IN THE FIELD: Further Explorations Needed

Last week I was out exploring a small town not far from where we live. I have driven through the town in the past, mostly as a shortcut to get to somewhere else, but never took the time to stop.

I walked up and down a few streets and not only discovered a wealth of photographic opportunities, but found an interesting town whose history goes back to the early 1700’s.

In the center of town is a hotel built in the late 1800‘s. It has been converted into multiple storefronts, one of which is a cooking school open to folks of all ages. Several old bank buildings decorated for the Holiday season also stand proudly in the center of town.

There are restaurants, a brew pub, small shops, and businesses, and even a bed and breakfast lining the main streets. Many of the older homes and buildings have stained glass windows and ornate iron work adorning the facades.

I’m glad I spent some time wandering the streets. I found all kinds of interesting subjects and look forward to some more snooping around town. I even got to see the Statue Of Liberty!

 

 

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IN THE FIELD: Sometimes It Pays To Dilly-Dally

During our last visit to western Montana, we discovered this statue outside the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. It stands in front of the foundation’s museum, where visitors can learn about the elk and other wildlife of the region, plus what is being done to help preserve their habitats.

After touring the museum, we went outside to get a closer look at this larger-than-life statue. Impressive is a good way to describe it.

I had taken a couple of shots, but the statue was in deep shadow from the thick cloud cover. Disappointed, we started packing up the camera gear and decided to return the next day to try for some better photos. As we were finishing up, we looked back and saw the clouds had parted, allowing the sun to shine through and highlight the statue. So I quickly grabbed the camera and tripod. And I was able to compose a few shots before the light disappeared.

I sure am glad we were taking our time putting all the photo equipment away!

 

IN THE FIELD: Essential Tools

Whenever I head out into the field, there are several essential tools I always carry with me. My must-bring list has been developed and refined over the years, and is based on those experiences when I found myself item-less and regretting it.

No matter how long or short my time out in the field is going to be, the tripod or the monopod is always with me. If traveling by Jeep, these are the first items loaded up.

The camera bag with all my gear goes in next, which includes my go-to basics: lenses, flash, filters and cable release. I also carry a micro-fiber lens cleaning cloth and a blower brush for cleaning lenses. And my Rainsleeve to protect the camera, just in case the skies let loose. The camera always has a fully charged battery, but I keep a charged spare in the bag, along with extra data cards. A small tablet and pen or pencil to take notes can be easier for me to use in the field, rather than the Notes feature on my iPhone.

Rain gear, or at least a water resistant wind breaker, is handy if the weather is looking unpredictable. If it’s cold out, I don’t try to be brave and not bring gloves. Camera controls are hard to work when you can’t feel your fingers, let alone the buttons on the camera.

I also keep an extra pack of essentials in my Jeep at all times. A map of the region is good to have around when in unfamiliar places, even though I have GPS with me. And a compass to orient myself with the map and to use for sunrise and sunset bearings. I never head-out without fresh water, a blanket and clean towels.

If I know I will be gone for an extended time, I typically will bring along one of my infamous Dagwood sandwiches and a second jug of water. Or at least a few food bars or even a bag of mixed nuts. I tend to get cranky when I get hungry, and there is nothing worse than a cranky photographer. Ask my wife…

While this may seem overkill to some folks, I have refined it to a grab-and-go scenario. Simply because I have learned being prepared for most any situation, rather than regretting that one thing I forgot to grab, has enhanced my experience in the field. And helps me get the shots I want.

IN THE FIELD: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

As photographers, we visualize and shoot a scene based on decisions we make in the field. After returning to our studios, the image may not match our intended vision for the scene.

Maybe the color rendition is not right, or maybe the mood of the scene is not portrayed the way we imagined. Cameras don’t always record things the way the human eye sees, so sometimes we need to make adjustments in the studio.

And thanks to the digital camera age and computer programs, converting a photo from color to grayscale, for example, is a lot easier than back in the day.

I originally photographed this bronze statue in color, but when I viewed it full screen in the studio, I thought it may actually work better as a grayscale image. So I converted it and viewed it alongside the color version. After comparing the two for a few minutes, I then left the studio for awhile, so I could come back and make a more objective decision with a fresh eye.

I found I still liked the the grayscale version better. It evoked the mood I wanted to capture when I was in the field.

The bronze statue is named “Boy With Gulls” by Charles Cropper Parks.