Archive 2021 · Long Hike Up
p.3 #1Long Hike Up
Jeff wrote:
I like the variety of image 'looks' with similar/same subjects, well done on that front. The moon implementation, though, I'm not a fan of. As noted above, there are are a number of impossibilities of moon phase and elevation that can combine to make an image look unreal, and this image falls into this category, however nice the image may look. I'm not sure the lenses used for these images, but the size of the moon also looks a bit disproportionate, as well as the reflection looking odd.
But, all in all, very nice imagery!
First, yes, nice imagery.
Second, the "impossibilities" issue is worth exploring. It is a tricky thing, and I'm not at all against doing things like stretching or compressing images (changing height and width relationships) in subtle ways when necessary, and I certainly have no issues with modifying curves and luminosity and color balances in ways that enhance the appearance of the subject in believable if not literally accurate ways. (I do not believe that photographs are ever objectively "true," nor do I think that aspiring to that as a goal is worth much — I'm more interested in how the photograph reflects the photographer's subjective view of what is in the frame.)
I also do not think there is one kind of landscape photography that is right, and I fully accept that the way I do landscape isn't better or worse than the ways that lots of other folks do it.
And there's no question at all that Gregg consistency produces striking and appealing photographs, among those that get the most attention in this forum.
Here's a tricky thing to think about though. I wonder how many who view these photographs regard them as representing utterly remarkable conditions and circumstances that the photographer was dedicated and privileged enough to actually encounter? Because photographs carry the burden of the presumption of reality ("that's what I saw!"), it is possible for a photographer to allow work to be seen as real ("it was amazing!") or even to imply that this is the case when the truth is a bit more complex.
One tricky thing about this is that there is no clear boundary line beyond which too much is too much. I'm sure of two things. A photographer that offers nothing more than an attempt at being an objective record is unlikely to interest me. A photograph that relies on viewers believing that the unreal is real makes me nervous.
What I'm not sure about is just where the line is. (My personal line is that I will not do anything in a photograph that I would not be willing to discuss openly if a question comes up.)
So, it happens that I know the locations and the conditions in these beautiful and attractive images quite well. I've been to both locations quite a few times over a period of decades, and I've photographed them many times. (I've probably spent a total of more than two weeks camped within hailing distance of the camera position in the first three photographs, most recently a week in 2019.)
I've photographed that first location at every hour of the day including before sunrise and after sunset. I'm pretty familiar with the light issues, the directions of things, and more. The moon question is a fascinating one. If you aren't too familiar, from long experience and time in the field, with things like where and when the moon sets and its likely phase when it sets at sunset, you wouldn't think twice about it. But if you are really familiar with those things — as are quite a few landscape photographers — certain questions arise. The same is true with some of the other aspects of the lighting. (Trust me, I've struggled with this exact scene at these times of day. And, yes, I had to do quite a bit of work in post to make it work, even with some careful decisions about exposure while making the photographs.)
I mentioned earlier in this thread something that I noticed about the fourth photograph and the contours of the peak and scene. Gregg PM'ed me and explained something about the image that confirmed what I was thinking. If it were my photograph and this subject came up, I would be willing to talk about that publicly, and it might be interesting and useful for Gregg to open that discussion himself in this thread. It would likely be of benefit for a lot of folks who regard his compelling work as an example of what they aspire to.
Respectfully,
Dan
I like the variety of image 'looks' with similar/same subjects, well done on that front. The moon implementation, though, I'm not a fan of. As noted above, there are are a number of impossibilities of moon phase and elevation that can combine to make an image look unreal, and this image falls into this category, however nice the image may look. I'm not sure the lenses used for these images, but the size of the moon also looks a bit disproportionate, as well as the reflection looking odd.
But, all in all, very nice imagery!
First, yes, nice imagery.
Second, the "impossibilities" issue is worth exploring. It is a tricky thing, and I'm not at all against doing things like stretching or compressing images (changing height and width relationships) in subtle ways when necessary, and I certainly have no issues with modifying curves and luminosity and color balances in ways that enhance the appearance of the subject in believable if not literally accurate ways. (I do not believe that photographs are ever objectively "true," nor do I think that aspiring to that as a goal is worth much — I'm more interested in how the photograph reflects the photographer's subjective view of what is in the frame.)
I also do not think there is one kind of landscape photography that is right, and I fully accept that the way I do landscape isn't better or worse than the ways that lots of other folks do it.
And there's no question at all that Gregg consistency produces striking and appealing photographs, among those that get the most attention in this forum.
Here's a tricky thing to think about though. I wonder how many who view these photographs regard them as representing utterly remarkable conditions and circumstances that the photographer was dedicated and privileged enough to actually encounter? Because photographs carry the burden of the presumption of reality ("that's what I saw!"), it is possible for a photographer to allow work to be seen as real ("it was amazing!") or even to imply that this is the case when the truth is a bit more complex.
