A Closer Look

Sailor's Delight

2010-12-19T14:46:00.002-05:00

Throughout the trip, clouds seemed to be rather elusive. With a little bit of luck and timing, we were presented with a splendid display of color over Mono Lake. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I chose a simplistic composition utilizing a single tufa, and hoping to focus on the colorful evening sky.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 32mm f/10 for 0.05 (1/20) seconds ISO 200

Barren Badwater

2010-12-19T14:26:00.003-05:00

In total darkness and deafening silence, the feeling of walking out onto Badwater Basin was eerie to say the least. Venturing out onto this flat and seemingly endless abyss was a unique experience. Clicking on the headlamp offered little sense of direction or awareness to what was complete and aimless wandering. Eventually I wandered far enough to find what I was looking for; some undisturbed hexagonal formations in the salt that depict this area. At this point, there was a subtle hint of light beginning to fill the sky. I began setting up and attempting to find a composition in the darkness. Turning around to the direction I came from, I was able to make out the ridge that lines the east side of this valley. With the help of a few test long exposures, I settled on a composition and waited for the light I was looking for. I still have some images to go through from this outing, but this one really portrays the mood of that particular morning.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 26mm f/11 for 1.3 seconds ISO 200

Alabama Dusting

2010-12-19T14:22:00.002-05:00

There were no dramatic clouds this particular morning, however the pre-dawn light of the Alabama Hills was quite calming and subtle. This was my second time being in this particular area, and it was as bizarre and beautiful as I remember. A fresh dusting of snow in the higher elevations is only a small reminder that winter is on her way, soon to cover the Sierras in a deep blanket of white.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 55mm f/8 for 0.8 seconds ISO 200

Valley Mosaic

2010-12-19T14:15:00.002-05:00

During the drive out to Eureka Dunes, seemingly (most likely literally) in the middle of nowhere, I suddenly slowed down and turned the car around. With some recent rain and the return of warm dry weather, there was a patch of ground with an awesome cracked pattern. It caught my eye when driving by, so I whipped the car around so I could go back and photograph it. Definitely an abstract, it was the lines and textures that I thought made for an interesting image.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 24mm f/10 for 0.001 (1/800) seconds ISO 200

Tioga Stream

2010-12-19T13:51:00.002-05:00

Coming down from Tioga Pass, we spotted a stream running through the valley below. With some clouds moving in and the sun's brightness toned down a bit, conditions were great for some waterfall and stream photography. Nestled under some thick brush and mature trees, this stream was the perfect spot to try and capture a few shots. Although colors were not at peak, the mid-October weather was starting to introduce pops of color to the trees.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 26mm f/13 for 2 seconds ISO 200

Tenaya Steam

2010-12-19T13:44:00.003-05:00

After spending 3 days in Yosemite, the trip was beginning to come to an end. We needed to start making our way east which meant a trip back over Tioga Pass. Early morning light combined with some crisp autumn air were the perfect combination to highlight the steam rising from Tenaya Lake. Standing tall and taking in the sun, the pines along the shore offered an added touch of symmetry to the image with their glowing reflections.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 55mm f/8 for 0.004 (1/250) seconds ISO 400

Intersections

2010-12-19T13:31:00.002-05:00

Focusing on simplicity, this is an abstract image I snagged while taking a break in Eureka Dunes. Giving my legs a second to rest and the light to lower its intensity, I literally sat there scanning the landscape while looking through the viewfinder. This is something I do from time to time in order to get a different perspective on my surroundings. Well it worked for me here. Zoomed in to 200mm, the way the camera cropped the view was something I would have never seen with my own eyes.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 200mm f/9 for 0.002 (1/500) seconds ISO 200

Ridge to Eureka

2010-12-19T13:23:00.005-05:00

What is a trip to some amazing sand dunes without the standard "shot". The entire time I was exploring this area, I was looking for at least one opportunity to use the ridge of the sand dunes as the leading line in a photo. Well needless to say I stumbled upon that opportunity. This shot is a bit unique however. Many viewers have mentioned how bizarre the ridge looks. I'm no geologist so I really have no answer as to how it is formed aside for some phenomenon with the way the winds blow.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/11 for 0.006 (1/160) seconds ISO 200

Simplicity in Sand

2010-12-19T13:17:00.002-05:00

While enjoying the area and solitude of the dunes, I was constantly looking for that "perfect" composition. It's like anything else, I'm not sure that "perfect" shot exists, so I decided to think a bit differently about my goal. I was hoping I could find a nice foreground element to anchor the scene, but I ended up focusing on the main element; the sand. The late day side lighting really brought out the texture and patterns of the terrain. I figured I would see how things turned out using these patterns as the focal point and anchor.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/11 for 0.006 (1/160) seconds ISO 200

Total Solitude

2010-12-19T13:11:00.002-05:00

I recently spent 10 days exploring the Eastern Sierra, and have returned home with a handful of images to process. I haven't been shooting much at all this year, so this trip was a great opportunity to get behind the lens again.

One of the places that really stood out for me was Eureka Dunes. This series of sand dunes is a less frequented area of Death Valley NP. With far fewer visitors compared to the more popular Panamint and Mesquite Dunes, this location offers some amazing solitude. The silence was truly deafening. The pristine patterns and rhythm of the dunes was awe-inspiring and beautiful. As the sun began to lower itself in the sky, a dramatic light swept across the sand, offering a crisp, golden glow.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/10 for 0.006 (1/160) seconds ISO 200

Desert Rhythm

2010-12-19T13:04:00.003-05:00

As the afternoon faded to evening, the light on the dunes perpetually changed the landscape. The combination of warm light tones and cooler shadow tones really caught my eye. Rather than focusing on the larger scene at hand, I wanted to abstractly portray this element. Focusing on the contrasting tones and values, the various ridges created intersecting lines that really emphasized the color and natural rhythm of the dunes.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 50mm f/9 for 0.006 (1/160) seconds ISO 200

Fading Fire

2010-12-19T12:52:00.003-05:00

Standing atop Hunts Mesa watching this scene take shape was inspiring. It was one of those times I'd rather appreciate the view in front of me rather than try and unjustly portray it with my camera. The intensity of the light glowing from the sandstone monoliths was hard to fathom. Capturing that same brilliance proved to be even more of a challenge. This moment overlooking Monument Valley is an experience that will always stick with me.

