Website:  http://www.mojphoto.com

I recently spent a few days on a Shoot the Light Workshop (www.shootthelight.com) with Charles Glatzer and five other photographers.

Our subjects were the manatees that spend the winter in the spring fed pools on the Crystal River in Florida.

This seems to be a popular tourist attraction, which makes the photography difficult in two ways:  first, there are a lot of people at the springs which means framing images is challenging.  Second, the folks visiting the manatees kick up a lot of sediment in the shallow waters, making a clear image difficult.

We stayed at the Crystal River Best Western (http://www.crystalriverresort.com)  which is right on the water and a short boat ride to the springs.  They also have a full dive shop  where you can rent all the gear needed.  The water is a constant 72 degrees due to the springs and you will need a wet suit.

As for gear, I used a Canon 5d markII with a 16-35mm lens.  The camera was protected by an EWA underwater bag which I purchased at B&H.  At first glance, you think the bag is risky.  But it performed flawlessly over a four day period. (Link to EWA at B&H Photo).  While expensive, it is a fraction of a dedicated housing.

It is best to go the springs at high tide.  It seemed that the manatees would leave the springs and go to the river before low tide and return at high tide.  I don’t know if their behavior was unique to our visit or varies during the winter.  It would be something to check out.  You an hire a guide to take you to the site, or rent a boat or pontoon to go yourself.  It is easy to find, so I would recommend renting your own boat.

Manatees are one of nature’s odder creatures.  Here is the Wikipedia writeup: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manatees.
They are very gentle and spend a lot of time on the bottom.  They are mammals, so they need to go to the surface every few minutes for air, which provides some of the better photo ops.

Some have dreams. Few achieve them. Rafael Rojas lives his dream.

The Editors of PTR salute Rafael Rojas as one of the world’s best travel photographers. Enjoy the slide show prepared from his work.

All photographs are Copyrighted © 2010 Rafael Rojas, All Rights Reserved, Duplication is prohibited.

From Australia, Polynesia, Namibia, Scotland, Switzerland, France, The United States, Patagonia, Chile, Brazil, to Argentina and other places not listed, he ventures, often in harsh conditions, camping, walking, climbing, he pursues the ultimate dream of all who love wanderlust and travel photography.

Copyright © 2009, All Rights Reserved

Website:  http://www.hectorastorga.com/

The Alamo in San Antonio is the most recognizable building in the State of Texas. Every Texan and most Americans, knows the history of the famous battle between the independence seeking Texans and the Mexican Army led by General Santa Ana. What most people don’t know is that the Alamo is only one of the original five missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century. The missions were established to convert the local native Indians to Catholicism, and also to extend Spain’s dominion northward from New Spain (present day Mexico). The missions flourished in the mid to late 1700’s but by the mid 1800’s the need for the missions dimished and the missions were secularized and their lands distributed among the inhabitants and the churches transferred to the secular clergy. The missions are a main factor in the history of Texas and the core foundation for the development of the city of San Antonio. The local community has been preserving the missions since 1920 and in 1983 the San Antonio Missions National History Park was established.

Mission San Jose
By far the largest of all five and very well preserved church and grounds. The old mission walls are still standing and you can visit the actual quarters were the monks and Indians lived in. The park opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM which is not the best time to photograph, but I found out that if you visit on a Sunday, you can get early access since the church has a 7:00am mass service. Walk in like if you are going to mass and you will be allowed in the grounds.

Mission Concepcion
The building looks almost exactly as it did back when it was built back in 1731. It was the center for religious festivals which was meant to replace the native cultural beliefs with those of the Church. “Original interior paintings remain at Mission Concepcion. Some are religious symbols; others are decorative, imitating architectural elements.”1

Mission San Juan
Sitting on the banks of the San Antonio River, the mission dates back to 1731 when it was moved there from East Texas. The entrance gate at Mission San Juan is typical of the Romanesque arches found through out the missions.

Mission Espada
The south most mission and the most remote of the five. A Beautiful doorway with arch decorates the church entrance. The grounds are well maintained and you will find gorgeous flowers around the church. There is a working convent adjacent to the church.

Mission San Antonio de Valero – The Alamo
The number one tourist attraction in San Antonio. The church is well preserved and the mission grounds have some very nice gardens. Photographic opportunities are plenty but be aware of the crowds. It is always crowded at the Alamo during the weekends, I like to visit during the week either early in the morning or at night. This way you avoid the crowds and sometimes, if you’re lucky, you have the building to yourself.

Photographic opportunities are plenty when visiting the five missions. The old 18th century buildings make for great photographic subjects especially if one is processing black and white / duo-tone photographs. The buildings are well preserved and make great subjects. Entry to all the missions is free and they are open all year long except on the major holidays. The missions are a photographic treasure that must be visited when visiting San Antonio. For more information visit the National Historic Park’s website.

