iPhone Photography, Travel Photography and Camera Reviews
Brace yourself for some more Americana. I have decided to dedicate the week to a few more images of Cisco Utah. It’s such a unique place, that very few people of know of. Even less consider it a photographer’s paradise. If you ever pass by, make sure to take the scenic byway into Moab and stop at Cisco along the way.
Photographer’s Notes – This week’s series of images were all shot handheld using a Nikon 45mm PC-E and processed in Nik Software Color Efex Pro 4.
I apologize to you for missing yesterday’s post. Over the last three days, I’ve only gotten about 7 hours of sleep. The rest of the time was spent photographing the areas around Moab Utah with some incredible photographers who are also my good friends. More on the second annual North by Northwest Photo Jamboree (aka #nXnw) in a later post. I need to get some sleep!
As for this image, which was one of the first images I shot on the trip, I decided to experiment and try to evolve my creativity and process. Having photographed Cisco Utah many time, I wanted to bring a style of Americana that I have worked on over the last couple of years. For this style I’m developing, I use a single lens. It is the Nikon 45mm PC-E (get the full specs at B&H -af link). At 45mm, it conveys close to a normal focal length, much like your eye would see. Which I like for my style of Americana because it provides a very familiar feel to the viewer. However, because it tilts, I’m able to mange the element of focus in a much more creative way.
I hope you had a great weekend! I finally finished processing one of my first images from Mesa Arch. Mesa Arch has been on my list for a long time. I’ve been to Moab at least once a year for the last 15 years and have never photographed it. Yes, I know I have violated a cosmic photographic law. In my defense, I had no idea where it was. Well, I come to find out it is very easy to get to…you just drive there. My iPhone took me right too it! I shot this image shortly before the sun began to rise. Once the sun rises, you only have a few minutes to capture the warmth beneath the arch. I’ll share that image later this year. I thought the pre-sunrise photo’s depth would be better served in monochrome.
Mesa arch attracts quite a crowd. Be prepared to find your composition in and amongst a bunch of other photographers.
Photographer’s Note: This is the first image I have processed with Adobe’s new Lightroom 4. Holy Crap, it is awesome! I love it. I held off until 4.1 was available to make sure all the bugs were worked out. I’m happy to report they are. Lightroom 4 kicks serious butt!
News: The iPhone Photography series I mentioned last Friday is all dialed in. I’m going to hold off until this Friday to start the series. That seemed like the best way to stay on schedule. I’m looking forward to sharing it with you!
Last winter I did a featured story on the bull riders of the PBR. If you missed it you can catch it here. This is an image shot from the very busy, somewhat dangerous cheap seats. Right before they pull that gate open, the chutes get real still. Everyone shares in the rider’s nerves. It’s spooky, and you start to ask yourself “how high can that bull jump”?
I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was pretty busy so this will be a quick post. Sorry about that. If you are a regular here you know I have a soft spot for Americana and a great place to explore the forgotten west is Nevada.
