Stunts – The Telegraph
3. Top 10 14 Astronomy PIctures of 2010 – Discover
4. Best News Pictures of 2010: Your Picks From National Geographic News – National Geographic
5. 2010 In Photos Part I, Part II, Part III – The Big Picture
6. 2010 Hubble Space Telescope Advent Calendar – The Big Picture
7. 2010: The Year In Pictures – New York Times
8. Best Environmental Photos of 2010 Named – National Geographic
9. 2010 Photos of the Year – Wall Street Journal
10. Top 100 Sports Pictures of 2010 – TotallyCoolPix.com

Bonus:
Best of 2010 – Our Favorite Photo Blog Posts of the Year – Photoshelter Blog

This year has been full of highs and lows, but amidst it all we’ve found each other here. For that I thank you for joining me on my blog. Here’s to many more days of  sharing an amazing art… photography.

Happy Holidays from my family to yours!

Challenges of Youth - Yosemite National Park

I’m happy to announce the following Photo Tour schedule for 2011 and invite you to join me in photographing these inspiring & amazing locations. (see below)
For full details be sure to visit the JMG-Galleries Photo Tour page.

Yosemite Winter Photography
March 11-13, 2011 – Max. 4 people
Join me in photographing one of the worlds most majestic and iconic landscapes in North America. Stellar views and a vast number of intimate nature subjects will allow all in attendance to witness nature at its best. Whether you’re looking to expand your portfolio or hone your photographic skills this photo tour is one you’ll not want to miss.

Yosemite Moonbow
May 17-19, 2011 – Max. 4 people
(actual full moon is on May 17)
Moonbow – A Rainbow by moonlight? Just when you thought Yosemite’s amazing landscape couldn’t get any more amazing, it takes on a new level of drama under a full moon. Nearly impossible to see with the naked eye the Moonbow phenomenon is revealed through the lens of your camera while photographing Yosemite’s iconic falls. Conditions to witness and photograph a Yosemite Moonbow are ideal only a few times a year and in May weather permitting we should be treated to an amazing light show. In between evening photo sessions by day we’ll conduct photo reviews and explore Yosemite’s iconic landscape.

White Sands by Moonlight
October 14-16, 2011 – Max. 4 people
White Sands National Monument is a feast for the creative eye and an incredible location to explore. The ever-changing dunes are a source of endless wonder and inspiration. This trip is timed to take advantage of the October Full Moon.

Note: This photo tour will involve desert camping assuming campgrounds are available and weather conditions permit. Also participants should be able and prepared to hike 2-4 miles into the dunes.

In addition if there is interest I will be accepting a sign-up for attendees who would like to extend their trip through the 18th to photograph the Egg Factory in the Bisti Badlands.

Death Valley Racetrack
October 27-30, 2011  - Max. 4 people
Rich in dramatic geological formations, amazing Southwest light and a fascinating history, Death Valley never ceases to amaze. This extreme environment provides numerous photographic opportunities for those with a passion for desert landscapes. Unique to this trip will be our effort to take full advantage of the October New Moon allowing us to enjoy star filled skies in an area that is one of the few remaining in California with little to no light pollution.

As always consider Reserving a Private Tour & Workshop

Pending Tours

• Glacier National Park – TBD
• The Wave – TBD

Technorati Tags: photography, photo tour, workshop, Death Valley, Yosemite, White Sands National Monument, Bisti Badlands

Recent snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains has me thinking about Yosemite and a much needed return to the splendor of winter there. I know I’m not the only one that feels this way and historically speaking there is one person who certainly knew the feeling…

“I must return to the mountains—to Yosemite. I am told that the winter storms there will not be easily borne, but I am bewitched, enchanted, and tomorrow I must start for the great temple to listen to the winter songs and sermons preached and sung only there.” - John Muir

Click to Enlarge

Winter's Bones II - Yosemite National Park, California

Technorati Tags: photography, picture, fine art, Yosemite, winter, nature, photo

Collagewall is an all-in-one printing service that allows you to easily configure and order photo collage prints to hang on your wall. A friend, Josh Norem, tipped me off to the existence of Collagewall.com not that long ago and I was instantly intrigued by the possibilities. After a quick review of the site and their demo videos I knew I had to try it.