References
1. San Antonio Missions National Historic Park literature –National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

About Hector D. Astorga

Hector D. Astorga has enjoyed photography since a teenager growing up in his native Honduras.  Growing up in Central America made him appreciate the beauty of the outdoors and this is what he tries to capture in his photography.  His main interest in photography is travel and nature.  His work has been displayed at Quinta Mazatlan, the World Birding Center in McAllen, TX.  In 2008 he was awarded the Grand Prize Winner at the Valley Land Fund – Small Tract Competition, one of the most diverse and largest photography contests in the nation.  This year he also placed in the top three at the National Wildlife Foundation annual photography contest.  He is a part time professional photographer and a business owner living in South Texas.  You can see more of his work by visiting his website at: http://www.hectorastorga.com

Websites: Photographs at PBase Light Reflection (Personal Website)

You’re going to Hawaii and spending a week on the Big Island.  You’ve seen those pictures of beautiful beaches with white sand, blue skies, and lush greens, classic waterfalls and girls in hula.  You probably think taking photographs on the most diversified of the Hawaiian Islands is a piece of cake. After all, the guidebooks say that it has something like 23 or 25 the world’s 28 microclimates.  It has huge mountains towering over 13,000 feet, gorgeous blue water, beautiful sand beaches, rainforest jungle, ocean cliffs, grasslands, spectacular tropical flowers, orchids, a smattering of deserts, and an active volcano that is pouring lava (much of the time) into the ocean.  Voila – National Geographic here you come.

Not so fast.  All these micro-climates packed into 4,000 square miles, in the middle of the Pacific, with an active volcano pouring out lava and pollution, foster a variety of always-changing weather conditions. If you want to be successful photographing the Big Island you have to understand how conditions change and affect the parts of the Island including wind direction and local versus non-local conditions.  If you don’t, you may very well spend too much time being in the wrong place at the wrong time. When you do, you will realize that it is not by chance that Starbucks in Waimea has a fireplace; the Kona airport is open-air; chains can be required on the road up to the summit of Mauna Kea; four-wheel drive is required to get to Green Sands Beach and many others; the viewing areas at and near to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can be closed due to wind shifts; and lava activity turns on and off quite regularly although not for any length of time. Do you think those beaches with lots of palms and green vegetation got that way with just sunny days?  Don’t look for sunrises and sunsets like those of the American West; we don’t have red rock to light up with the exception of the top of Mauna Kea. The west side of the island has three volcanoes (13,700, 13,800 and 8,300) which block the very early morning light on much of the Kona side.   On the Hilo side, often there is a marine layer affecting the intensity of the early morning light. And on the Kona side, this marine layer can cause you to lose your light well before the sun sets.

There is no rainy or dry season such as you get on the mainland.  Surf is big in the winter and small in the summer.  Whales can be seen from mid-December through early April. The formal name of the Big Island is “Hawaii” like the state. It is generally referred to as the “Big Island” as it is over 2x bigger than all the other islands combined and it minimizes confusion with the state name.  Furthermore, there is no such town as Kona.  The town is formally called “Kailua-Kona” to differentiate it from the town of Kailua on the island of Oahu and other towns named Kailua on other islands.  Actually, there is no district of Kona, only North Kona and South Kona but there is the “Kona Coast” which crosses district lines.

First, let’s divide the island into what I would describe as “Photographic Zones”:

Hilo/Hamakua Coast (to North of Hilo)
Volcano
South Point/Green Sands Beach
Kona Airport to South Point
Waikoloa/Kohala (Beaches)
Waimea
Mauna Kea/Loa and Saddle Road
Waipio Valley
Pololu and Kapoloa Falls

Now let’s talk about some weather generalities:

When it rains in Hilo, it is generally sunny on the other side of the island. When it rains in the other side, it is generally sunny in Hilo. When the trade winds blow, the volcano is generally polluting the Kona Coast, from the Park all the way up to Keahole (Kona) airport.  Sunsets are muted and the horizon is often hidden. It is not conducive to wide-angle photography.

Downtown Kona

Kekaha Kai Beach

Surfing Kona

When a south wind blows, the  current viewing sites at Kalapana is often closed and there is reduced viewing at the Jaeger Museum in the Park. Hilo (HE-low) gets about 130 inches of rain a year, the wettest city in the US. The Hilo area has gorgeous parks, waterfalls and botanical gardens. There are photo opportunities in both sunlight and overcast conditions. Infrared is a good option when it is sunny.

Jungle Stream

Near Hilo

Lady Slipper Orchid

Conditions at Volcano vary.  Don’t depend upon the weather forecast.

Lava Water Entry

Lava Water Entry 2

South Point is best shot in mid-to-late morning and this include the Gallows and Broken Road.  Green Sands beach, an hour hike and 20 minute 4wd ride, is generally sunny and good shooting most of the day.