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 48mm f/10 for 0.125 (1/8) seconds ISO 200

Ride "The Wave"

2009-10-29T22:56:00.006-04:00

We've all seen countless images from here, but this one is mine! The 4 month wait was more than worth it. The 3 mile hike each way was pretty manageable, but there were a few areas that became a bit laborious. There are quite a few "ups" and "downs" and a fair share of sand. Other than that, the hike isn't too bad, especially when you think of the reward at the end. I've definitely done much more grueling hikes. I hope to someday return to this area and shoot more of the surrounding environment, as it is equally as stunning and unique. Coyote Buttes: put it on your list, but don't do it without a permit. They will check (we got ours checked) and the penalty for trespassing is now more severe.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/13 for 0.025 (1/40) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8
Shot at 19mm f/10 for 0.08 (1/13) seconds ISO 200

Cashing in : Canyonlands

2009-10-27T20:53:00.002-04:00

Well it wasn't much of a bet and there wasn't much to lose (aside from some time wasted driving around) because it had been a pretty storm day thus far. After driving into Canyonlands and watching the scene unfold, it was only a matter of time before some evening light would really set the stage. I've skipped ahead in the sequence, but this was one of the last images before heading out of the park. Holding true to the previous lesson of shooting after the sun has dropped a bit, this scene played by those same rules. With the sandstone glowing and the sun illuminating the distant snow-capped La Sal's, everything was coming together for a great finale.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 55mm f/10 for 0.05 (1/20) seconds ISO 250

Under Partly Cloudy Skies

2009-10-27T19:00:00.004-04:00

We were just about packed up and ready to hit the road when I was standing around with one of the other photographers enjoying one last view. The sun was a little higher in the sky and the clouds were growing in size. We ran back to the truck and grabbed our gear for one last shot. I'm glad I decided to get the camera back out and give it a go. Although this isn't the sweet "golden light", it is almost a storybook ending to the trip up on Hunts Mesa. The way the clouds created a spotted look to the light across the valley floor was quite the site.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 55mm f/13 for 0.006 (1/160) seconds ISO 200

Fool's Gold

2009-10-27T15:02:00.004-04:00

There may not be any pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but this view was priceless. We started out the morning in Arches NP, watching conditions slowly change to thunderstorms and some serious downpours. After sitting in the hotel room taking a break for most of the day, I mentioned something about driving up to Canyonlands since I had never been. We weren't really sure what conditions would be like, but I think we were both tired of sitting around.

Slowly but surely the clouds began to break. There was enough moisture blowing around to add a rainbow for a nice touch. After shooting a few minutes at this vantage point, we headed further into the park... where the conditions were unreal. More photos to come!

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 55mm f/10 for .005 (1/200) seconds ISO 320

Bryce Ablaze

2009-10-27T13:05:00.005-04:00

After our overnight stay at Hunts Mesa and being pretty stoked with the way the trip had started out, we decided to hop in the car and head somewhere else. Neither of us had been to Bryce Canyon and some other photographers we ran into highly recommended checking it out. I have seen many photos from the area, but it has never been at the top of the list. This is not from a lack of interest, but rather the fact that it's a place situated in a spot which hasn't fell within any of my cross country travels.

During the drive, we had seen clouds beginning to form to the north. Nothing ominous, but actually some really nice formations that would look great over the canyon. Lucky enough, as we arrived to the park entrance, the clouds had stuck around. It seemed like forever until the sun finally dropped, but when it did, this place really came to life. All in all, we were probably there for an hour or two, but it was just long enough to see an awesome sunset over the hoodoos.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 38mm f/9 for 0.125 (1/8) seconds ISO 200

Antelope Artefacts

2009-10-26T19:35:00.005-04:00

Antelope Canyon was the first stop on my big tour of the southwestern United States. Aside from being blown away with the raw magnificence of this place, I tried to see things a little differently than all the photos I had seen before. In the end, things all tend to look pretty similar, but I think it's the characteristics of the canyon that dictate this. Glowing, ambient light that trickles down the canyon walls, and soft, flowing walls of sandstone... it's hard to come away with something stikingly different. Regardless of that, it's still a joy to be in Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, taking in the sights and trying to capture what is before you. I have many images from this place, but these will suffice for now.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 20mm f/10 for 3 seconds ISO 250

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 32mm f/10 for 0.8 seconds ISO 250

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/9 for 10 seconds ISO 250

Sun-kissed Mesa

2009-10-26T12:30:00.003-04:00

Recently arriving back in Seattle after an amazing trip through the Southwest, I'm left with 100's of photos to sort through and process. Yes, I know, what a pain :) . My buddy Kevin and myself were lucky enough to visit a variety of landmarks when conditions seemed to align for great photography. During an overnight trip to Hunts Mesa, clear skies in the evening gave way to a few clouds that moved in at the perfect time for sunrise. The feeling of being on this mesa with such a beautiful vantage point over Monument Valley is hard to describe. As the sun makes its way over the horizon, the various sandstone monuments slowly begin to show their true colors. This will be one of those moments that I will never forget. Using my headlamp to figure out a composition before the sun came up was quite entertaining. I found something I was happy with, then sat back and waited for the right moment. While enjoying the view, I came away with this image.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 28mm f/13 for 0.25 (1/4) seconds ISO 200

Gravel Switch Autumn

2009-10-25T01:14:00.003-04:00

Hanging out with my good friend Kevin, we were driving all over the rural areas of Kentucky, trying to get some photos. We had some ideas for locations to shoot, but nothing was really set in stone. Upon stopping at an old general store, there were some awesome flowers in bloom outside the store. Like a storybook setting, outside the store rest a handful of kittens and a restless puppy. In between the puppy barking at its reflection and trampling through the flowers, I was able to catch this blossom while it stood still for a few seconds. This 105mm lens is something special. I think I need one.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 105mm f/2.8 for 0.002 (1/500) seconds ISO 200

Lost in Lush: Hoh Rainforest

2009-08-30T13:43:00.003-04:00

This place is crazy. It really is. I have been in the area a few times, but never made the sidetrip into the Hoh Rainforest. With a good friend and photographer in town, we decided to stop in and see what this rainforest was all about. The greens and mosses are truly remarkable. Add to the intense colors the height of the old growth trees. We "walked-off" a blow down that measured about 300 feet! Even though the summer has been fairly dry here in the Pacific Northwest, there is still quite a bit of life and color (it has even been dry there for rainforest standards). I took a series of images trying to capture the depth and density of this place, and I think this image does it best (for now). Maybe a trip in late spring will be prime time to catch the color at its finest.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4

