MY FIRST OFFICIAL PHOTO SHOOT – Part 2
On our second day we awakened to a mixture of rain, which would soon turn into ice and eventually snow as the temperature dropped throughout the day. It already seemed frigid to this southern California boy!! But we decided we had come to photograph Zion National Park and photograph it we would!
Upon approaching the southern gate of the park, the confused ranger asked what we were doing. I shrugged my shoulders and replied, “We’re heading into the park.” Since we were not driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, he was somewhat concerned for our safety. After a brief conversation, I assured him of my superior driving skills in this type of weather. (HA! I live in southern California!!) We were only allowed into certain areas of the park because of the mountainous elevations. But, we took what we could get and waved our goodbyes to the wonderful park ranger. I’m not certain, but I could swear I saw him shaking his head as we drove away. Not surprisingly, the park was empty compared to our previous visits. Parking was readily available at all the trail heads! Hmmm…I wonder why?
For any of you who have photographed in the rain and snow while standing on icy trails, you realize the difficulty in protecting your camera equipment while attempting your photography! Believe me, it’s not easy to make camera adjustments and focus while attempting to hold an umbrella over the camera to keep it dry! Oh sure, I could get soaked – but, we must keep the camera dry! Thankfully, my wife was good enough to hold the umbrella – but, I was still getting wet!! I’m sure that wasn’t intentional, though! 🙂 Although, it did seem strange that my wife and the camera were completely dry when we returned to the car. I, on the other hand, was quite wet!
So, here they are – a series of Black & White shots:
#1
#2
#3
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
I’ve numbered each photograph because I’m hoping you will help me choose the one you believe would make the best frameable print. Just leave a comment with your preference! Thanks!
It was a wonderful trip! It was a great shoot! I would definitely love to visit again in the summer!
Photographyfree4all's Blog 
Allow me to be one of the firsts. I like numbers 6 and 7 for frameable shots. I also like that you used the bridge photo for the top of your home page. Great work, as usual.
Bob
LikeLike
Personally I prefer #11 and #2. When I looked at #2 I
thought feathers – ice feathers really. 🙂 The bridge picture #7 is
a close third – and I see it is your header now! They are all
lovely – hard to go wrong with any of them.
LikeLike
Look at you! Not letting the weather deter you! These are
so very different than the images taken the first day. I really
love that you shot in b&w. #6 and #9 are
frame-worthy.
LikeLike
I also like 6 & 7. It would be very difficult for
me to choose between the two. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip even
with the weather. I can’t wait to go out there. We plan to do so
this summer; fly into to Seatle and drive down through Oregon,
Idaho and Utah. It should be a wonderful photo time if all goes
well. God Bless You.
LikeLike
These are all spectacular. love the look in b&w. I
like #3 because I feel like I’m stepping into the photograph and it
gives me a nice feeling, besides loving the trees. There is a
mysterious element to this one. I would love that one on my
wall!
LikeLike
Number 7. At first I thought it was too busy and hard to
focus on as a whole, but then I realized your watermark was what
made it hard for me to find a quiet place within. I covered the
watermark and then I could get past the immediate foreground and
see into your photograph. I liked that there were two possibilities
for mystery… One could follow the bridge into the trees and off
to what might past the edge, or follow deeper into the photo along
the river and what might be past the bridge. Sometime in the future
I would like to see all of these in color. Lovely work!
Lynda
LikeLike
I think it depends on whether or not you want a ‘scenic’
landscape, or a close-up – Any of these shots would look great. I
guess the real question is, assuming the print is for yourself, how
do you want to memoralise/sum up the trip? (I’m not much help, am
I? Sorry!)
LikeLike
Beautiful photos! Br-rrrr, makes me feel cold just looking
at them. I’m an Ohio girl transplanted to So. Cal. So I know how
cold the freezing rain and snow can be. My favorites are #7, #6,
and #3. I liked the snow and the bare trees – a forest in the
middle of the winter. Beautiful! You’re a determined photographer!