South Point

Green Sands Beach

Waikoloa and Kohala Coast have some of the best beaches and have less volcanic pollution (vog). The beaches can be shot in mid morning as colors are stronger and skies are generally sunny. Waikoloa beaches have good sunsets although you can get that marine layer.

Waikoloa Sunset

Kohala Sunset

Waikoloa Sunset 2

Waipio Valley has opportunities in a variety of weather conditions.  Sunlight at the beach and the confluence of the river.  Overcast as you go into the rainforest area. They may be excluding rental cars and are now requiring full 4wd as opposed to AWD. Pololu lookout is an afternoon shot. The valley is pretty but not as pretty as Waipio (y-P-o). I am not sure if the Kapoloa Falls (800 feet but narrow) trail is open.

Waipio Valley Coast

Waipio Valley Stream

Waipio Valley Taro Field

Mauna Kea and the Saddle Road offer owls on fence posts (morning and afternoon), wild flowers (really invasive weeds but pretty) in the spring and snow on the summit up to 9 months a year. Sunsets can be spectacular with views of the coast, the channel and Maui forming a backdrop for the observatories.  It can be cold on the summit year-round.  The wind is the killer not the temperature. You want mixed sunlight or low fog on the slopes which occurs regularly.

Mauna Kea Observatory

Mauna Kea

Mauna Loa in Spring

Waimea offers green grasslands and is considered by many to be the rainbow capital of the world – right out by the Parker Ranch rodeo arena. The island has a strong rodeo tradition and Parker Ranch can direct you to an island-wide schedule. Mana road is an interesting drive until it goes 4WD. Keahole Point, adjacent to the Keahole-Kona airport, is a good place to photograph when the surf is rocking and the lighthouse is a good place for whale-watching from shore.

Keahole Surf

Breaching Humpback

The City of Refuge, about 40 minutes south of Kona, is a good location for afternoon photography and for infrared in the mid-to-late morning.

City of Refuge

Painted Church IR

There are a good variety of petroglyphs, some of the best being at the Mauna Kea Hotel north of the Keahole Airport.

Waikoloa Petroglyph

But I don’t write this to scare you away or to be a purveyor of doom and gloom.  There are plenty of great opportunities all around the island just about any time.  You just have to know where to be and to get there.  If you can, the best way to start your day is to do a quick review of all the web cams.  You don’t have to (necessarily) be somewhere set up before sunrise like you (always) need be in the West.  I suggest this because you may change your plans depending upon what you see.  In addition, there are phone numbers to call about conditions at the volcano and on Mauna Kea. You can google this stuff quite easily. And, the weather is always great.

Kona Sunset

About Rick Decker:

“I started doing photography in 1969 when I took a European discharge from the US Army and drove an old Volkswagen van across Europe and North Africa. One of my first pictures was of an impoverished people on a train station in Yugoslavia and is still a favorite. I remember thinking “there’s a picture” and rushing to get my camera (Pentax Spotmatic) out and set up to capture the moment as my train was pulling away.

“I didn’t shoot seriously until I started Scuba Diving in 1978 at which time I put my Spotmatic in Ikelite housing. Eight years later I was introduced to the desert by a friend and started shooting landscape photography. My preference is to record the earth without signs of civilization so you will not find people and/or man-made objects in most of my pictures. Living in Hawaii on the Big Island since 1997, I spend most of my photographic time shooting Hawaii Above and Hawaii Below Water. Although I love living in Hawaii, as a photographer, my heart is in the desert and the American West.

“I have taken well over 20,000 pictures in the last 20 years. And yet I have vivid recollections of most of my favorites – racing across the sand dunes to beat the sun; timing a wave; waiting for the best moment in a sunrise; or trying to get into the right position to shoot an underwater scene. Recognizing a potential picture, positioning the camera, and composing these shots are deeply ingrained in my memory and I relive them every time I see the picture. I would imagine that other photographers have the same memories.”

By Bill

Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife.

The jagged Teton Range offers the photographer wonderous opportunities for landscapes as the valley to the South of the range is nearly flat, offering contrasts between sage covered fields and escarpments like none other in the United States.

The American Bison can be found wandering the open range along with Elk, Moose, Pronghorn (the American Antelope), and a variety of birds that soar near the magnificient range.  Lakes form near the base of the Teton Range and offer wonderful opportunities for photography.

Why Go?

Travel in the United States is a bargain, particularly for European tourists, as the exchange rate for currency favors the Euro or the British Pound considerably.  As well, the area is largely remote, allowing one to enjoy the splendid natural setting free of intrusion by others.

This is not to say that there aren’t lots of tourists at the park, there are, but the area is so vast that one can quickly find places to walk or hike that soon remove one from all the trappings of tourist season.