Shot at 50mm f/14 for 0.3 (1/3) seconds ISO 200

Deception Monotone

2009-08-30T13:36:00.004-04:00

While shooting at Deception Falls the other weekend, I captured this detail image in the upper section. It was one of the last shots before packing up and heading home. I'm glad I decided to venture on to the rocks a little ways and try a few compositions. The water flow over the rocks in this particular area was awesome. A nice shelf of granite broke up the water creating some strong lines and highlights, great for black and white.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 and Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/16 for 0.5 (1/2) seconds ISO 200

Olympic Silhouette

2009-08-30T13:26:00.003-04:00

This was an image taken out of curiosity while out near Obstruction Point. I've always been fascinated with simple images that have lots of depth and layers, so I figured I'd give it a go and see how things turned out. The strong silhouette of the trees seem to balance out the layers and impressive Mount Olympus in the background. As the sun was beginning to set, this scene began to take form.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 90mm f/11 for 0.005 (1/200) seconds ISO 200

Clouded Veil

2009-08-30T13:02:00.004-04:00

I have finally managed to go through more images from an afternoon in the northern Cascades. While waiting for the sunset light seen in the previous post, I was scouting out other areas and taking advantage of the afternoon conditions. Like a veil hanging over the summit, the clouds and light were constantly changing, bringing Mount Shuksan in and out of view. I had a few brief moments before the light was gone and I would have to play the waiting game all over again. With a bit of patience and an equal amount of luck, the different elements seemed to align. Usually, these afternoon hours present themselves as a very difficult time for photography, but I managed to adjust this time and come away with a few compelling photos. Although I don't want summer to end too quickly here in the PNW, I'm looking forward to shooting Mt Shuksan again with a bit more snow.

*more images as www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 and Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 26mm f/10 for 0.0125 (1/80) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 and Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/5.6 for 0.01 (1/100) seconds ISO 200

Shuksan Splendor

2009-08-18T12:34:00.003-04:00

I woke up a bit late on Sunday, but I was determined to head out somewhere and grab a photo or 2. Looking towards the Cascades, there were some clouds hanging around, but I've come to realize that more often then not, they will be gone by the evening or there will be a few lingering to reflect the sunset light. I packed a few things into the car, grabbed the gear, and headed north. Mount Baker seemed like a good spot considering last October was my most recent visit. With a bit of traffic on I-5, I ended up arriving around 4:30 or so, leaving me plenty of time to kill until sunset. As the evening came, there were fewer and fewer people sticking around to take in the late day light. Fine by me. Although Mount Baker was my initial goal, Mount Shuksan was equally as beautiful. Some of the nearby tarns were the perfect foreground for an evening reflection. By now, just as I had hoped, there were only a few lingering clouds; just enough to add some depth and color to the sky. I'd have to say it was worth the afternoon drive and sitting around, waiting until sunset.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 24mm f/7.1 for 0.025 (1/40) seconds ISO 200

Afternoon at Deception Falls

2009-08-11T00:24:00.004-04:00

These past few days were spent travelling around various parts of western Washington with a good friend in hopes of getting in some good photography while enjoying the chance to hang out a bit. We ventured out to the Pacific coast, the Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, and other locations within Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula. It was a quick 2 day whirlwind and instead of sitting around when we returned back to Seattle, we looked for something else to photograph. With the gears starting to run a little slow, something close and easily accessible was the goal. About 40 minutes or so on the road and we were on Stevens Pass heading towards a popular spot known as Deception Falls. I hadn't stopped here before, but the place offered a good deal of potential. After scouting out the area and getting our bearings, we decided to check out the upper section. Quickly moving, crystal clear water made its way over numerous granite boulders before cascading towards the lower section. After trying a few compositions, scrambling over the rocks, and taking full advantage of my wide-angle lens, I was able to come away with two shots I was pretty happy with.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/16 for 0.4 (2/5) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/14 for 0.125 (1/8) seconds ISO 200

Second Beach... Making Lemonade

2009-07-12T23:21:00.005-04:00

As the saying goes, if given lemons, make lemonade. That was the case for me yesterday. After checking multiple weather sources (first mistake.. trusting the weather out here), I packed up the car and headed for Second Beach. The skies were looking great all day, until I noticed a dense gray coming in over the trees ahead. I knew exactly what it was, but I was determined to scout out the area and at least take one photo. The cloud bank proved to be thicker than I thought, but it made for some great atmosphere out on the coast. After walking around a bit, and seeing what this place was all about, it was time to get out the gear. I thought I may catch a lucky break where the sun burns through as it's setting, but that wasn't the case. Regardless, I was on a spectacular beach, and these were the lemons I was given, so I managed to come away with this moody shot from the much photographed Second Beach. Well if everything had gone perfect for this first trip, I'd having nothing to look forward to... There will definitely be a return visit.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 24mm f/11 for 10 seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8
Shot at 17mm f/11 for 20 seconds ISO 200

Mount Forgotten and Perry Creek Falls

2009-07-12T22:42:00.004-04:00

It's always good times bringing someone new to this part of the country. My buddy Drew is in town so I thought we would hit a trail here in the Cascades so he could see what it's all about. The vibe is quite a bit different than the Rockies he is so familiar with. We were headed up to the meadows near Mount Forgotten, but didn't quite make it due to a cold stream that was a bit too high to cross. We may have been able to do it, but decided against hiking back with cold, wet feet. Although we couldn't pass this particular stream, it made for a decent photo opportunity a little further down the trail. The misty atmosphere made for some lush greens and soft light.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/6.3 for 0.006 (1/160) seconds ISO 400

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/18 for 0.6 seconds ISO 200

Head For The Hills

2009-06-12T01:09:00.005-04:00

It's that time of year when the snow pack begins to melt and the trails become more accessible. With the weather looking better and better, we are just about out of the woods here in the Pacific Northwest. The rainy season is pretty much done, which means it's time for me to get back out there and take advantage of the beautiful scenery that fills this part of the country. The Cascades and the Olympics are calling my name and it's time to head for the hills. Here is a shot from Olympic National Park, 2 years ago while hiking near Hurricane Ridge.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/5.6 for 0.006 (1/160) seconds ISO 200

