Landscape, Nature And Travel Photography

Last week while in Yosemite I have to admit beyond obsessing on Moonbows I was amazed how high the Merced River water level had risen. I found myself returning to the same spots over and over to see how high the water was going. Almost every trip I make to Yosemite I can’t help but visit Swinging Bridge. Normally the bridge is well above the river and in past summers I’ve rafted under it and even seen some folks jumping from it into the river below on hot days. The day I arrived in Yosemite Valley I was blown away to see the water topping the cement columns that support it and rushing against the steel girders below the walkway (approximately 10.5 feet above flood stage). To my amazement the bridge was still open so I warily ventured out to get some perspective photos.

Note: I didn’t have my levitation boots with me so I had to extend my tripod with my camera on 10 second timer out as far as I could without dropping it into the water inches below.

The next morning the bridge was officially closed. Waterfalls were flowing at peak levels and the river continued to rise. It’s tough to make out at this size, but the water at this point in time was mid way up the steel girders supporting the wood on the walkway of the bridge. Even though there was tons of water at this one spot the flow of the water was smooth so it was easy to get a mirrored reflection. Note to the right is a flooded picnic area. Half the picnic benches were submerged.

I didn’t venture to the far side of the bridge as the entire meadow beyond was under water. Of course submerged meadows also made for surreal photos. More on those later.

Technorati Tags: Yosemite, National Park, California, photography, pictures, stock photo, flood, Merced River, Swinging Bridge, landscape, nature

Glacier Point provides a unique vantage point to peer down 3000 feet to the floor of Yosemite Valley. Views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Vernal/Nevada Falls and several other notable landmarks are easily seen, not to mention the numerous ant sized cars and buildings that are scattered across the valley. One of the most iconic formations at Glacier Point itself is Overhanging Rock.

Overhanging Rock & Yosemite Falls

Whenever I think of  Overhanging Rock I can’t help but think of the iconic photo of two women dancing on it by George Fiske. The photo has impact, but if you’ve ever stood at this lookout and peer down the 3000 feet below it takes on a whole new level of impact. Fascinating to think that a location such as this has been attracting people for so long. It highlights the timeless wonder that Yosemite Valley provides.

Kitty Tatch and Katherine Hazelston, waitresses at Yosemite National Park hotels, dance on Overhanging Rock at Glacier Point in 1900 Photo by George Fiske

View More of My Photos of Yosemite National Park …

Technorati Tags: Photography, Yosemite, National Park, Glacier Point, Overhanging Rock, stock photo, stock picture

Yosemite National Park is a sight to see in the Spring. The scenery is of course stunning with full waterfalls, iconic formations and a good deal of wildlife. It’s been a while since I’ve been to Yosemite in the Spring primarily due to the crowds. I broke my streak of avoiding the valley during peak time and it was amazing even with late rains that bookended my short trip. Its no wonder that the park gets busier and busier. I’m reviewing my photos from this week now, but I thought I’d share a few photos from my iPhone in the meantime. Enjoy!

Oh and if you’d like to see more of my cell phone photography adventures check out my Tumblr site Jim on the Loose!

Half Dome from Cook's Meadow

View before Sunset at Glacier Point, Yosemite

Bear Encounter - Mom with 2 Cubs

Glacier Point Death Wish

Technorati Tags: Photography, Yosemite, National Park, iphone, stock photo, travel

This spring I’ve finally made it around to exploring Alcatraz Island here in San Francisco. Even though my camera and I were pooped on by birds during my visit I’m aiming to go back again in the next couple of weeks… as long as the weather cooperates. Alcatraz is an incredibly fascinating location rich in history and legend and really captured my imagination. While I’ve often photographed Alcatraz from afar, actually being on the island was an even better experience.  As soon as I have my photos finalized I’ll be sure to share them. In the meantime enjoy this aerial view of Alcatraz at sunrise.

Alcatraz Island Sunrise - San Francisco, California

Technorati Tags: California, San Francisco, Alcatraz, travel, photography, stock photo

The Big Sur coast is an amazing site to behold with its turquoise water, monolithic spires of ancient rock eroded by constant pounding of surf. Truly an inspiring place for all, but especially for artists.  Watching sunsets here is akin to witnessing the unveiling of a new masterpiece every day. The more I review my Big Sur photos the more I want to return. As for this photo it was taken after my Primitive Coast III and Big Sur Crashing Surf photos just as the last light of the day illuminated  the coast. That last glimmer of light is always special, but very much so in this location with the vibrant colors in the rocks, water and sky.