The best time of year to go to the park is in September, after Amerian schools reopen, although one can expect that weather will affect travel in the area as snow storms are common then.  But, as the fall colors fall upon the range, it can be quite spectacular.

I chose to go in August, it simply worked out better for my schedule.  And while there were lots of tourists around, I still found ample opportunities for photography.

Most travelers from outside the United States should plan on flying into Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Rental cars are available and flying into the area offers some distinct advantages over driving.  Wyoming is vast.  And one can spend many hours just getting to the area from cities like Denver, Colorado.

Jackson Hole has many fine hotels, but one should make reservations well in advance, paraticularly if travel is planned during the busy summer months.

Better hotels will charge as much as $250 per night for accommodations.  But bargains exist in the area if one searches well.  The key is to book early.

Some Places To Visit

One must visit Mormon Row.  There are three barns remaining along the Row that are among the most photographed in the United States.  Go early.  Real early.  One wants to catch the morning light as it strikes the barns and the Teton Range at the same time.

Expect to be cold.  Expect fog.  Expect other photogarphers to be at the Row when you get there.  And, watch out for the American Bison!  You may find yourself in the middle of a large herd of the animals.  And while they will offer great opportunities for wildlife photography, they are dangerous.  They will charge!

Oxbow bend is another famous place for photographers to visit.  Dozens of photographers will likely be there at sunrise, so make sure you go early and find a spot that offers a good view of the water and the range.  You may find yourself going several times, the light changes dramatically and finding that special moment requires several visits.

Schwabacher’s Landing is a must as well.  Here you will find a good place to park your vehicle and there is a trail that winds it’s way from the cark park to a beaver pond.

There are ample places within the park to find food, gifts, and items you may wish to purchase.  Fuel is readily available at such spots.  But plan on driving 30 minutes to an hour, depending on where you go, to find a restroom or a restaurant!  The park is vast.

And did I mention, elk, bears and moose?  Yes, there are bears in the area, although you will likely not meet one, although it is possible.  Moose and Elk populate the area as well.  Moose are very dangerous animals, much more so than bears.  Avoid close contact with moose!

Equipment

Both wide angle and telephoto lens will be needed.  Wide angle for magnificient landscapes, and a telephoto for wildlife.  I recommend at least a 24mm for landscapes and a 400mm for wildlife. A good heavy duty tripod will be necessary for landscape photography.

Explore

Maps of the area are readily available within the park, although one should acquire maps prior to the journey in order to plan your time while there best.  Remember, the park is vast!  And, getting from one spot to another in a single morning may be well impossible.

Will I go again?

Absolutely.  But next time I will go in late September to avoid the high tourist season and to take advantage of the fall colors that invade the landscape.

Resources

Official site for the park:  http://www.nps.gov/grte/

By Arnab Banerjee

Arnab Banerjee is a photographer, mountaineer and writer. Many of his images, travelogues and mountain adventure reports have been published in various publications. He also runs photographic workshops and offers fine art prints of his images through his website. He regularly visits remote corners of the world to capture unique and emotionally evocative images with his signature style comprising of bold composition and vibrant color. Please visit his website or email him at arnabbaner@gmail.com to know more about this work.

Vermont is one of the quintessential and charming New England states in the North Eastern region of USA. It is a relatively small state stretched 159 miles from North (Canadian border) to South (border of Massachusetts) and only 89 miles wide from east-to-west at its broadest section at the northernmost part. Vermont’s size makes it easy to cover all the interesting areas within a comfortable time period, but there is so much to see and photograph in all the seasons that it can be daunting task to cover Vermont in just one visit. In other words, if you come to Vermont once, you will want to come back again and again and never be finished with photographic opportunities.

How to get there

Vermont borders are around 3-4 hours of drive from either New York City or Boston. Vermont also has 2 medium size airports in Burlington and Rutland with decent connections.

About the location

Vermont is one of the most beautiful states in USA with pretty mountains, deep forests, rolling hills and farmlands, rushing pretty streams and rivers. It is also famous as ski destination in winter. But autumn is probably the busiest season when the whole state transforms into a fantasyland of brilliant fall colors ranging from bright yellow to vibrant red and all the shades in between.

The Green Mountain range runs pretty much all the way from north to south down the middle of the state with many numerous peaks and passes. The highest point, Mt. Mansfield is in the northern part of the state. Camel’s Hump, Killington, etc. are other notable high points on the range. A 270 miles long foot path, Long Trail, travels all the way along the spine of the Green Mountain climbing rugged peaks and passing by pristine ponds, alpine bogs, hardwood forests and rocky rushing streams. The Appalachian trails also goes through Vermont and share the same route with Long Trail in the southern section. These two trails, along with hundreds of side trails, offer the best way to explore the wild side of Vermont. There are backcountry mountain huts along these trails where you can spend the night and watch beautiful sunrise and sunsets from pristine locations.