The Natural

2009-06-07T21:19:00.003-04:00

It has been one of those days where sitting around sounds much better than getting up and going somewhere. Instead of lounging on the couch watching tv, I have been browsing through the hundreds of photos saved on my harddrive. Lately, most of my shots have been landscape images, so I was looking for something different. Studying some portrait work on the web, it struck a chord. The search was on to find a portrait I could process. I don't have many images of people, but there is one person that seems to find her way in front of the lens quite often. That would be my little niece. Being here in Seattle, the opportunity to photograph her is few and far between, but I was able to find an image from last summer that really grabbed my attention. A very natural expression is hard to get from her, but this shot nailed it.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 55mm f/4.5 for 0.002 (1/200) seconds ISO 200

Same image in color

Spring at Sunrise Mine

2009-06-01T00:00:00.006-04:00

I took a trip up to the Mountain Loop Highway to scout out some areas for photography and hike some place new. Right now, you can't really get to the higher elevations because of the heavy snow pack (you can get up there if you have the right gear and know what you are doing), so I was looking for a hike that was pretty clear of snow. The ranger suggested Sunrise Mine for it's great alpine scenery and lack of other hikers. Right now, with the warming temperatures and melting snowpack, the area is filled with fast moving streams and waterfalls great for photography. The surrounding alpine scenery is equaly as stunning, but I'll have to return during the early morning or evening hours to really capture its beauty. Amongst the many streams, I decided it was time to get a little wet and see what I could capture.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 19mm f/16 for 2 seconds ISO 200

Quinault Adventure

2009-05-12T22:37:00.002-04:00

Ever since my brief trip to the Olympic Peninsula 2 years ago, I had been anxiously waiting for another opportunity to head out there. Last time, I was only in the Seattle area for 3 months during an internship; now I am happy to call Seattle home, and have the Peninsula in my "backyard" with the ability to make a day trip practically whenever. After telling myself I was going to go, and then backing out several times, I decided it was time to just do it. When the alarm clock went off, it was tempting to bury my head in the pillow and keep on sleeping. With a little mental debate of whether or not to get up, I managed to peel myself from under the sheets, and pack up my gear for a little adventure. No more than 3 hours away is Quinault. A lush rainforest set aside for enjoyment and preservation, it's like stepping back in time before any civilization. It doesn't take much to feel complete solitude amongst the trees. The fertile plant life and density of growth is truly fascinating. What makes all of it possible is the abundance of water. My goal was not only to enjoy the natural wilderness, I wanted to capture some of the watefalls that are common to this area.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8
Shot at 17mm f/16 for 2 seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/16 for 2 seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8
Shot at 50mm f/16 for 1.3 seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Shot at 50mm f/4.5 for 0.017 (1/60) seconds ISO 200

Home for Easter

2009-05-12T22:22:00.002-04:00

I decided to head back to Cincinnati for the Easter holiday, and even better, to surprise my mom. It's always nice to take a little break from work and spend some time visiting with family. One of the fun things about heading home is seeing my niece and nephew, and trying to photograph them as they seem to be growing like crazy. I was really pleased with some images of them I captured a few months back with nothing more than the natural light outside. Sometimes, those are the photos that never seem to happen again; when the lighting is perfect. I had an eye on the weather, hoping for similar conditions and some warm, late-day light. Things couldn't have been much better. It turned out to be a gorgeous spring day with no clouds in site. As the sun began to get lower in the sky, I went to round up the gear in anticipation of photographing the Easter egg hunt that was soon to take place. The results were ok. I was hoping for a little better, but I still think I captured something special.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4

Shot at 50mm f/2 for 1/5000 seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Shot at 50mm f/2 for 1/8000 seconds ISO 200

January Clouds

2009-05-12T22:08:00.002-04:00

Good ol Kerry Park. Easy to get to and such a great view. I hadn't been shooting much at the time, so I figured I'd head over to "the spot" see what kind of light show I'd have for the evening. I've yet to really capture the spectacular sunset I have been hoping for, but this particular night offered something different. The clouds to the west of the Olympics blocked out most of the sunlight, but as the evening grew darker, the remaining light in combination with the reflected city light began to create a surreal effect. With a slightly longer exposure, this color was intensified with some gusty winds and low level clouds.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 120mm f/14 for 6 seconds ISO 200

Same image converted to black and white

Mediterranean Morning

2009-05-12T21:58:00.003-04:00

This past February I was lucky enough to have a business trip abroad to Barcelona. I had never been to Europe, sadly, and was extremely eager to see the sites. What was even better was the fact that I would be there for a week, and business was only 4 of those days. With my camera close by pretty much everywhere I went, I didn't want to miss an opportunity for a shot. Each day, I noticed this haze that seemed to blanket the city during the morning hours. All I needed was the right vantange point to capture it. Perched high on the hill is the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya; it was the location I had been envisioning.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
Shot at 200mm f/6.3 for 0.004 (1/250) seconds ISO 250

Sunset Spectators

2009-01-13T23:34:00.002-05:00

While home for the holidays, I was able to spend some time with a great friend and photographer. We hadn't been able to shoot together since my departure for Seattle back in September, so I was really looking forward to the opportunity. As soon as I walked in the door, we headed back out a few moments later to capture the fading light, for what looked to be a promising sunset. We headed to a nearby park we had photographed a few times back in the summer as it is an easy location when you don't want to venture far, or don't have the luxury of time due to a quickly setting sun. As the light was fading, the sky began to illuminate with bright yellows and oranges; a perfect backdrop for some silhouettes. A few yards from the truck was a thick patch of thistle, offering a stark contrast to the soft gradients in the sky. After a few attempts, I came away with the shot.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 180mm f/5.6 for 0.006 (1/160) seconds ISO 500

Sammamish River Crossing

2009-01-13T23:08:00.003-05:00

You would have thought a natural disaster swept through Seattle with this last bit of snow we received. Roads were covered for days and many people stuck in cars, airports, and bus stations. All of this a result of 8-12 inches of snow. But I guess I can cut the city a little slack considering this type of snowfall usually doesn't reach the valley, and typically falls in the form of rain. So a city completely unprepared for a big snow fall was completely shut down in anticipation of warmer days, with hopes the snow would quickly melt away. Meanwhile, I decided to get out and see what I could photograph. The easiest spot to check out was right behind the office, and it didn't dissapoint. A scene that has become very familiar during my walk to and from work, was magically changed into a beautiful winter scene.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f2/.8 VR
Shot at 120mm f/5 for 0.013 (1/80) seconds ISO 200