Neither sleet or rain or dark of night ……..
LikeLike
Oh, sorry about the weather! You still got some great
shots, though! You are very lucky that ranger didn’t make you put
chains on your car–they do that in San Diego’s mountains. Don’t
make me pick a favorite–I like them all! If I had to choose,
though, I’d go with #2,6 and 7. Can’t narrow it down more than
that. 🙂
LikeLike
Each shot of yours is memorable. Here in Australia we dont
get those really lovely vista’s of high mountains and snow .. but
your comments about trying to protect your equipment with your
umbrella gave me a giggle as i had the same problem while trying to
take photo’s in italy (Lake Como) and found i put my umbrella
handle down the front of my shirt tucked into my bra…… hahha ..
it protected me and the equipment…..hmmm …is your wife your
size…ehhehe… great photos look forward to each
blog…V
LikeLike
7. definitely 7. beautiful shots.
LikeLike
Very brave – and very well done!! These are all gorgeous shots, but my personal favorite (by a narrow margin) is #7!!
LikeLike
The first comment and preference is from Bob! Thanks! I’m glad so many have responded because it’s really helping me. I have some of these that I want to post the color shot, as well! Your #7 is one of them. Stay tuned, Bob! Thanks for jumping in right off! 🙂
LikeLike
This is a huge help for me, Dawn! You have selected two of the close-ups, which I think is intriguing. It’s amazing to me how everyone sees things in a different way and likes very different images. I was concentrating on some close-ups that day as well as the landscapes. I want you to see #11 in color – maybe it won’t hold the same interest, but it certainly looks different. I’ll probably post some of the color shots over the weekend or next week. let me know what you think. Thanks, Dawn! Great job!
LikeLike
I had waterproof boots with several layers of clothing – I was ready for anything! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your favs, Tracy! I do appreciate it! It helps me to see what people like! It was certainly a challenging day – but looking back, it was really fun! Quite an experience!! Thanks for a great comment, Tracy!
LikeLike
You are going to love that drive!!! In fact, I’m making the same drive this summer – but in the opposite direction! We’re heading to northern California, then to Oregon and finally to Seattle. But the difference for me, from Seattle we’re taking an Alaska cruise!! I imagine I’ll be in shutterbug heaven!! 🙂 I have to say, 6 & 7 are receiving some attention! Thanks for another great comment, Gwyn!
LikeLike
Thank you so much for your kind words, Martina! I really get excited waiting for evaluations from the experts. like yourself! I’m so glad you and other take their time to comment with their ideas and preferences. I love what you’re saying here – Stepping into the Photograph! That’s a great way to convey your feeling about a shot! Thank you for that! Your comment is a great help to me! Thanks!
LikeLike
I hate that I have to obstruct an image with a watermark!!! It’s a pet peeve of mine. Of course, the prints will not be watermarked in any way! I really like the reasoning behind this choice! Thank you for taking the extra time to share what draws you to this particular shot. That helps me when I’m composing future shots!! Another great comment, Lynda!!! Great comment!
LikeLike
Great series Steve! For me I narrowed them down to 5, 6, and 7. But something about #7 keeps calling me. I am really drawn to it. Glad you had fun on your trip.
LikeLike
I think you’re making a great point, Journey! For me, it would probably be a landscape. But for others, it’s unquestionably a close-up! I think what I’m really trying to learn is what attracts others – but, I think it’s the same as what you’ve already said. Everyone is different. So, I’ll try for what a majority of people would prefer. Now, I’m not making much sense! 🙂 I’m trying to choose some prints to frame with the intention of selling them. That’s why I’m going for a preference from a sampling of people. But what you’ve said makes perfect sense!! Thanks!
LikeLike
You’re always so kind, Miss Betty! I really appreciate your comments – they always give me a good perspective! Those are all great choices, I think! I am determined!! Thanks for sharing another great comment!