One tricky thing about this is that there is no clear boundary line beyond which too much is too much. I'm sure of two things. A photographer that offers nothing more than an attempt at being an objective record is unlikely to interest me. A photograph that relies on viewers believing that the unreal is real makes me nervous.
What I'm not sure about is just where the line is. (My personal line is that I will not do anything in a photograph that I would not be willing to discuss openly if a question comes up.)
So, it happens that I know the locations and the conditions in these beautiful and attractive images quite well. I've been to both locations quite a few times over a period of decades, and I've photographed them many times. (I've probably spent a total of more than two weeks camped within hailing distance of the camera position in the first three photographs, most recently a week in 2019.)
I've photographed that first location at every hour of the day including before sunrise and after sunset. I'm pretty familiar with the light issues, the directions of things, and more. The moon question is a fascinating one. If you aren't too familiar, from long experience and time in the field, with things like where and when the moon sets and its likely phase when it sets at sunset, you wouldn't think twice about it. But if you are really familiar with those things — as are quite a few landscape photographers — certain questions arise. The same is true with some of the other aspects of the lighting. (Trust me, I've struggled with this exact scene at these times of day. And, yes, I had to do quite a bit of work in post to make it work, even with some careful decisions about exposure while making the photographs.)
I mentioned earlier in this thread something that I noticed about the fourth photograph and the contours of the peak and scene. Gregg PM'ed me and explained something about the image that confirmed what I was thinking. If it were my photograph and this subject came up, I would be willing to talk about that publicly, and it might be interesting and useful for Gregg to open that discussion himself in this thread. It would likely be of benefit for a lot of folks who regard his compelling work as an example of what they aspire to.
Respectfully,
Dan
Jun 21, 2021 at 11:39 AM
p.3 #2Long Hike Up
Shorter version of G Dan’s PhD dissertation:
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I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I.
I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I.
I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I.
Jun 21, 2021 at 11:54 AM
p.3 #3Long Hike Up
Really beautiful, stunning set. The post processing is exceptional, too. Congrats and thank you for sharing.
Jun 21, 2021 at 11:58 AM
p.3 #4Long Hike Up
Wow. Absolutely incredible and inspiring pictures.
I love that you didn't use a long exposure for the water in the first picture. This image is so inviting, I can just picture myself standing exactly where you are standing and listening to the sounds of the water rushing by. The light on the mountain with the clouds is superb.
The composition in your second photo is second to none. I love the reflection of the mountains in the water, and the moon just to the left of the peak with just a bit of color in the clouds is amazing. Bravo.
I love the colors and contrast in the third photo. I can't tell if there is a big storm cloud causing the sky to be so dark, or if this is a composite or something else, but whatever it is I really like it. Very unique.
The final photo is by all accounts lovely, but (and this is purely my personal taste) it feels a bit too edited/over-the-top for me. It's a fantastic composition, the lighting in the sky and on the mountain is great. It's a brilliant photo, it just doesn't match my tastes compared with the first three.
Amazing photos! I hope that as I keep doing this one day I will be able to take photos like these
I love that you didn't use a long exposure for the water in the first picture. This image is so inviting, I can just picture myself standing exactly where you are standing and listening to the sounds of the water rushing by. The light on the mountain with the clouds is superb.
The composition in your second photo is second to none. I love the reflection of the mountains in the water, and the moon just to the left of the peak with just a bit of color in the clouds is amazing. Bravo.
I love the colors and contrast in the third photo. I can't tell if there is a big storm cloud causing the sky to be so dark, or if this is a composite or something else, but whatever it is I really like it. Very unique.
The final photo is by all accounts lovely, but (and this is purely my personal taste) it feels a bit too edited/over-the-top for me. It's a fantastic composition, the lighting in the sky and on the mountain is great. It's a brilliant photo, it just doesn't match my tastes compared with the first three.
Amazing photos! I hope that as I keep doing this one day I will be able to take photos like these
Jun 21, 2021 at 12:45 PM
p.3 #5Long Hike Up
jakesherman wrote:
Wow. Absolutely incredible and inspiring pictures.
I love that you didn't use a long exposure for the water in the first picture. This image is so inviting, I can just picture myself standing exactly where you are standing and listening to the sounds of the water rushing by. The light on the mountain with the clouds is superb.
The composition in your second photo is second to none. I love the reflection of the mountains in the water, and the moon just to the left of the peak with just a bit of color in the clouds is amazing. Bravo.
I love...Show more →
The dark image is simple combination of B&W and Color. I converted color image to B&W and pushed blue tones to darken them. I then blended both images into this final image you see here. I don't like cloudless sky so I darkened it to make the mountains (and the alpenglow) pop.
The last image I could have done better and PP a bit more subtle, so yes I agree with your comment.