Sisters Sunrise

2008-11-14T21:33:00.005-05:00

I feel like posting, even though I'm out of order as far as my trip is concerned. Oh well. After driving almost the entire state of California, I eventually made it to Oregon. Starting in the southwest corner, just north of Redwood National Park (in northern California), I ventured back across the state of Oregon, passing through the Cascades, Crater Lake National Park, and on my way to Bend. By this point in time, I had traveled about 3600 miles, and I was starting to feel the effects. Stopping for the night, it felt great to sleep on a bed and get some good rest. The weather for the next day looked promising, and I was hoping to get an early start in order to catch the sunrise. With some nearby forest fires, there was a yellowish haze to the sky, but it still allowed for some crisp morning light to shine through to the mountains. Just outside of Bend is Three Sisters Wilderness. A series of volcanic mountains, it is a beautiful backdrop for the town and offers amazing alpine scenery and wilderness. With the sun slowly rising above the horizon, I set up my tripod and began to compose a shot from a roadside pulloff.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 70mm f/10 for 0.005 (1/200) seconds ISO 320

Washington Park Arboretum

2008-11-02T16:34:00.006-05:00

The weather here in Seattle has been gorgeous lately, and so has the fall color. My perception of a Pacific Northwest fall has definitely changed. There is actually a decent amount of deciduous trees mixed in amongst the pine that turn beautiful shades of gold and yellow. I was hoping to get up into the mountains to capture some of the color, but didn't quite make it. I decided to check out some place new, so I went to the nearby Washington Park Arboretum. A quick drive across 520 and I was at the park. There were some nice splashes of color, but I was a bit bummed that the light wasn't what I had hoped... perhaps I was a tad on the early side, which seems counterintuitive of what you'd think with photography. Maybe it's worth an afternoon visit when the sun is to the west. Anyways, this was a shot looking up through one of the maples, and I decided to go with more of a vintage/retro look to the shot. Not sure if it comes across that way, but oh well, it was fun to experiment a bit.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 55mm f/8 for 0.008 (1/125) seconds ISO 400

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 55mm f/8 for 0.04 (1/25) seconds ISO 400

Moonrise in Monument Valley

2008-10-19T11:28:00.006-04:00

Back to the trip across the country...

After the incredible evening in Cliff Palace (Mesa Verde NP), I headed back to the campground and called it a day, eagerly anticipating my tour through Balcony House the coming morning. For those who spend any time at a campground will enjoy this next bit. I set the alarm on my phone so that I would be able to get up at a reasonable time to catch the sunrise and make it to the back of the park for my tour. As my alarm was going off and I was waking up, so was the rest of the campground. My car decided to blast my 5:30 wake up call to the other campers. I was that guy with the car alarm going off during the quiet and crisp early morning hours. What a start to the day.

The tour of Balcony House was another good one. I didn't have the place to myself, but there were probably about 10 people total, so it wasn't too bad. My photos from the place aren't all that stellar, so I'll have to revisit those and see what I can salvage. It was almost like a sign of things to come for that evening. After a few more hours in the park, I decided to get back on the road and start moving to my next stop.

Not much more than 3 hours from Mesa Verde is another incredible landmark; Monument Valley. It's located on Native American lands right along the border of Utah and Arizona, and is a true testament to the power of erosion. Over time, the persistence of wind and sand have sculpted the sandstone into spectacular buttes. The "mittens" and Merrick Butte are probably the most recognized features, but there are numerous other geological landmarks throughout the valley.

My timing was pretty close to perfect on this one. Coming into the area as the sun was beginning to lower in the sky offered some great evening light. There weren't many clouds in the sky, but there were just enough for some pleasing color. With the sandstone glowing of deep reds and oranges, a nice surprise appeared to the east. It was mid September and I was just in time for the rise of the full moon. A great treat considering my images from earlier in the day were not what I had hoped.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 70mm f/5 for 0.003 (1/320) seconds ISO 400

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 125mm f/5 for 0.005 (1/200) seconds ISO 400

My new home... for a little while

2008-10-12T01:04:00.002-04:00

I'm taking a little break from my posts regarding my trip from Cincinnati to Seattle, but I'll return to those very shortly. I felt this was an appropriate interlude. Chances are, if you have seen a photo of downtown Seattle, it was probably taken from Kerry Park. It was a place I meant to visit last summer during my stay out here, but for some reason never quite made it. Anyways, only about 15 minutes or so from my apartment, this is an awesome spot to catch the sunset as the light fades on the city and nearby Mount Rainier. It's kinda crazy to look at this view and think of it as my "new home", but it really is. I'm so used to seeing the Cincinnati skyline while coming north on I-75 through the "cut in the hill". That view is a pretty nice shot in it's own right, but I think this view of Seattle has a bit of an edge. For my first visit, it was great to just take in the sights, but I'm hoping to return frequently when there is more dramatic light and colors as the sun drops behind the Olympics to the west.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3span>

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 55mm f/10 for 0.05 (1/20) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 175mm f/13 for 20 seconds ISO 100

Stop #1... Mesa Verde National Park

2008-10-10T00:37:00.003-04:00

Well, technically not the first stop, but close enough. After my 18 hours of driving the first day, I only had about 7.5 more to go before arriving at Mesa Verde NP. This would be considerably less driving than the first day, and allowed me to go at an easier pace and not worry so much about having enough time to get where I wanted to go. Along the way was Great Sand Dunes NP, which is located right at the midway point through Colorado, and about 70 miles north of the border with New Mexico. Unfortunately the weather was quite overcast not making for the best of photographic conditions, but atleast I had the chance to get out and stretch the legs for a bit and get some fresh air. Checking the clock, it was about 2 hours or so before I got back in the car and started on the road again.

The remainder of the drive took me through some rolling hills and eventually over some high mountain passes through the Rockies. Sorry, I didn't take any photos of this part of the trip. Even the best of cameras wouldn't have done it justice, and it was one of those times you just had to be there to get the full effect. Arriving at Mesa Verde NP some 4.5 hours later, it was only 4 P.M. with a good amount of daylight left. I checked in at the campgrounds and decided to venture into the park and take a look around. It didn't take very long to realize how secluded this place was and it take a bit of time to make your way through the park

It's no doubt the main attraction to this park is ancient cliff dwellings of the native Pueblo tribes. Built into the sandstone cliffs abundant in this region, these ruins are truly a spectacular site. In order to view the different houses, a ticket must be purchased, which helps manage crowds and guarantee you a spot on the tour. I had no intentions of taking a tour until the following morning, until the woman in the visitor center mentioned a twilight tour of the famed Cliff Palace at 6 P.M. as the sun would make its way behind the horizon. The cost of admissions was $10 instead of the usual $3, but the surprise I had in store was priceless.

