Landscape, Nature And Travel Photography

With so much attention paid to exotic landscape locations and civilization free scenes its easy to forget that we all have something special in our own backyard. Sometimes it takes a special moment to see it, but there is always something amazing in our backyard. This thought isn’t too different than one I expressed sometime ago after I took Morning Sunlight & Fog – Between You, Me and the Trees and ran the In Your Own Backyard blog photo project.

Foggy Urban Landscape - San Francisco, California

Here in San Francisco a little fog, sunset light and being in the right place at the right time can yield some great views. I am guilty of enjoying the view of fog rolling into San Francisco far too much. My wife is constantly making fun of me when we walk in our local park as I constantly say, “I love it when the fog rolls through the trees.” It’s the simple beauty of such weather phenomenon that capture my imagination. Whether such phenomenon occur in an isolated location or in my own backyard I’m still equally fascinated by it visually, scientifically, and even metaphysically. As a photographer it is that deep rooted fascination that fuels my desire to not just capture what I see, but share it in a unique perspective reflective of my personal vision & style.

As it relates to the “Foggy Urban Landscape” photo above I couldn’t help but think as I saw this how in the midst of one of the most densely populated areas on the west coast the landscape below me still had a barren loneliness to it. Really the only sign of life were the household lights, but other than that the stillness of the city seemed to be helpless as the fog began to consume it. This moment of transition seemed to be Mother Natures way of putting the city to sleep… tucking it in for the night. Still peacefulness above forcing itself on a previously bustling environment below. Now that I think about it this might have been better titled “Goodnight San Francisco”.

Technorati Tags: San Francisco, photography, photo, stock photo, cityscape, fog, urban landscape

If you got up extra early this Monday morning I bet you someone else got up earlier. This photo is dedicated to everyone waking up before dawn to make everyone’s “normal” morning possible. When I took this photo of early morning commuters boarding a very iconic San Francisco cable car at sunrise, I started to think about how early the cable car operator must have woke up to make these folks commute possible. What ever time it was by most standards it was way too early. To all the coffee baristas, public transport folks, morning reporters and anyone else whose job is otherwise invisible making the average morning… well normal… this ones for you.

Early Morning Cable Car Passengers - San Francisco, California

Technorati Tags: travel, photography, stock photo, San Francisco, cable car, California, sunrise

This photo could sum up the past couple of weeks nicely. Life has been coming at me fast and furious as of late. Taxes, a variety of projects and recently my dog Moe (dressed as Batdog) having some unexplained seizures. All is well with Moe fortunately, but I’m keeping an eye on him. Other than being severely sleep deprived staying up with him late at night… we’re both faring well. The same could be said of my wife and I regarding our tax prep The joy of tax season. The upside to all this mayhem is that I have been eeking out some progress to some photo projects. Now that the recent ’storm’ of events is passing I can resume getting out some over due reviews and articles on the blog.

Re-emerging From The Storm - Bay Bridge and Downtown San Francisco at Night

The above photo is a digital panoramic composed of 6 photos. This was taken last night as a rainstorm was moving east over downtown San Francisco. Photo details are as follows: Canon 1Ds Mark III, 70mm, f/13, 2 sec., ISO 1600

Technorati Tags: photography, panoramic, stock photo, fine art, bay bridge, san francisco, skyline, travel

Easily one of the three most recognizable landmarks in San Francisco, Coit Tower is often lit beautifully by artificial and natural lighting. At the right time of day you can use both of these lighting types to capture dramatic photographs of this commonly photographed subject.

One thing I’m quite embarrassed about is the fact that I’ve yet to visit Coit Tower and enjoy the view from the top of the tower. After living in San Francisco for nearly 10 years you’d think I’d have visited all the classic locations. One of these days I’ll make it to Coit Tower and to Alcatraz too.

View more photos of Coit Tower

Technorati Tags: San Francisco, California, Coit Tower, photo, photography, stock photo

One of the most amazing things about nature is how it so easily dwarfs even the largest man made structures. I’ve taken my fair share of Golden Gate Bridge photos over the past 10 years, but my favorites are those that put this impressive structure in context to the natural world. A recent favorite is the following “San Francisco Starry Night”. Conditions were optimal on this evening to photograph fog rolling over the bridge. The warm air above the fog layer kept the skies super clear and enabled me to capture the stars over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco Starry Night

More Golden Gate Bridge photos…

Technorati Tags: San Francisco, California, Golden Gate Bridge, photo, photography, stock photo, fog, night

The 15th episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released.

In this episode “Mastering Digital Panoramic Photography” is discussed. Topics covered include an introduction to the technique, best practices, pitfalls, alternative methods, computer & software tips, and creative vision. This information packed episode will put you on track to master this challenging photographic technique in roughly (30) thirty minutes.

Referenced Articles and Resources:
Mastering Digital Panoramic Photography by Jim M. Goldstein via JMG-Galleries

Breaking the Gigapixel Barrier – Max Lyons

Recommended Panoramic Photography Resources

Download the latest episodes:
EXIF and Beyond: Mastering Digital Panoramic Photography

For the non-iTune listeners a streaming version of this podcast can be accessed here.

Featured Panoramic Photos in this Episode of EXIF and Beyond:

click to enlarge
“4 Corners – Welcome to Colorado”
made From (16) Sixteen Vertical Images (1×16)

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“Last Light On Delicate Arch, Arches National Park”
Made From (6) Six Vertical Images

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“The Beauty of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge”
Made From (10) Ten Vertical Images

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“Bryce Canyon Sunset, Bryce Canyon National Park”
Made from (5) Five Vertical Images

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“100 Caribou”
Made from (21) Twenty One Vertical Images

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“Caribou Pass View To The South Panoramic ” – Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Made From (35) Thirty Five Vertical Images

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“Caribou Pass and Kongakut River Panoramic” – Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Made From (50) Fifty Vertical Images

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“Cable View Panoramic, Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco”
Made From (3) Three Horizontal Images via Tilt Shift Lens
Between the cables is Alcatraz and in the distance is San Francisco more…

“Golden Gate Bridge Panoramic Sunset”
Made From (3) Three Vertical Images via Tilt Shift Lens more…

click to enlarge
“Yosemite Trees”
made From (11) Eleven Vertical Images (1×11)

Technorati Tags: EXIF and Beyond, podcast, digital, panoramic, photography, technique, tutorial, how to, dSLR, Four Corners, Golden Gate Bridge, Bryce Canyon, San Francisco, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Arctic Refuge, National Park, Caribou, Arches, Delicate Arch,

One of Los Angeles’ most recognizeable landmarks is the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park. A recent remodel has restored the observatory to show off its art deco features and enhance its public exhibits. The observatory, on a clear day, is the place to be to take in a view of the downtown Los Angeles skyline. Unfortunately this weekend while in Los Angeles the views will most certainly be obstructed due to the powerful storms rolling through.

Technorati Tags: Los Angeles, California, Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park, downtown, skyline, observatory, landmark, art deco, sunset