Inspiration from Popular Photography

I love this magazine. Every month, I am inspired to try at least one or two different ideas or approaches. This month's issue was no exception.

Earlier in the week, I'd mentioned how much I missed landscape photography. One of the articles in Popular Photography this month gives some ideas around hiking and what to pack during a hike, as well as some photography ideas. Some key tips that I will use:

1) Pack light, but well - for me this means leaving my telephoto lens at home, and just packing my kit and wide angle lenses - with a filter or two. A regular hiking backpack is recommended, which I have, but I think I'd need to throw in a t-shirt for padding and protection.

2) Research the area in advance. Learn what foliage and wildlife exist there, as well as peak times. In other words, get organized.

3) Avoid harsh sunlight. Use that time to scout and explore good photo opportunities.

4) Avoid the classic overlooks and look for inspiration along the way.

5) If possible, stay for sunset/twilight.

I was reminded of a few shots I'd taken in the past, and how I need to go back out:

The first two pictures were taken in northern Syria, the third was taken in the Shenandoahs, and the last was taken at Sugarloaf. These pictures remind me of how much my work has evolved over the last few years. I know I can do better than these!

I miss hiking. I went several months ago in WVA with a friend, but I'm not sure what I'd like to do in the near future. This weekend's weather (as well as my availability) aren't exactly optimal. However, I do need to make sure I get out this weekend and do something - and I have some ideas. Have a great one!

What I'm Packing

I'm going on a trip tomorrow! More on that later, but since I'm driving, I'm taking all of my gear. As promised, here's my list of what I own and use:

MacBook Pro - the 17 inch version, and the best machine in the entire universe. My photography-related software that I've installed is:

Photoshop Elements - I rarely use it these days, but it's useful for image editing, and applying my watermarks (copyright info).

Aperture - I spend all of my time here, post-processing. I use Aperture to store and catalog my photos, as well as apply enhancements (if needed). Example include modifying the hue/saturation, changing the exposure, using the horizon tool (to adjust my picture if it's more tilted than it should be), and making other related adjustments.

Flick Uploadr - to upload my photos to Flickr, my photo-sharing website of choice. I love it, because you can post your photos to different groups, and it's very interactive.

As far as my camera and accessories, I am part of the Canon camp, not Nikon. I have the Digital Rebel XTi. I bought it a few years ago, and it does everything that I need it to do.

I have several lenses, and here are the generic descriptions, so that I don't have to engage in the philosophical discussion of Canon vs. Nikon. I like my Canon, but you don't have to. :)

Macro with lens hood (to block the harsh sun, when desired) - for close-up shots of birds, butterflies, and flowers.

Wide-angle with polarizing filter - for wide shots. Have you ever tried to take a picture, but couldn't get enough of it in your frame? A wide-angle lens can help solve this problem. Here's an example:



Had I only brought a regular lens/camera, I wouldn't have been able to capture this entire building in the frame while standing so close. This was a busy area, so I didn't have the luxury of backing up or moving around.

Telephoto - I rarely use this lens, which is sad, because it's so expensive (around $1,000, but I paid $500). It's great if you're trying to shoot anything that is far off in the distance. Here's a shot:



I was on a mountain, and I can assure you that I was nowhere near the houses in the foreground. Without this lens, I wouldn't have been able to capture any of this detail.

Kit lens - it came with my camera. I don't use it much, but I take it with me just in case I need a basic picture (not common with me).

Tripod - I almost never use it, because I'm not particularly interested in being forced to stay still in order to take a non-blurry picture. I tend to avoid the type of photography that would require a tripod, anyway.

I have two camera bags, but all of this will go in the larger of the two bags.

So, where am I going? I'll give you a clue tomorrow. :)