Beyond Green Mountain, Vermont offers many more travel and photographic attractions – beautiful countryside and quaint villages, historic towns and churches, wildlife, festivals and country fairs, etc. So, to fully enjoy Vermont, one needs to slow down a little bit, breathe the fresh air of the wilderness, soak in the pastoral views of countryside and just go with the flow.

Why go

The combination of the New England charm and a sense of untamed wilderness is what makes Vermont unique. Autumn is probably is the most popular time to visit, but surely not the only best time. In spring, the morning fog and blooming wildflowers along with rushing streams from winter snow melts make it a prime photo destination (though you have to watch out for mud season in spring when many hiking trails are closed).

Summer makes the ideal time to take long day hikes into the wild or just wind down along the shores of it many lakes and ponds. In winter, you can either ski in many of its world class ski resorts, but for photography, either snowshoeing or cross-country skiing or even hiring a snowmobile give you ample opportunity to capture the nature in full glory.

As a photographer, you have never-ending subjects to shoot here – from big scenics of mountains, lakes and waterfalls to intimate nature scenes, birds and wildlife and charming countryside views.

Highlights and lowlights

Walking up to Camel’s Hump or Mount Mansfield and watch the sunset from the alpine summits can be an event of a lifetime. For an easier adventure, you can take a walk to many of the wilderness ponds like Stratton pond or drive many backcountry roads all around the state to explore the beauty of the state.

Worst thing that can happen to you is get stuck in a traffic on Rt 100 on a peak autumn weekend when hundreds of tourists and leaf peepers are all trying to soak up the season’s colors. So avoid weekends during peak foliage or hike a trail if you happen to be there during such a rush weekend.

When

All seasons offer something for photography. Avoid the mud-season in spring for hiking and when a huge nor’easter (winter storm) dumping 20+ inches of snow in winter (though the days just after a major snow storm are probably the most elegant time to shoot winter scenes). Autumn is the most colorful season – it’s my favorite time to shoot nature scenes too.

Where

For nature scenes, Long trail or Appalachian trail and numerous side trails offer many possibilities in the Green Mountain Forests area. Lake Willoughby in the Northeast Kingdom area is another iconic location. To shoot charming New England small town or village scenes, visit Grafton, Jamaica, Newfane, Woodstock or Weston. If you like waterfall, don’t miss Lye Brook falls near Manchester and Moss glen falls in Stowe and Granville (2 different falls of the same name) area. Try Mt. Philo for an easily accessible sunset location.

Equipment

Both wide angle and long lenses are necessary. Bring a sturdy tripod in autumn for river and waterfall scenes. Using polarizer to cut reflection and add color saturation is always a good idea, and you will also need some graduated ND filters to shoot those dramatic sunrises and sunsets. If you want to hit backcountry trails in winter, travel lightweight and watch the weather.

Research

Vermont’s official tourism site

Guidebook: Vermont: An Explorer’s Guide

When the light is good

Early morning and late afternoon are usually good. But overcast and rainy days are my favorite times to shoot inside the forests and river/waterfall scenes.

When the light is bad

Avoid harsh light during mid-day to shoot nature. But you can always drive to a nearby village or small town and shoot those charming New England country scenes. But, please be polite and show courtesy to local people – Vermonters are generally very friendly and wonderful people.

Reading

Vermont photographer David Middleton has wrote an excellent guidebook
The Photographer’s Guide to Vermont: Where to Find Perfect Shots and How to Take Them

Green Mountain club has several guide books and maps
Books
Maps]]> http://www.phototravelreview.com/united-states-vermont/feed/ 0 http://www.phototravelreview.com/united-states-utah-albion-basin/ http://www.phototravelreview.com/united-states-utah-albion-basin/#comments Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:57:53 +0000 Bill http://test.phototravelreview.com/?p=354 Continue reading →]]>

By John Blumenkamp

John Blumenkamp is a freelance photographer specializing in landscape, nature and wildlife images.  His work has been displayed in numerous locations around the Salt Lake City area, where John calls home.  More information regarding his work can be found at his website: www.tetontrail.com

It’s 6am on a clear July morning, and after a short drive from my home I am nearing the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon just east of Salt Lake City.  The sun, while having risen a few moments earlier, is not yet seen from the east due to the peaks of the Wasatch Mountains.  As I begin to ascend a familiar three mile stretch of dirt road at the top of the canyon, I can see in the low morning light that the wildflowers are in full display.  Choosing one of my favorite pullouts, I grab my backpack and tripod and head-out on foot.  It’s calm, and I’m enjoying the solitude.  But within fifteen minutes or so on my hike, I realize I’m not alone… hearing the rustling in the nearby willows, a young bull moose raises his head to have a look, and I pause and glance his way… I can see it’s going to be another great day in the ‘basin’.

