It's amazing to me that the weather has to run it's course through all the bad stuff in order to produce such a stunning scene that a photographer such as yourself can capture that moment forever. Well done, it's a beautiful photograph. Some people just wouldn't understand why you love your job so much after telling them about rain, snow, wind, freezing temps but it just wouldn't be as satisfying if it were easy and everyone could capture that image. I admire you and your dedication to your job. It doesn't seem so much like work when you love it, does it?
Was this last week? Were the roads plowed? I'm only 3.5 hrs away and am looking to also get a massive snow shot there.
Mark
Yes Mark, this was last week. The roads were not plowed when we arrived at the park, but by the time we left, they had been cleared. I highly recommend a 4WD vehicle. We helped a guy from Vegas push his car out of the way. He was stuck in about 8 inches. Be careful up there... if you end up in a ditch, people may not even realize you're there. The roads are treacherous in winter.
Chad Kagy wrote:
It's amazing to me that the weather has to run it's course through all the bad stuff in order to produce such a stunning scene that a photographer such as yourself can capture that moment forever. Well done, it's a beautiful photograph. Some people just wouldn't understand why you love your job so much after telling them about rain, snow, wind, freezing temps but it just wouldn't be as satisfying if it were easy and everyone could capture that image. I admire you and your dedication to your job. It doesn't seem so much like work when you love it, does it?...Show more →
It really does make a difference. When I end up with an image like this one, every frozen finger and every minute in the freezing cold is worth it. I am always cold when I get out of the car - but I don't even notice the cold once I'm shooting. Until my fingers won't move anymore. Thank goodness for heat packs.
One of the best I've seen from Bryce.
People who see only Bryce in summer can't imagine how unbelievably beautiful Bryce is in winter, especialy after a snowstorm.
Pascal
A fabulous shot in every way, Varina. It's all been said already by a mass of commentators so all I'll add is my congratulations - this is a shot to capture the imagination.
I'm late to the party. Even so, this one grabbed hold and would not let go until I commented on how goregous it is.
To be able to witness this scene firsthand no doubt left you awe-struck.
To have the skill to capture it is a testament to your knowledge of photography.
Thank you soo much for sharing this awe inspiring capture of the creators work.
Also enjoyed your website gallery. You and your husband make a great team.
If the sun was just further in the frame, the composition would be perfect, also a slight under exposure would give the image a superior mood, just MHO and i thing the image would look superb.
Varina, I think I love your job, too. A star filter is sometimes gimmicky, but here it's just fantastic. The reds and whites, the cropping (might take just a bit off the left-hand side), all is just fantastic. Well done.
Beautiful image, Varina. All the superlatives have already been said and apply.
Tikipundit wrote:
A star filter is sometimes gimmicky, but here it's just fantastic.
I highly doubt this was done via a "star filter". It looks like the standard appearance of the sun (or light source) at a high (narrow) aperture, f/18 would be my guess (or around there).
Scott Hotaling wrote:
I highly doubt this was done via a "star filter". It looks like the standard appearance of the sun (or light source) at a high (narrow) aperture, f/18 would be my guess (or around there).
Tikipundit wrote:
A star filter is sometimes gimmicky, but here it's just fantastic.
Scott Hotaling wrote:
I highly doubt this was done via a "star filter". It looks like the standard appearance of the sun (or light source) at a high (narrow) aperture, f/18 would be my guess (or around there).
- Scott
The image was shot at f18 - you are correct, Scott. However, I also used a simulated star filter in PhotoShop. Generally, I would not add an effect like this. In this case, I knew as I shot the photo that I could create the effect using a star filter. I do not have a star filter, and have chosen not to purchase one because I can create the effect using PS - just as I have not purchased any colored filters. It is a waste of money. This flare was a tough decision for me. The fact is, I don't like to modify an image in PS like this in most cases. I feel that nature is stunningly beautiful without any help from me.
On the other hand, I am more than willing to push my camera to it's limits to get the effect I'm looking for. I will increase or decrease shutter speeds, adjust my aperture to get a desired effect, use GND filters to reduce range of light, convert images to black and white, etc. All these techniques change the way the final image will look. I don't mind making in-camera adjustments.
In order to achieve the final effect you see in this shot, I could have used a star filter. A higher aperture would have produced a nice flare, too. Knowing this, and not owning the required filter, I decided to shoot at f18 to get a slight flare and use PS to brighten it.
Should I have done it? I don't know. It's art. I actually have a version saved without the flare as well. I won't submit this image for publication without a clear explanation of what I have done to it. But, I like this version. And for now, that's enough for me.
I'm so glad all of you have enjoyed the photograph. Thanks for all your very kind words.
When I end up with an image like this one, every frozen finger and every minute in the freezing cold is worth it. I am always cold when I get out of the car - but I don't even notice the cold once I'm shooting. Until my fingers won't move anymore.