Much more than, "Well, this is what I saw."

To me photography is more than a capture of “This is what I saw”.   I challenge myself to make an image about the sensation, and the spirit of the scene rather than just a “moment-in-time”.  And I'm learning that the process of creating images parallels the way I experience life.

I approach a Scene or a Scenario with 'active listening' in mind.  I allow space and encourage the Scene or Scenario to speak itself.  Looking beyond the attention grabbing glare or quick knee-jerk comment.  Going deeper into the background and recognizing other light, different shades of shadows and colors.  Clarifying perspectives and varied compositions. 

I become more aware, more appreciative, more understanding of 'what it is really, all about'.    
Step back, see the big picture.   And then, create something that might stir others in that same way.

return to:  Robert Howell Photography.com      

for more information drop me a line

"Keep Looking UP" 

~~~Bob

Tell me what you see...

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson go on a camping trip. 

After a good dinner and a bottle of wine, they retire for the night, and go to sleep.
Some hours later, Holmes wakes up and nudges his faithful friend. "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see."

"I see millions and millions of stars, Holmes" replies Watson.
"And what do you deduce from that?"
Watson ponders for a minute.
"Well, astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. Theologically, I can see that God is all-powerful, and that we are a small and insignificant part of the universe. What does it tell you, Holmes?"
Holmes is silent for a moment. "It's elementary, my dear Watson”, he says.

"Someone has stolen our tent!"

return to:  Robert Howell Photography.com      

for more information drop me a line

"Keep Looking UP" 

~~~Bob

Gathering Stardust

It typically takes about 1.5 hours to 2 hours in one spot

to gather enough stardust to have a meaningful experience……and make an emotional image.

If you've heard that “using a tripod will force you to slow down” --- wait until night photography using extended exposures.  You begin to stare deeply into the heavens and may even catch yourself looking deeper into yourself.  Because you have time…

The challenge of course, is to bring back that meaningful experience in the form of a two-dimensional print that evokes a similar emotion in others.  I find earthlings like my Night Sky Landscapes best when the landscape and the sky are accented with some light and the sky has more than a hint of blue.   So, by beginning the exposure at twilight -- still gleaming from the invisible sun, the sky retains a nice deep blue color and a pleasing gradient onto the foreground.  Higher ISO's make for lighter images and consequently lighter blues...

ISO 400            [allows for less noise in large prints]

f/5.6                 [allows a little Depth of Field wiggle room for nearby landscape features]

5-6 minutes      [nice looking, long smooth trails]

20-30 sequential exposures easily processed with ‘StarStax’ or layered in Photoshop

Note:

I recommend 'beginning' night photographers try 30 to 40 minutes in one spot.  That's just enough time to be assured of a 'first' magical image and time enough to feel what it means to listen to the scene, the sky... even to your inner self.  If you find yourself pacing and looking for something deeper in the dark --- take it as a clue to how close you are to a moving experience.  Extend your stay...and your exposure.

 Old Faithful Geyser

return to:  Robert Howell Photography.com      

for more information drop me a line

"Keep Looking UP" 

~~~Bob

Overnight Sensation

I had a nice talk today with a dear photographer friend…about creating work that is deeper than the cliche I-was-here!  or  look-what-I-did! shots.  

Instead, aiming to reveal what the scene shares.  

I noted it’s easy to imagine there a fewer distractions when photographing at night, but in reality there can many until you get out of your own way and allow the night to envelop you.     

The cool touch of the night, the true depth of the sky, smells you never notice during the day, AND it's not so quiet really....  

The wind whispers, thermals gargle and the voices in your head become so loud,      you find yourself talking back – convinced you are conversing with the scene itself.  

It is a wonderful challenge and pleasure to shoot for this ‘sensation’.

return to:  Robert Howell Photography.com      

for more information drop me a line

"Keep Looking UP" 

~~~Bob

Yellowstone Park Foundation

 

 

The Yellowstone Park Foundation is the official fundraising partner of Yellowstone National Park,

funding important projects and programs, many of which are beyond the financial capacity of the National Park Service. 

The Foundation receives no annual government funding; it relies instead upon the generous support of private citizens, 

foundations, and corporations to ensure that Yellowstone's great gifts to the world will never diminish.   

Three of my Yellowstone At Night images are in the Annual 1872 Society Weekend's SILENT AUCTION  

at the newly remodeled Yellowstone Lake Hotel

 

See more at: http://www.ypf.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6189&AddInterest=1062

 

return to:  Robert Howell Photography.com      

for more information drop me a line

"Keep Looking UP" 

~~~Bob