Location & General Info

While the state of Utah provides numerous locations that will give any nature photographer ample opportunities to put their camera to work, a personal favorite of mine are the canyons just east of Salt Lake City, particularly Albion Basin, which is situated at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon.  Perhaps better known for the world class skiing at the Alta and Snowbird ski areas, Albion Basin is as much a gem in the summer months for its endless available outdoor activities, including nature photography.

Albion Basin is the name given for the mountain cirque in Little Cottonwood Canyon that is situated just below the rocky peak formation named Devil’s Castle, and above the small mountain town of Alta, Utah.  With miles and miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, there is plenty to explore in the immediate area.  The basin is easily accessible from Salt Lake City by driving straight up Little Cottonwood, and is an easy half hour drive from most locations in the valley.  And while there are a number of lodges at both the Snowbird and Alta ski areas that provide varying degrees of accommodations, there is also a campground at the top of the canyon road with a few dozen sites for those who love to sleep in the mountain air.

Time of Year & Subjects

July and August are probably the ideal times to visit Albion Basin for photography, with the wildflowers usually peaking and displaying their magic during any given week within either month, which can all depend on an early or late spring, and when the winter snows melt away.  When they emerge, various types of mountain wildflowers can be seen in the area, including Columbine, Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, Primrose, Fireweed as well as many others.  Both a macro as well as a wide angle lens can be utilized to capture everything from the details of a flowers petal to composing a shot with a swath of foreground color in front of various mountain peaks and formations.

Wildlife is also abundant in the area.  Larger mammals such as mule deer and moose frequent the basin in the summer months, and it isn’t uncommon while on a hike to turn the corner on a trail and have a bull moose mildly glance your way.  Marmot, Uinta Ground Squirrel, as well as the occasional Porcupine may also be seen.  And a variety of birds populate the area as well, from Grouse scampering through the brush to Hawks soaring on updrafts near rocky ledges.

Equipment

With the options of shooting everything from landscapes to wildlife, any and all photo equipment can be utilized in the basin.  While shooting landscapes you may quickly switch from a wide angle lens to a 300mm or longer telephoto in order to concentrate on capturing the wildlife that has suddenly appeared.  The full range of filters can prove useful as well, including a polarizer and an assortment of neutral density filters to help even out exposures and intensify colors.

Final Thoughts

Personally, the basin is one of my all time favorite locations to not just photograph, but to experience.  While development around the ski areas is inevitable to some degree, the basin remains a great haven near the Salt Lake valley to explore and experience nature as is ought to be experienced.  Perhaps a quote that is the motto of the Friends of Alta organization (see link below) says it all… “Alta Is A State Of Mind”.  I couldn’t agree more.

Useful Links:

http://friendsofalta.org/
http://www.alta.com/
http://www.utah.com/
http://utah.travel/

by Bill

Location:  North of Dunedin, Florida, on Bayshore Boulevard to Curlew Road, then West to the park entrance.  Ask the Park Ranger how to find the trail, it is located on the North side of the park about two miles from the gate. A map of the area is here.

Why go?

Florida is blessed with abundant wildlife, and among the most spectacular to photograph are Ospreys.  Honeymoon Island State Park has a large population of Ospreys that nest among its large pine trees along the Osprey Trail.  Accommodations are reasonably priced, and it’s a wonderful place to take the family with some of the most spectacular beaches in the world.  There is much to do in the area, Bush Gardens is about 20 miles away, Clearwater Beach is fantastic with a wealth of great restaurants, and there is the Pinellas Trail which runs for miles along an old abandoned rail road track for those who love to bicycle or walk.  Downtown Dunedin is filled with antique shops and excellent restaurants.  It’s the perfect place to go for the serious photographer who wants to find a spot that the family can enjoy as well.

Highlights

I have visited the Osprey Trail many times and I am never disappointed in finding great subjects to photograph.  Along the Dunedin Causeway on the way to Honeymoon Island State Park, one can find ample opportunities to photograph birds.  And, it is easy to find a spot to park your car.  The park opens at 8:00 AM, so I often go early and work the causeway at first light.  When the light is good, one can capture what only Florida can provide, fantastic colors at dawn.

And, if one is lucky, a passing Osprey might provide one with the chance to get that very special shot, an Osprey with fish, much as I did here one morning on my way to the trail.

Upon arrival at the park, there is a great parking area with restrooms and a map that shows one the outline of the Osprey Trail.  It’s about one mile from the parking area to the best spot for capturing Ospreys as they nest.  Look for dead trees on the left.  Ospreys love them as perfect spots for their nests.

But, what is more wonderful is to capture shots of the Ospreys as they return from fishing and to hear their cries.  During March and April, I have counted as many as 30 nesting pairs along the trail.  It is always a delight to hear them interact.