Cliff Palace is arguably the most visited area of the park. The tours tend to have more people, which inevitably makes a good photo near impossible. As the clock turned 6:00, I happened to be the only person waiting, aside from the park ranger. Could it possibly be that I would have this entire place to myself during the best light of the day? If you guessed yes, then you were right. The park ranger and I made our way into the ruins and were equally as stunned that no one else had showed for the special tour. I asked if she (the park ranger) had a problem with me going around to take photographs at will, rather than taking the traditional tour. She didn't mind one bit as the light was quickly fading. As I went around clicking the shutter, she was right behind giving great insights about the culture and history of this amazing structure. In the end, we were down there for somewhere between 1.5 and 2 hours. Typically a tour would last no more than an hour. To say I was lucky is an understatement, and to have that opportunity again would be a long shot. This would be a great start to a trip full of memories.

*more photos at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/8 for 0.002 (1/640) seconds ISO 250

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 70mm f/10 for 0.003 (1/400) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/5.6 for 0.006 (1/160) seconds ISO 400

So the story goes...

2008-10-10T00:09:00.003-04:00

When I first started thinking about my move out to Seattle, it was a bit hard to comprehend the number of choices I had regarding which route to take. I'm not one to plan something like this very well, so I essentially picked some landmarks I wanted to visit and went from there. With some help from my best friend who has been around the block so to speak many times, we managed to put together a route that wasn't overly ambitious and unrealistic. Long?... sure. But worth it?... without a doubt. It would take me through numerous National Parks and many other popular landmarks I have always wanted to see and photograph. To call this trip a direct route would be the farthest stretch of the definition I could ever imagine. What should be roughly 2000 miles and a steady west/northwest direction became more of a zig zag pattern across the plains states and southwestern United States before eventually turning north and driving almost the entire length of California. It was almost 4000 miles on the dot and I ended up traversing through 14 states.

After one more night with friends, the trip really began with an early departure from Louisville, Kentucky. The first leg of the trip wasn't one full of destinations, but rather a chance to simply enjoy the open road and get used to putting in some long hours on the pavement. My first destination for the trip was Mesa Verde National Park located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, and I knew it was more than a days drive. Instead of splitting the drive into 2 equal pieces, I ended up driving more than 2/3 of the way to Mesa Verde in the first day. About 1,100 miles to be exact and 18 hours of seat time. Just like the commercials, I made an "educated" descision to stay the night at a Holiday Inn Express and get some rest for what would be a relatively light drive the next day.

Where to Begin

2008-10-09T23:54:00.004-04:00

Wow, it has been way too long since I have posted anything. Now that I have finally regrouped... sorta... after moving across the country and starting a new job, it's time to fill in the gaps with what ended up being a 4000 mile journey to Seattle. After leaving Cincinnati, and saying goodbye to family, the voyage began. Equipped with a truck full of belongings, my Garmin, and my photography gear, it was time to hit the road. Looking back on the trip, I saw more of the United States than I thought I ever would in a single shot. This country is huge and has so much to see and experience. If there is ever the slightest possibility to take a long roadtrip, I encourage you to get behind the wheel and seize the opportunity. Try not to worry about the gas prices. The places you visit and the experiences you take away have no price tag.

*more photos at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/7.1 for 0.02 (1/50) seconds ISO 200

Sharon Woods: exploring close to home

2008-08-27T14:42:00.004-04:00

Not much more than 5 minutes from my house is a quiet, wooded park, cleverly tucked away within suburbia. I was really feeling the urge to get out and take some photos, and figured I'd venture there to see what I could find. Sharon Woods is a park which has been around for quite some time, and has matured into dense woodlands with several streams and a lake in between. Amongst the streams are several series of waterfalls scattered throughout the park. The overcast weather and recent rain made for some great conditions to photograph the small waterfalls. Unfamiliar with the exact location of streams and falls within the park, I took a chance and did some exploring. It wasn't very difficult to find them. I found myself standing in a stream shooting the falls within 2 minutes of pulling into the park. With such easy access, it makes this spot a great location for frequent visits. A neutral density filter would have been great to have. Here are a few of my images.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 44mm f/22 for 3 seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 34mm f/18 for 0.333 (1/3) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 45mm f/22 for 1.6 (8/5) seconds ISO 200

Going to the beat of his own drum

2008-08-21T16:16:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I actually got back out to shoot a little bit. I'm not really sure why I haven't been out shooting much lately, but it probably has something to do with all the loose ends I have right now in the midst of taking a job, moving, and selling a car. That's a whole different story though. On Saturday, I was able to meet up with one of my best friends to hang out and see what kind of photos we could capture. We headed to downtown Cincinnati, as well as Newport which is just over the Ohio river in Kentucky. The first stop was the aquarium. Aside from checking out all of the exotic fish and wildlife, it proved to be a difficult place to photograph; a bit unfortunate because there is some really cool stuff there. Our stop there wasn't much more than an hour, so we headed back outside to walk around the riverfront and see the sites. In the middle of some shops and restaurants, there were some street performers setting up to entertain the passing crowds. The guy on the drums had some serious character and personality; great for some candid street photography. An eclectic wardrobe mixed with some rhythm and soul, he was sure to have a good crowd in a matter of minutes.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 170mm f/4.5 for 0.001 (1/1250) seconds ISO 200

Foggy December Day

2008-08-19T15:15:00.004-04:00

A slowly moving cloud of smoke...that's what it looked like as the fog was rolling in on the river. This is a shot I looked over from this past December during a photo outing down in Louisville. My good friend Kevin and I had been challenging each other to see who could get the better shot, and in the end, I think we came away with some good images. Maybe I should knock the dust off the D70s as it has taken the back seat to my D300 these past few months. It's always a good feeling when you stumble upon a good photo you looked over months before. Now, if I could manage to find one more photo from that same day, I can put together a nice series of prints.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 95mm f/13 for 0.006 (1/160) seconds ISO 400