LikeLike
The weather was obviously bad – but, I liked the fact that it made for a completely different set of shots! And, I’m pretty sure they did require chains later in the day!! Love your choices! I can see a pattern developing here. Thank you for sharing this comment!
LikeLike
Direct and to the point, Sheila. I like that! I think you’ve made an excellent choice – I think it is secretly my choice, too! Thanks for stopping by!!
LikeLike
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! These are the kinds of stories that make me laugh out loud!! I’ve learned you have to be willing to do whatever it takes if you want the shot! Thanks for sharing this “so funny” story! I hope everyone reads it!! This was a great comment – thanks for sharing! Glad you stopped by.
LikeLike
I’m glad you added your preference(s) Michael!! This is a popular choice – #7. I think it was the first one that I was really drawn to, as well. Great comment!
LikeLike
A lovely set, I am uncertain on choosing for this, but I would say it should be a choice between numbers 6,7 and 8 🙂 I love those three
LikeLike
I keep coming back to #8. I see it’s not the most popular choice but it is my favorite. They are all wonderful shots and I can well appreciate how hard it was to take them while dealing with rain, snow, and ice. Been there, done that. lol!
In fact, these remind me a little of the photos I took in Yosemite. We were there for only 24 hours (in the month of April) and the weather conditions were rain, fog, and snow. I was determined to get out and about with my camera so I ended up learning how to hold an umbrella in one hand and the camera in the other (and then hope for the best!). That practice has served me well here in Ohio. lol!
LikeLike
This is a big help, Michael. I know there are some who may prefer each shot. But through everyone’s responses, I can beging to sense what the majority preference is. Not that that’s what evryone would want. I’m doing this to learn what will have the greatest appeal to the widest audience. So, I thank you for your preference!! Great job.
LikeLike
Robin, I’m so glad you “stuck” with your preference even if it wasn’t the most popular cjoice. That’s exactly what I’m looking for! It’s kind of funny what we are willing to endue for a photograph, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing your experiences here, Robin! I and the readers enjoy them!!
LikeLike
One more thing, Robin. Out of the camera I really liked #4. And, I still like it even though not one person selected it as their preference. I don’t know if it’s because it seems like there’s too much going on – too busy, or if the tree was too overbearing – creating a distraction, or what?! But, I still like it even now as I look at it again. Just like you…that’s the beauty of photography – there really is no wrong answer. 🙂
LikeLike
That’s interesting. #4 was my second choice. Because of the
tree. 🙂
LikeLike
Wow, Steve! These are all really impressive! I think it was probably a good choice to shoot in black and white. In this sort of weather it can really bring out the subtleties and detail in the tones, especially if the colours aren’t amazing due to poor light conditions! I definitely have to go for #1 and #6 this time! The compositions and tonal subtleties are the most outstanding to me! But I think they’re all definitely worth being framed. Excellent work!
LikeLike
Thank you, Kai! When I began looking at the shots (actually, even before I took the shots) I thought they would present very well in B&W because there just wasn’t much color to the scene, anyway. But, I do have them in color, too. Thank you for sharing your preferences! These comments are really helping me! And as always, I look forward to your comments and seeing what you have to say! Thanks!
LikeLike
I’m a fan of #7 and #10. I really like the decision to go
with B+W for these. I’d like to suggest bumping up the brightness
of the images (and perhaps the contrast once you’ve done that).
they all turn out very gray (on my monitor at least). the mind
reads color images and b+w images very differently, and an image
can look great in color but very flat once it’s been desaturated.
for instance, a stunning rich blue sky is amazing in color, but
once you reduce it to a grayscale value, it often turns out to
middle a middle gray, a rather oppressive feeling rather than the
brilliant azure you pictured before. brightening and then bumping
up contrast does a lot to help, so your eye reads a natural range
of bright-to-dark, rather than gray-to-dark. I think if you look at
image #1, which comes closest to an accurate exposure (still a
little on the gray side), and then compare it against the others,
you will see what I mean. minor touch, but I think it will make
these images really shine. great work!
LikeLike