Registered: Mar 19, 2004
Total Posts: 1426
Country: United States
Before I start, all images can be found here (I've yet to finish processing all 300 images...but was nagged to post the initial ones here like...NOW):
http://www.soocool.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=49&u=2932|0
I took the workshop with Steve Kiser, thinking that it will improve my photography skill. I got more than I asked for.
The trip to Mono Lake started last Friday morning at 6am. Took the long way around using Highway 108 as I was told that it is the scenic route...though it will add 1-2 hours easily to the 5 hours journey.
108 proved to be the scenic route. Though at times windy but the road is largely empty and is a great drive through towering mountains and gorgeous aspens.
When there, it was about 1pm or so, and stopping by the famous Mobil station is a treat. Steve, a gourmet enthutiast assured us that the chef in the Mobil restaurant (yes, a gas station) was raved by magazines in Paris!!! We were NOT disappointed. We ate there day in-day out. They have lobster tostidas, ribs, seared ahi and by the gods, their chocolate cake (I typically hate chocolate cakes for being too rich and sweet) was one of the best cake I've eaten in my life. Light and delightful. Amazing....thinking back, I shoulda taken some pictures of the food...but I guess when I'm hungry, my brain no longer functions. When it started to function again, the food is already long gone. Oh well.
Ok, back to photography. We went to South Tufa for the sunset...the beach-like sand and tufas with my 12mm stopped me on my tracks. Toned to red, it looks almost like Greek's God of Fire, Hephaistos' land...
Turning around, there are dozens of common looking brown grass...this next image needs ZERO post-processing to show its beauty... All it needed is a photographer to notice it. Oh, a Canon 135mm F2 L lens do help just a little.
And what is a good sunset without peering it through a "broken window"?
The next morning is definitely a "memorable" morning. It was a little past 6am and I had to fight my way through grass in darkness. Got both my feet stuck in deep mud ! I was NOT a happy camper. Then I realize one thing. I'm FREE!!! I went about the entire muddy area like a carefree photographer! I was free to travel to the "hard-to-get-to" locations without worries. These are some of the images...
Later, I told the other photographers that it's a GOOD idea to stick their feet into DEEP MUD. For some unknown reason, they think I'm insane.
On the way to Bridgeport, saw some cows and took a shot.
I took some Infrared shots in Bridgeport which I have not processed. Will probably beg Daniella to teach me a few tricks on how to process those. If you don't know Daniella, you outta get shot. Took loads of photos in Bodie which I have not processed either. Will post them in a new thread when I'm done...been too busy.
So, skipping the rest of the day, this is Sunday morning now. Amazing what one can do with a wide angle, beautiful light and simple dodging and burning... These following two images are massively dodged and burnt, good old darkroom techniques. ;-)
I hope y'all enjoyed the "journal". If you haven't fall asleep so far, I just want to say that the trip has not only improved my photography skill but have opened my heart spiritually. I have found a lot of good photographers whom I enjoyed company with. I also found beauty and peace in a place that I thought would only teach me technical skill. Thanks for letting me share. (Vit, Jeff, Rob & Durgesh, really glad you joined the workshop...hope you left Mono Lake with more than just knowledge as I did).
The rest of the images can be found here:
http://www.soocool.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=49&u=2932|0
as I only post processed these 22 out of like...300, expect to see a few more sometime when I have time to process them.
- Michael Soo