Morning in Grand Teton National Park

2008-08-12T13:40:00.003-04:00

On my way home from Seattle last summer, I was excited to be on the road again and on my way to some more national parks. The first stop was Yellowstone (I'll cover that in another post), and after a day or so there, I planned to move on to nearby Grand Teton National Park. This is probably one of the most photographic mountain ranges/parks, and ever since I started getting into landscape photography, it was a place high on my list. The jagged peaks combined with calm glacial lakes is nature at its finest. Unfortunately when I was there, there was very little snow on the range, but I was given some beautiful, clear weather during my short stay. As the sun comes up from the east, the Grand Teton is the first to catch the morning rays of light. Slowly but surely, as the sun makes its way over the hills, the entire range becomes illuminated with beautiful morning sunlight. Here are a few of my images.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 70mm f/6.3 for 0.017 (1/60) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8

Shot at 30mm f/20 for 0.05 (1/20) seconds ISO 200

Day on the town in Louisville, Kentucky

2008-08-02T12:45:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I spent some time in Louisville to hang out with one of my really good friends and spend some time behind the lens. A typical upper 80's or low 90's midwest, summer day, it was too hot and muggy to shoot during the midday heat. So we waited until the evening for the temperature to drop a bit, and headed down to the river front to capture some of the sites. It was a chance to do some night photography, which challenges your metering and long exposure techniques, but fun nonetheless. Here are a few of my images from another outing amongst good company down in Louisville, Kentucky.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Shot at f/16 for 8 seconds. 3 Images stitched ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8
Shot at 48mm f/8 for 20 seconds ISO 200

Walking through Arches NP... Moab, Utah

2008-08-02T12:02:00.005-04:00

Last summer I took an internship position out in Seattle, Washington, which gave me the opportunity, or should I say a "reason", to drive across the country. Long drives are not uncommon for me and are actually something I enjoy. The task of making the cross country trek would seem daunting to many, but I can't even describe how excited I was. Looking at the map, there were countless ways to go, it's just a question of how direct I wanted the trip to be. I chose to take a route that would take me through parts of the country I hadn't seen, and allow me to stop at a few National Parks. High on the list was a stop in Utah. Looking back now, I didn't give myself nearly enough time to even get a taste. I spent the night in Moab, Utah with hopes of going to Arches National Park in the morning. The morning came and I was in Arches for the sunrise and I managed to cover a fair amount of the park, but entirely too fast. In total, I think I was there for 5 hours before jumping back in the car to travel further west towards Seattle. Arches wasn't the only place I wanted to go, but I had a fairly tight driving schedule in order to make it to Seattle on time. The nearby Canyonlands National Park is high on my list, as well as travelling west through the rest of the state to see Capitol Reef, Bryce, and Zion National Park. Give it time, there is no doubt I will see them all. Here are a few of my images from the morning in Arches National Park.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8

Shot at 28mm f/8 for 0.05 (1/20) seconds ISO 320

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8

Shot at 35mm f/6.3 for o.003 (1/320) seconds ISO 320

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/3.2 for 0.017 (1/60) seconds ISO 320

Shades of Summer

2008-08-02T11:07:00.005-04:00

I've come to find out you don't always have to go far from home to get good shots. A quick walk around the house can uncover a vast amount of potential photo opportunities. When I'm not in the mood to take a drive somewhere or simply don't have time or even relaxing at home, I'll take a step outside to see what the light is like and what flowers are in bloom. It has proved to be a challenging task to photograph the delicate tones and details of the flowers, but it is one I have come to enjoy. Hopefully in the near future I will pick up the Nikkor 105mm in an effort to explore the macro world of photographing flowers. But until then I'm exploring with what I have and having some fun with it. Here are a few of my images.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
Shot at 140mm f/3.5 for 0.005 (1/200) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Shot at 50mm f/4 for 0.002 (1/500) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8

Shot at 24mm f/8 for 0.001 (1/1250) seconds ISO 500

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8

Shot at 24mm f/8 for 0.001 (1/1250) seconds ISO 500

Stop along the way... Portland, Maine

2008-08-01T13:43:00.006-04:00

Two summers ago while living in Boston, I tried to get out somewhere new over the weekends. It was my first time in New England and I was lucky enough to have a roomate that was as eager to get out and go places. Unlike me, he was from New England, so I was treated with some local knowledge and ideas of places to go. Well it had been an overcast start to the day with no signs of clearing. My roomate had mentioned a really good outlet mall up in Maine that had really good stores for outdoor gear and it wasn't too far of a drive, so I figured sure, let's do it. We got in the car and headed up I-95 towards Freeport, Maine. It was a little more than a two hour drive, but it was better than sitting around all day. A couple hours were spent going through the stores before turning around and coming back home. On the way back, my roomate mentioned stopping in Portland to check out one of the light houses there. Sounded like a good idea to me and it was along the way which made it even better. A short ways off of I-95 is the Portland Head Light. I didn't realize until later that this is one of the most photographed light houses. Overcast and gloomy, the setting was everything but perfect for a good photograph, but I was pleasantly surprised. Here is the final shot.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/8 for 0.04 (1/25) seconds ISO 200

Sunrise in the Carolinas

2008-07-31T13:46:00.003-04:00

Back in March I took a trip to North and South Carolina with my good friend Kevin for what was primarily a golf trip, but we both had other plans. The plan was to use the trip as a photo outing as well. We were extremely eager to get away for a bit and have the opportunity to photograph the Carolina coastline. Having acquired two new Nikon D300 bodies, it was a chance to test out the new gear and see what it could do. Our first morning was probably the best display of light we had all trip. Waking up to a slightly overcast morning, the sky illuminated with light and turned into a gorgeous sunrise as the sun came over the horizon out at sea. Throughout the rest of the week, golf took up the mornings, but we did have the chance to get some shots here and there. Sometimes it proves to be very difficult trying to work the photography into a trip like this. I guess another trip will have to be made just for photography, but I'm okay with that. Here are a few of my images.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/4.5 for 0.013 (1/80) seconds ISO 250

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 17mm f/5.6 for 0.013 (1/80) seconds ISO 250

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 155mm f/7.1 for 0.002 (1/500) seconds ISO 160