First and foremost I have to say Collagewall is the best print service and product I’ve used all year. The online configuration and ordering system is amazingly simple and the unique peg and paper socket mounting system makes installation simple.

How Does It Work?
After creating an account on Collagewall.com and logging in you can create photo collage project from nearly 200 layout templates or create your own. Next you upload your photos and assign them to an image location in the template. The online system allows you to zoom in/out  of and pan with in your photos. Once your design template is populated with images you finalize your order and with in days your images and an installation kit arrives at your door.

Installation
Collagewall utilizes a foolproof means of installation. A paper template is provided that assists you in placing each mounting peg in exact location for a symmetrical and evenly spread display of your photos. The back of each photo then has a grid of paper sockets that attaches to each peg. There really isn’t a way you can mess up an installation and it removes any need to measure or calculate placement of your images. In my case I have plaster walls so I had to utilize a drill bit (that was provided) to prime the wall before I hammered in my pegs. I was warned about this during the configuration process online, but in my infinite wisdom ignored that warning when I tried my first install. I quickly found out that the pegs bend when hammered into an unprimed plaster wall. Lesson learned heed the warnings provided.

Ultimately the installation of my photo collage took 20 minutes. I was originally going to surprise my wife with a canvas wrap triptych of our son’s baby photos, but ditched the idea when I found out about Collagewall. While she was out on an errand I quickly installed the photos and had time to spare while I awaited her return.

Print Quality
As easy as the configuration and installation was the bottom line as to whether I would ever use Collagewall again depended on the print quality. Having looked at ink jet prints until I’m blue in the face I was extremely pleased with the silver-halide prints that were part of the delivered package. Each photo is printed at a high-resolution of 320 dpi on Fuji Archival Paper and they look incredibly sharp. I expected the photos from my Canon 1Ds Mark III to look great, but I was blown away that even my iPhone 4 photos came out looking incredible. In the end print quality exceeded expectation.

Final Thoughts
As you’d imagine I am really happy with my Collagewall experience and I would certainly recommend using the service. Unfortunately its available only to those in the United States at the moment.  My experience wasn’t perfect as the drill bits provided did not hold up well and broke easily. All-in-all that hardly impacted my experience negatively and I later learned that additional drill bits can be requested for free. Price seemed a little high when I placed my order, but after seeing the quality of the material and prints I think you get what you pay for. That being said I do hope the pricing comes down as I’d still like to get more bang for my buck. Ultimately I’d love to be able to present large prints in this fashion and not just be confined to photo collages.

In the even you missed my earlier giveaway of a $200 gift certificate to Collagewall be sure to take advantage of the 15% discount that is good for my blog readers through January 15th.

After the jump you can see the photos of the installation… Read more…

With the holidays around the corner I thought I would remind readers of my blog that there is no time like the present to purchase a photo or photography eBook as a gift for others or even yourself. For those who might be interested in prints of my photographs I welcome you to email me directly with your order and I’ll take 25% off the total. Note: Include in your message the print size, image name/url and your contact information.

If you’re looking for something in a digital format I wanted to point you to eBooks that I and my peers have currently made available.

iPad eBooks and ePhotobooks

Jim M. Goldstein Photography
White Sands Fine Art ePhotobook (iTunes)

Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams – Collection (iTunes)

eBooks (PDF)

DIYPhotography.net
Home Studio Photography eBook

Craft & Vision
Craft And Vision
A growing library including a great release by photographer Michael Fry “Light and Land”

William Neill Photography
William Neill eBook collection – A growing and impressive library of fine art and landscape photography

Guy Tal Photography
Creative Landscape Photography (see my review)

Digital Photography School
Photo Nuts & Bolts: Know Your Camera and Take Better Photos eBook
Essential Guide to Portrait Photography eBook
Advice from the likes of David Duchemin, Jack Hollingsworth, Chase Jarvis, Bert Stephani, Neil Creek and Kris Krug
Transcending Travel eBook

Dan Bailey Photography
How to Become a Pro Photographer eBook

Technorati Tags: photography, ebook, ipad, ephotobook, pdf, photo, picture, book, gift