Get the Free Good Newsletter

Click Here!
To learn more about the newsletter

 
 

A Lucky Buck

Nik Color Efex Pro 4

I normally don’t post images on the weekend, but I thought I would share this one since there might a few wildlife aficionados out there. That and I’m sitting on about 40,000 images in my Lightroom library so I better start posting a few more. If you want the desktop, just click the image to get the larger version then set it as you desktop.

I also wanted to show you what is new in Nik Software’s Color Efex Pro 4. I mentioned you can now stack filters in the same editing session. That alone is worth the prices of admission! You can also save that stack of filters off as a recipe for later use. That being said, here is the stack of filters I used to enhance this image. As always, you can use the Coupon Code LIGHTASMAGIC to save money on any purchase from the folks over at Nik. Thanks Nik!

Here is the images straight out of my camera.

1) First, I applied a new filter called Contrast Color Range which helps emphasize details and contrast within a desired color range.

2) I then added the Brilliance Warmth filter to give it some love.

3) Finally, I added the Darken/Lighten center filter to draw the viewer’s eye right were I want it.

The American Cowboy

Howdy! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I know I did. This weekend I had both the honor and the privilege to spend a couple days tagging along with a true American Cowboy. By ‘tag along’, I mean ride with, prepare with, work with (as best a city slicker could), and share a few beers with. Basically, be a cowboy for a day. As Doug said, “it was a good day to be a cowboy”. One thing this city slicker didn’t do was ‘lane a bunch quitter’ so they might have me back? More on that later.

Doug is as authentic a cowboy you can find. I believe his official title is Range Rider. In a couple of weeks I will be sharing his story, along with the story of the ranch he rides. Until then, here are a couple quick facts. The ranch he works was established in 1860. 6 generations of family have worked it since. 3 generations of family are currently working on it. I honestly don’t know where you could find such a rich and historic heritage in modern America? Also, here is a quick fact about Doug. You might think that a true cowboy has a Garth Brooks or Clint Black ringtone for their phone. Not Doug! He’s got Metallica. Not just any Metallica….old school Metallica. That’s just one of the cool things about him. More to come in couple of weeks so stay tuned for his story.

This Week – I’ve got a strong week planned out. I hope you like it!

  • Tuesday – An awesome installment in the ‘Out Their Front Door’ series featuring an incredible British photographer.
  • Wednesday – Having just experienced the most incredible fall colors I have witnessed in Colorado, I put together a bunch of free desktop wallpapers for you.
  • Thursday – A little something special for photo buddy, Scott Ackerman.
  • Friday – iPhone Friday full of images from a road trip between Salt Lake City, UT and Elko, NV

Wedding Moments

I don’t do a whole lot of wedding photography, but when a friend gets married, I bring all my gear just in case their photographer drops the ball. Basically my wedding present is a bench photographer so they are solid in the memories depth chart. Anyway, a friend of ours got married last week and after an initial consultation with the photographer, I decided they had it covered which left me free to roam around for moments. There is always so much that gets missed at a wedding, but having the freedom to focus on those moments (and not worry about the bride and groom) is a real treat for a photographer. This one’s for Karen and Travis. Congratulations!

Operation Hansrico

You might be wondering about the title of this post. There is a long story behind it, but the long and short of it follows. Last year I ran a 6 month fitness challenge. One of the participants was Rick Louie of Hansrico.com photography. Not only did he participate in the entire 6 months, he lost almost 75 pounds, started running 5ks, and got out and started living! What started as a simple comment on a blog, has turned into solid friendship. This weekend we actually climbed to the top of a 12000 ft. mountain together to shoot the sunset. I’m pretty sure that wasn’t happening 75lbs ago! This is one of the images that awaited us. It was high fives all around! I guess the lesson of the story is simple, get out and get living. Fill your life with as much cool stuff as you possibly can. You never know what you will find.

News: Supporting The Davis Phinney Foundation At the beginning of the year, I set a goal to try to use my camera for good. To try and do so, I volunteered for the Davis Phinney Foundation to aid in their battle against Parkinson’s disease. There is a long story behind my decision to join forces with the foundation and I will share it later this week. As you might or might not know, there is one heck of a bike race coming to Colorado and our goal is to raise $40,000 during the race. I will be on location the entire week of racing promoting this goal. If you want to start helping now, you can donate here. It is safe, secure, and easy to do.

Processing Notes:

Lightroom 3

Chester The Sled Dog

Chester

Chester is a retired sled dog at the end of the Denali Hwy. I’m guessing he still gets to go run around Wonder Lake every now and again. He was surely more interested in slipping into a harness than posing for my camera. I had always pictured sled dogs as the classic blue eyed Siberia Husky. Not the case. They are all different, but most of them just seemed to be lanky mutts. Basically, everyone was a living underdog story. I think that’s kind of cool!

Tip: When photographing animals, shoot from a distance and make several images. They are usually so expressive and the emotion they convey changes from moment to moment. Oh yeah, if the owner will allow it, give them a treat!

Continue for Capture/Processing Notes…