Last Light on Big Sur, California

Technorati Tags: photography, Big Sur, California, landscape, seascape, nature, travel, picture

If you’ve seen a Hollywood film these days you’ll know that a truly original film is tough to come by. Remakes, sequels, reboots, TV programs made into movies, etc. are the safe plays for movie studios. The most original and daring films come from artists bootstrapping their films and taking them to independent film circuits. The underlying component to this dynamic is of course risk, who shoulders the risk and what is the cost of failure.

In a similar fashion the more I travel the more I see photographers clustered together aiming their sights on the lower risk shot. The shot that people are already familiar with and/or the shot that likely takes less effort to get.  This of course is a generality, but it reminds me of a quote from John Lubbock:

What we see depends mainly on what we look for.
- John Lubbock

Photographers Yosemite Valley - Yosemite National Park, California

If we’re familiar with the popular work of another artist we’re very likely to be influenced by it and take comfort in it. As a result it takes some additional effort to not fall into reproducing the same photo and finding one’s own perspective. For a select few that can be accomplished with ease and for others it is an elusive task. When you free yourself of the things you know  and venture into the unknown new perspectives arise. Sometimes that requires a long hike out of the way or taking the photos you know before you find the photos you want. Personally I take no shame in photographing familiar compositions.  I do so in knowing that it is the first step of a longer creative process. Photographing the familiar is comforting and inspiring, but once I’ve honored those of influence I move on to explore my surroundings and look for my original photograph.

The photographer with one of the biggest shadows to step out from behind, Ansel Adams, put it well…

Millions of men have lived to fight, build palaces and boundaries, shape destinies and societies; but the compelling force of all times has been the force of originality and creation profoundly affecting the roots of human spirit.
Ansel Adams

Technorati Tags: photography, Yosemite, National Park, photographer, travel, California, stock photo

Upon first arrival in Geneva, Switzerland I went for a walk and happened across an overpass above a railroad junction near the main train station. I instantly decided to experiment with a new tilt-shift lens to create images with a miniature effect. Having had a train set as a child I thought applying a miniature effect to the scene would work well. The image worked out well in my book as far as tilt-shift miniatures go, but my interpretation of the image has shifted (no pun intended) since I first took it.

Railroad Junction - Geneva, Switzerland

Now when I look at this image the narrow focal plane and shallow depth of field highlights the rougher looking lines traveling through the frame. I see less a miniature and more parallel patterns to that found in tree bark and other photo subjects.  Perhaps this parallel comes to mind because of recent photographs I’ve been working on or that I’m staying up too late.   No matter what the reason, the observation is an important one to note as it highlights a key component of seeing. When looking for patterns, textures, lines, etc. you’re bound to find similar patterns and lines that follow a common geometry. Learning those patterns over time will enable you to see and compose images in a more timely fashion.

Technorati Tags: Photography, travel, Switzerland, railroad, track, tilt-shift effect, tilt-shift, stock photo, picture

The Raygun Gothic Rocketship is one of my favorite public art displays here in San Francisco. Located near Pier 14 on the Embarcadero in downtown San Francisco it sits right on the waterfront and with in view of the historic San Francisco Ferry Building. Every chance I get I like to stop and admire this 40 foot rocket built by Black Rock Arts. If you’re visiting San Francisco or live here be sure to get the most of seeing the Gotchic Raygun Rocketship as it is only on display through September 2011.

Raygun Gothic Rocketship - San Francisco, California

The 40-foot-tall art piece, The Raygun Gothic Rocketship, offers rococo-futuristic, highly-stylized vision of space travel circa 1930’s-1940’s science fiction and is the latest in a series of temporary public art exhibitions sponsored by BRAF with the aim of enlivening and activating public spaces. The installation first landed at Burning Man 2009, and has subsequently appeared at NASA Ames for Yuri’s Night, and at Maker Faire. The piece is comprised of a single rocketship, poised as if to board passengers for a typical run to a nearby stellar destination. When installed in San Francisco, the sculpture will be accompanied by a descriptive exhibit, a “rocket stop”, which tells the story of the rocketship, provides route, schedule and other information. The installation will be illuminated for nighttime viewing.

Raygun Gothic Rocketship & San Francisco Ferry Building on the Embarcadero

Raygun Gothic Rocketship & Local Earth Sign - San Francisco, California