Lowlights

During the summer months the trail can be a terrible place to be.  Mosquitos are there by the billions.  Trust me, go in March or April if you want to be free of the insects.  Florida now has the West Nile Virus so make certain, even when the days are warm, to cover up.  I never walk the trail unless I am wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants.  Insect repellant is a must during some days, unless one is blessed with a good wind.

When to go?

The best months are March and April, this is the breeding season and one will find dozens of Ospreys building nests along the trail.  It’s also a great time because the days are often clear and the cool mornings make for a pleasant walk.

How to Get There

Tampa International Airport is located across Tampa Bay from the Pinellas County penisula.  It’s about a 15-mile drive from the airport to Dunedin.  For those who live in the USA, or in close proximity to the Dunedin area, driving is easy with excellent roads leading into Pinellas County.  Interstate 75 and US 19 lead into the area from the North.  Interstate 10 leads to the area from the East.  Follow this link for a map of the area and this link for information about Honeymoon Island State Park.

Where to stay?

There are hundres of hotels and motels in the Dunedin/Clearwater area.  A Google search should provide you with ample choices and selection.  Where you stay depends on whether your family will accompany you.  My first choice would be to stay at Clearwater Beach and let the family enjoy that area.  But, frankly, the hotels and motels in Dunedin are much more reasonably priced.  It is more costly at the beach.

Advice for Travelers Based on Personal Experience

Plan your holiday to include more than just a visit to the Osprey Trail.  The area is fabulous for a family vacation.  Disney World is a two-hour drive from the area, Bush Gardens is a great place to spend a day, and the Clearwater/Dunedin area offers great beaches, shopping, and opportunities to just chill out.  Make sure you bring clothing for both the beach and visits to nearby attractions.  The whole of the area is classic Florida casual.  Forget the tie.  Pack some good beach shoes, the kind you can get plenty wet because you may want to wade into pools at low tide for great bird photos.  And by all means go sailing or kayaking at the Causeway.  And, your family may love the idea of taking a boat trip from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island.

When the light is good.

Get out early.  Sunrise along the Dunedin Causeway can be spectacular.  Sunset at Clearwater Beach or in Honeymoon Island can’t be described, it is awesome.

When the light is bad.

Take the family to Bush Gardens.  It’s a wonderful attraction.  Explore other parks in Pinellas County, many of them offer great photographic opportunities.  It’s always good to explore and plan for a return later when the light is good.  One of my favorite parks is John Chestnut County Park.  It’s a great place to spot Red-shouldered Hawks.

Will I go again?

Absolutely.  I can think of no place else in the world that offers a greater variety of birds to photograph.  And, the whole area is family friendly and perfectly safe for the family.

By Doug Kennedy

Doug Kennedy is a retired teacher from Vermont currently residing in South Florida. Mr. Kennedy has recently taken up photography and plans to do some extensive traveling in pursuit of his new found hobby!

I recently found myself at a plateau as far as my photography skills went, and in need of some professional help! In doing some research and talking to some people in similar situations, I was told Joanne Williams was just the person I needed to talk to. One look at her website told me I had come to the right place, and talking to her

confirmed that. Joanne offers many photographic tours to various places around the world, and offers professional instruction along the way. I also noticed that she is more than willing to offer these services in her home state of Florida. I immediately booked one of her trips to the St. Johns River, and packed my bags.

Upon arrival at base camp, I was delighted to meet Ms. Williams, who was eager to get us out on the river. We loaded our gear into the spacious pontoon & headed out. We were immediately greeted by a multitude of wildlife, and we were positioned for the best shot by Ms. Williams. She gently instructed us on the proper settings & helped insure our questions were answered gracefully, without ever feeling like there was such a thing as a ‘dumb’ question. We were placed perfectly to grab some great shots of nesting Sandhill cranes, some with eggs or newly hatched chicks! Down the river, we came across some Osprey flying in & out of a nest with fish. While shooting a Limpkin pair, we heard the call of a Barred Owl directly behind us! Ms. Williams suggested some flash settings and we got some great shots up close. After a beautifully catered lunch, we ran across some American bitterns hiding in the grass, and some Red-shouldered hawks feeding on lizards & snakes. Up ahead, we noticed some large dark birds with white heads. Upon closer inspection, we realized they were bald eagles! All in all, we also encountered Yellow-crowned night herons, Swallow-tailed kites, all kinds of herons, egrets & ibis, alligators, wild turkeys, deer, kingfishers, pilieated woodpeckers, warblers, cardinals, woodstorks, hummingbirds, and many more.

During the trip, we learned many, many superb tips that made an enormous difference in my shots! I was amazed at how quickly I was able to improve my results using just a few of these tricks. After each day trip, we were treated to a wonderful multi-course dinner brought in from a local restaurant. We were also able to go over some of our shots and get some compositional tips & critiques. We were also invited to learn tricks on handling our shots once we got them into Photoshop. I was blown away at how easy it became to take what I thought was a decent shot and make it exceptional with a few keystrokes!