Wow. Absolutely incredible and inspiring pictures.
I love that you didn't use a long exposure for the water in the first picture. This image is so inviting, I can just picture myself standing exactly where you are standing and listening to the sounds of the water rushing by. The light on the mountain with the clouds is superb.
The composition in your second photo is second to none. I love the reflection of the mountains in the water, and the moon just to the left of the peak with just a bit of color in the clouds is amazing. Bravo.
I love...Show more →
The dark image is simple combination of B&W and Color. I converted color image to B&W and pushed blue tones to darken them. I then blended both images into this final image you see here. I don't like cloudless sky so I darkened it to make the mountains (and the alpenglow) pop.
The last image I could have done better and PP a bit more subtle, so yes I agree with your comment.
Jun 21, 2021 at 01:35 PM
p.3 #7Long Hike Up
I would say those are well worth the hike! Great shots!
Phil
Phil
Jun 21, 2021 at 04:49 PM
p.3 #8Long Hike Up
Gregg B boundaries are his images, his equipment and his hike to process to his liking.
Sure the purest doesn't like manipulation. Others who are fine with it.
Maybe disclosure up front would of prevented the one's commenting on the moon.
Lovely set, and appreciate the hike to get to places most dont. That's far much better seeing than the ones you see every day of the Iconic locations. Thanks for taking us all there.
I found to keep the heaviest equipment between your shoulder blades in the upper portion of pack.
Avon Skin So Soft is your friend when it comes to mosquito control.
1 & 4 are my favorites.
Sure the purest doesn't like manipulation. Others who are fine with it.
Maybe disclosure up front would of prevented the one's commenting on the moon.
Lovely set, and appreciate the hike to get to places most dont. That's far much better seeing than the ones you see every day of the Iconic locations. Thanks for taking us all there.
I found to keep the heaviest equipment between your shoulder blades in the upper portion of pack.
Avon Skin So Soft is your friend when it comes to mosquito control.
1 & 4 are my favorites.
Jun 21, 2021 at 04:52 PM
p.3 #9Long Hike Up
Another terrific set, Gregg! I hope to stop by your booth at the OC Festival of Arts!
Jun 21, 2021 at 05:58 PM
p.3 #10Long Hike Up
bobbytan wrote:
Another terrific set, Gregg! I hope to stop by your booth at the OC Festival of Arts!
Bob,
I'll be there everyday. Stop by.
Another terrific set, Gregg! I hope to stop by your booth at the OC Festival of Arts!
Bob,
I'll be there everyday. Stop by.
Jun 21, 2021 at 06:57 PM
p.3 #11Long Hike Up
Absolutely beautiful work, well worth the hike but I bet you were sore.
I like the last one best but these are all excellent. Good job.
I like the last one best but these are all excellent. Good job.
Jun 23, 2021 at 03:43 PM
p.3 #12Long Hike Up
Beautifully captured after all your effort.
I love all of them, but #2 and #4 are favorites for me.
Derek
I love all of them, but #2 and #4 are favorites for me.
Derek
Jun 24, 2021 at 12:09 PM
p.3 #14Long Hike Up
Very nice images - worth the trek. FWIW, a 40lb pack with camera gear isn't bad at all. You can certainly reduce weight in the pack itself, and also on the margins with a lighter tent. But the key thing is reducing camera weight - 1-2 lenses max, a single lightweight camera body, and the lightest tripod you can find (or even no tripod, or a small mini tripod if you can swing it).
What trails did you take? I've been wanting to do some back-country backpacking again, though I would probably go when it's a little cooler to avoid the bugs. I'd rather hazard a freak snowstorm than Sierra mosquitoes and flies... I still have PTSD from one of my last backpacking excursions where we had contend with those damn flies.
What trails did you take? I've been wanting to do some back-country backpacking again, though I would probably go when it's a little cooler to avoid the bugs. I'd rather hazard a freak snowstorm than Sierra mosquitoes and flies... I still have PTSD from one of my last backpacking excursions where we had contend with those damn flies.
Jun 26, 2021 at 12:39 AM
p.3 #15Long Hike Up
These are nothing short of stunning!. I love the fact that you stayed with the same subject and varied the time of your shoot as well as your choice in post processing.
Super inspirational!
bruce
Super inspirational!
bruce
Jun 27, 2021 at 07:21 AM
p.3 #16Long Hike Up
Just spectacular compositions Gregg! Congrats!!! WOW!!!
Dan
Dan
Jun 27, 2021 at 07:31 AM
p.3 #19Long Hike Up
Those last two shots are such beautifully deviant styles. I love the drama of the third, and the ambiance of the final one. Amazing all around!
Jun 28, 2021 at 06:08 PM
p.3 #20Long Hike Up
All wonderful but I especially like the first and the way the composition and the movement of the water draw one in.
Jun 29, 2021 at 05:30 AM