Evening on the Ohio River

2008-07-31T12:45:00.007-04:00

It had rained pretty much all day and the clouds were still lingering. As the evening came around, the sky looked as if it may start to open up and offer some late day light. Being an early December day, the temperature was cool, but comfortable. If the sun were to come through the clouds, there was sure to be a dense fog as a result. We had been working around the house most of the day due to the rain, but now that the weather was clearing, it was time to get out and take a few photos. Sure enough, a fog was starting to form, so we headed down to the river in hopes of some good photo opportunities with the fog coming in over the water. Along the Ohio River, there are many steel bridges that cross its waters. This particular bridge in Louisville, Kentucky is very accessible and I have found it to be a joy to photograph. Here are some of my images.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 200mm f/13 for 0.006 (1/160) seconds ISO 400

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8
Shot at 55mm f/10 for 0.01 (1/100) seconds ISO 200

Majestic Mount Rainier

2008-07-30T17:55:00.005-04:00

Mount Rainier is a landmark everyone should have the chance to see at some point in their life. At 14,440 feet, this sleeping volcanoe towers over the Cascade Mountain range and provides a beautiful backdrop for the city of Seattle. The higher elevations are covered in snow and glaciers throughout the year, however the lower elevations are covered in lush, green meadows, full of abundant wildlife. Last summer while living out in Seattle, I took a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park to take in some of the scenery, and experience this gem of the Pacific Northwest. There were a few passing clouds in the sky, but the views were simply stunning. Here are a few of my images.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

This is a view looking south towards Mount Adams

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 200mm f/5.6 for 0.005 (1/200) seconds ISO 200

The summit of Mount Rainier taking in the late day light

Nikon D70s with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
Shot at 200mm f/3.2 for 0.00625 (1/160) seconds ISO 200

A family get together

2008-07-30T16:31:00.007-04:00

Like many of you, my family tries to get everyone together for the holidays. While Mother's Day technically isn't a holiday, it's close enough and it's a good enough reason for the family to hang out. I have been trying to get some shots of my niece and nephew lately, and work on my photography skills in terms of capturing people and their expressions. This was an awesome opportunity to challenge my abilities. We had some great weather for Mother's Day; it was quite pleasant for a late spring afternoon and evening in the midwest. My friend Kevin let me borrow one of his lenses, so I had something new to try out. As we were relaxing and enjoying each other's company, I had my camera close by in an effort to get a good shot. When it was all said and done, I was pretty pleased with what I came away with, and I was able to give my oldest sister some prints of her kids. Here are some of my images.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4

Shot at 50mm f/3.2 for 0.0015 (1/640) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Shot at 50mm f/3.2 for 0.005 (1/200) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
Shot at 180mm f/3.5 for 0.004 (1/250) seconds ISO 200

Visit to the Krohn Conservatory

2008-07-30T15:05:00.008-04:00

Around the second week of June, I had finished up my undergrad work and school was finally over. Instead of working right away, I chose to take a little time off, regroup, and get out and take some photos. While talking with a friend about some of the stuff he was shooting recently, it made me want to get out there that much more, especially now that I had the free time. Just outside of downtown Cincinnati, is a gorgeous botanical garden. Throughout the year, different plants and flowers are in their prime. About 25-30 minutes from my house, this sounded like a perfect spot to check out. For the most part, it felt like I had the entire place to myself. I guess that makes sense considering it was a Wednesday afternoon and most people were at work. With no one in my way, I was able to experiment a bit and take as much time as I needed. Instead of shooting vibrant blossoms (there weren't any at the time), I found myself looking at things differently and came away with some interesting abstract shots. Here are some of my images.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 180mm f/7.1 for 0.02 (1/50) seconds ISO 250

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4

Shot at 50mm f/16 for 0.25 (1/4) seconds ISO 250

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4

Shot at 50mm f/16 for 0.067 (1/15) seconds ISO 250

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4

Shot at 50mm f/6.3 for 0.067 (1/15) seconds ISO 250

Out on the deck

2008-07-30T13:46:00.008-04:00

It had rained over night and all morning, and I had been lounging around the house without any plans for the day. The light wasn't all that great, but I figured I would step outside and see if there was anything worthwhile to photography. Typically after the rain, colors are saturated and and more vibrant, with much better clarity in the air. I didn't have to go far when I found these 2 leafs nestled together right outside my back door. The color and water droplets caught my attention. After seeing the leaves, I quickly went back inside to grab my camera gear, then headed back outside to setup. Here is the final image.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8
Shot at 48mm f/18 for 0.25 (1/4) seconds ISO 200

Curious stop in Madison, Indiana

2008-07-30T13:13:00.023-04:00

It's always nice to get out and shoot photos at new locations. A few weeks ago, I headed out to Madison, Indiana to shoot one of the many steel bridges that cross the Ohio River. After shooting the bridge, we started heading back home when we passed a little state park. The name of the park was Clifty Falls. Out of curiousity and the idea of photographing some falls, we turned around and headed to the park. Like many other photographers, the chance to shoot waterfalls of any size is usually an entertaining opportunity. Without properly preparing (no food or water to go hiking), we only spent about an hour or so in the park before having to leave and get some food, but there are are some really nice features and it is definitely worth a return visit. Here are a few of my images.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 200mm f/22 for 0.2 (1/5) seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR

Shot at 200mm f/22 for 1 second ISO 200

A journey northward... Petoskey, Michigan

2008-07-29T18:38:00.023-04:00

Recently I made a brief trip to northern Michigan to hang out with some friends on Pickerel Lake near Petoskey. It was a relaxing trip, but I wish I had come away with a few more photos. There was some really nice late day light when we arrived the first day, and then a spectacular sunset over Lake Michigan later in the week. Perhaps the next time I visit, I will be able to check out a few more locations and get some great photos. This trip was a good opportunity to try out some new long exposure and post processing techniques. Here are a few of my images.

*more images at www.flickr.com/photos/myweh3

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8

Shot at 48mm f/14 for 10 seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8
Shot at 17mm f/22 for 1.6 seconds ISO 200

Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8
Shot at 17mm f/22 for 20 seconds ISO 200

Welcome

2008-07-29T17:41:00.008-04:00

Thanks for taking the time to visit the site. I am currently in the process of bringing over blog entries from another site. As I go through those, they will be posted here, along with the many photos that go along with them. I hope to mix in more recent work as well to keep things fresh. Once all of the old entries have been sorted out (shouldn't take very long), this will be a growing database of my photos and adventures as I go from one place to the next. Enjoy and feel free to comment on anything you see!