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.
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).
I really enjoyed your trip description and those many fantastic shots. Sounds like you had a great time.
While I am more of a loner and not likely to take a workshop like this I'd be interested in leaerning a bit about it, if you have a reference. Thanks! --c
I really enjoyed your trip description and those many fantastic shots. Sounds like you had a great time.
While I am more of a loner and not likely to take a workshop like this I'd be interested in leaerning a bit about it, if you have a reference. Thanks! --c
I was on the eastern side of the Sierras this weekend. I presume you are speaking about the restaurant the "Whoa Nelly Deli". We ate there as well. Yummy is the word.
Speaking of yummy, these photos are gorgeous.
I did a hike in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, above the June Lake Loop and will have some to post in the days ahead.
I was on the eastern side of the Sierras this weekend. I presume you are speaking about the restaurant the "Whoa Nelly Deli". We ate there as well. Yummy is the word.
Speaking of yummy, these photos are gorgeous.
I did a hike in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, above the June Lake Loop and will have some to post in the days ahead.
Happy trails,
Rosemary
Yes, yes, Whoa Nelly Deli is the one. Apparently, the chef work 12 hours a day for a good 6 months and then take a long 6 months vacation in the Carribean. Interesting life.
I went to June Lake Loop as well, haven't post the images there though. Will do so soon.
Michael, I was at Mono last sunday and looked at that same common grass and said to myself "naw that won't look good" how wrong I was. Good job on all of those, hope I got somthing near as nice as yours.
Very cool series! Love the colors and lighting. Your mono lake shots are quite different from the typical mono lake shots I have seen. Congrats on this fine series! Got more?
Chinh
What a great series...I really like Broken Window....The Mobil Station Rocks!!!I am a chef and those Lobster taquitios are So nice!!! One of the Best places to eat ever!!!
WAYCOOL wrote:
Michael, I was at Mono last sunday and looked at that same common grass and said to myself "naw that won't look good" how wrong I was. Good job on all of those, hope I got somthing near as nice as yours.
Doug
Hi Doug, who did you go with? Is it a workshop? I think it's the blue sky backdrop that compliments the color...
chinhman wrote:
Very cool series! Love the colors and lighting. Your mono lake shots are quite different from the typical mono lake shots I have seen. Congrats on this fine series! Got more?
Chinh
I strive to be a bit different...otherwise, my images will just matches with everyone else but I do at times take the same kind of shot and process the image differently. Thanks for the comments.
seattlechronic wrote:
What a great series...I really like Broken Window....The Mobil Station Rocks!!!I am a chef and those Lobster taquitios are So nice!!! One of the Best places to eat ever!!!
Thanks for sharing!!!
ERic
So you tried it? Yes, the chef is remarkable considering the small and odd looking place for a tiny restaurant.
They were putting up picnic tables inside the shop while I was there on Tuesday (Whoa Nelly Deli) because all of the regular tables were taken. I had the Grilled Salmon Salad with Raspberry Vinigarette and my friend had a "to die for" creamy sherry soup and grilled vegetable sandwich. We both thought it was the best we'd ever had.
A yummy day of photography and good food in the middle of nowhere. Does it get better than that ?!!
Not much better, Rosemary. I got to eat there 3 times on this trip (morning, noon, and evening) and wouldn't hesitate to go back. The chef, Matt "Tioga" Toomey, was even featured on the cover of Gourmet magazine. Next time, try the carrot cake for dessert, yummmmm. God help me, I'm looking at the take out menu now. Don't suppose they have delivery service to Seattle, do you.?
Now, back to the photographs. I very much like the treatment you gave #1. Not converting the center line to B&W was very effective in the otherwise dramatic scene. Of the tufas, I like Broken Window best.