A trip with Joanne Williams opened my eyes to a whole new world of photography. Every need was met, and the value was a major selling point for me. My pictures are getting better and better thanks to her help. I am eager to book a trip with her to one of her other locations like Madagascar, The Galapagos Islands, Africa, or the Pantanal in Brazil. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a little help and looking to take their photography to the next level!

*****

Joanne Williams Photography, Inc. offers photographic tours to various locations around the world such as the Galapagos Islands, Madagascar, the Pantanal in Brazil and Africa.

She is also occasionally available for photographic adventures in various locations throughout Florida. Her tours are well planned after many years in business, with every thought given to detail at an exceptional value. Please visit her website at www.joannewilliamsphoto.com for details on her upcoming tours & adventures, and to sign up for her newsletter.

by Jane Goodall

Website:  www.thebeautifullight.co.uk

Have you ever had problems distilling your landscape images? Sometimes complex landscape subjects can confuse and over-excite the eye.  A good antidote is to experience the desert landscape where simple but beautiful vistas abound, with a feast of wonderful colours and textures and a large variety of subjects. It is difficult to dispute that a photographic tour of Death Valley provides a wonderful opportunity to further your photographic vision.

I have personally only visited death valley in winter as it is very comfortable during the day, allowing easy hiking through the canyons and dunes. In December it can be freezing at sunrise. If you approach death valley from the south, you can stop off at the pinnacles which are about 15 minutes drive from the main road just north of Trona.  These stone monoliths are an extensive collection of stone structures which are easily accessible by car but a four wheel drive will give you deeper access.  Allow a few hours before sunset to find your way around.

I would recommend a visit to the stovepipe wells’s dunes as an introduction to the valley.  I have stayed in furnace creek inn as a good central location for exploring the whole park but don’t underestimate the size of the park, you can expect to be driving a lot around this vast expanse.

Because the dunes are so accessible , they can be covered with foot prints so you may find you have to walk a good way to get clean sand or hope for good winds before you visit.  If you visit in hot conditions walking through the dunes can be exhausting and you will need lots of water, protect the camera from the sand while walking. There is no concern about getting lost, just walk to a high spot and you will easily see the road (and your car parked in the distance).  Because of the large mountains, you lose the sun on the dunes at sunset, and as usual lighting changes fast, so there is a small window of time to make use of the very dramatic light.  Morning shoots can really be worthwhile, so check out your route the day before (a GPS would come in handy if you walk in before sunrise). There are some wonderful opportunities to make images of large vistas but also abstract shapes. This dune shot was taken about one hour before sunset.

I have only used four wheel drive vehicles to explore the park, but it is not essential, this image was taken on the road from furnace creek to Badwater and really illustrates the scale of the park relative to us humans.

Four wheel drive gives you more flexibility and the opportunity to visit the ‘Racetrack playa’ which is only accessible by a very rough track that takes at least two hours to navigate in and one and one half hours back from the main road. The racetrack is a wonderful phenomenon, and provides unique photographic opportunities.  The moving rocks have mud trails behind them that suggest the stones have been sliding along the mud cracked playa.   The sun hides early behind the mountains so don’t expect the setting sun to light it up.  I was lucky to have overcast conditions so allowed photography at midday.

No camping allowed, so if you want the soft light, its out and back in the dark, which makes the ride in and out a bit scary.

Another inspirational location is Titus Canyon, Four wheel drive required if you want to do the whole route and the scenery is one of the most dramatic I have ever seen. Beautiful red and green rock and stunning mountain vistas, this valley is a great contrast to the rest of the park.

Another location that is a must see, is the artists palette, the soft colours are striking during the day but only really give up their secrets in the soft light, and after sunset the colours sing.  If you have time and it’s not too hot, walk the golden canyon trail and see the cathedral rock, a stunning red rock structure. Zabriskie point is always a great morning shoot but be prepared to rub elbows with fellow photographers.  I loved 20 mule canyon, lots of fantastic photographic opportunities for sunset. I haven’t mentioned Badwater and the devils golf course, well you must go of course, if you love wrecked cars then head up to Scotty’s castle. Dante’s point and others I haven’t had time to visit, there is so much more to explore, this is only a taster.  Death valley provides a photographic feast, enjoy!

*****

Jane Goodall lives in Cambridge U.K and is a research fellow at Cambridge University. In 2005 shebought her first SLR camera and became interested in making photographs. It was her Death valley trip in 2006 that really crystalised her love of landscape photography and she has revisted this magical place. “I strive to express my own impression of the landscape which is always a challenge when you visit iconic places. I am an active photography club member and exhibited my work on a regional and national level. I have also extended my interest in photography and have developed my career as a photographic judge where I visit clubs throughout East Anglia.”