Photographic perspective is often a process. Many times, the initial approach to a particular scene requires a little study, some idea generation, and close observation of light direction. I chose these two images to illustrate this process on a shoot this summer. The first image is environmentally interesting, and is sort of “o.k.” but the…
The Brooks mountain range, which crosses Alaska’s arctic region, is the farthest north mountain range in the United States. Just north of Atigun Pass–the highest road pass in the state– is Atigun canyon, the location where this photo was taken. The northern lights were not that bright to the naked eye, but timed exposures are…
While over/under photography is nothing new, I wanted to experiment with a few ideas last summer. Both returned usable results, but not without plenty of experimentation, and trial and error. The equipment to do this right, i.e., the underwater housing for a Canon 1D series camera costs between 5-10K! There are cheaper methods, for example,…
Canon’s 1Ds Mark III offers a means to customize the factory specified four-digit camera name that precedes the four digit file name. In the process of implementing this option, I encountered a problem which had no answer in the documentation—at least not that I could find. Under the Tools 1 menu, I set the custom…
100 favorite images from 2007. It was a good year to be venturing outside in Alaska.
Today while taking a break from processing photos taken months ago, I glanced out the office window and saw this Willow Ptarmigan feeding on the grasses sticking through the snow. The office is situated on a south facing slope surrounded by a boreal forest, with plenty of habitat protection for birds and animals. I decided…
Photographing in Alaska’s summers introduces a problem for sleep-lovers. The quality of light that delivers color, warmth, and pleasing shadows happens when most are sleeping. The late hour of both the setting and rising sun blows any sort of normal working schedule. Some time ago I adopted a little guideline when in the field photographing:…
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge is an oasis for birds and wildlife in the Fairbanks area. The refuge offers habitat protection and public use for nature viewing, education and research. You can learn more about it here. It has taken me a few years to get the timing down to capture a Savannah Sparrow perched…
On the eve of winter solstice, I’m reminded of a photo I took during the summer solstice, June 21, 2007. Fairbanks celebrates the summer solstice with many events and activities, one of which is the Gold Panners semi-pro baseball game that plays until midnight under natural daylight. Midnight sun baseball game, June 21, 2007, Fairbanks,…
On this inaugural blog-creation-day the temperatures in Fairbanks, Alaska are on a slow but steady slide into the very “minus” category, at the moment that is -38 degrees Fahrenheit . Frost accrues on the trees and pink afternoon light is just a few days from the winter solstice. These are good times to do the…