Holding Out For A Hero

Hero images.

That's the term many photographers use to label their very best images. The ones that really stand out. The true keepers.

So, by entitling this blog post "Holding Out For A Hero", I'm not referring that that cheesy song from Footloose. I'm talking about the extreme lengths photographers -- especially landscape and nature photographers -- go to make an image that they're truly happy with. A hero image.

Ansel Adams, the most famous landscape photographer in history, once famously quipped, "Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop". Think about tremendous, crushing the weight of that statement. Here is a man who took tens of thousands of pictures a year and only figured he made a hero image once a month at best!

Why is it so tough, then, for landscape and nature photographers to get hero images? Because we have literally no control over the most important aspect of photography: the light. Which really is to say the weather, because the weather is what controls the light.

Case in point: two weeks ago, I returned to Great Sand Dunes National Park determined to get the image that eluded me on my previous trip earlier this summer. Upon arrival, I was disappointed to see that once again the sky was completely cloudless and therefore boring for photography purposes.

The weather reports said that clouds would be rolling in later in the week, so I figured I'd scout locations for the next several days in preparation for the dynamic weather to come. I made the grueling 3.5-mile hike to Star Dune, the most massive and tallest dune in North America. Once atop, I cracked a smile as I found a very compelling composition that would work perfectly later in the week.

Three long days later, with the clouds appearing on schedule, I labored to the top of Star Dune again, this time with a 40-pound pack in much colder, semi-rainy weather. It was one of the more tiring hikes I've ever done.

But, it was all going to be worth it! I just knew how it would play out: once the sun started to set, its golden, late-day light would illuminate the dunes and clouds in a breathtaking display that would make grown men weep. All my hard work and days of waiting would pay off in spades.

The sky was thick with dynamic clouds as desired, but, thankfully, right above western horizon there was a horizontal sliver of clear sky -- just enough for the sun to poke through for a few precious minutes before it set. That would be all I needed. I was in position and ready to rock. Bring it on!!

As the moment of truth neared, electric nervousness coursed through me -- I had so much riding on the success of this one image. Then, finally, after what seemed like forever, it happened. The sun's rays burst upon the scene like a supernova. They hit the westernmost dunes first, then slowly crawled across the rest of the dune sea. I was beyond ecstatic, literally yelling "F*CK YEAH!!" over and over. (Sorry, kids.) My face was stuck in a big perma-grin as I waited for the sunlight to light up the whole scene.

Then, something caught my eye that erased my smile faster than a dead kitten.

A cloud had moved in on one side of the open sliver of sky to the west. It was a small cloud -- a puny cloud -- but that tiny little sadistic clump of water vapor distressed me more than a loaded gun in my face. It was partially blocking the sun's rays just enough so that only part of my image was being lit up. If that evil cloud had been just a tad to the side -- literally, just a tad! -- things would've been ok. But, it was not.

As I watched in horror, the few-minute window of sunlight started to ebb, and the crushing realization that my image would not be illuminated in the way I'd hoped and all my work would be for naught gripped me like a brain freeze. There would be no hero image for me that day.

I stood there completely numb for several minutes in a state of disbelief and bitter disappointment. Then, I began uttering a few phrases that aren't appropriate for this blog.

During the long, dark and draining hike back to my car, I tried to put it in perspective. This was nothing new. What had happened to me has happened to countless photographers over the years (just ask well-known photographer Ian Plant), and would undoubtedly happen again. Welcome to the life of a landscape photographer!

And, the fact is, I did this to myself. No one made me take this trip. I could've just as easily stayed home and sat in the hot tub drinking beer. Besides, I still got to be immersed in nature for a week, and that's what it's all about. At least that's what I keep telling myself. ^_^

Lastly, there's always next time. And, I will be back. Be forewarned, dunes.

Before I go, I thought you'd like to see the image that almost was. As you can see, the sunlight never got where I wanted it. Imagine if that whole scene had been lit like the dunes in the foreground! For comparison, the second image was taken just minutes later, after the partial light show ended. Close, but no cigar.

Ansel Adams once said, "Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer -- and often the supreme disappointment".

He was right.

Making chicken salad out of chicken sh*t.

Last month, I once again journeyed to Great Sand Dunes National Park to photograph the amazing dunes. Being that the dunes roll on for almost 40 square miles, there were plenty of spots (read: almost all of them) that I hadn't been to. So, this time, I set out for the northeast corner, an area with not a single footprint to be found.

Once I finished the strenuous hike to the top, I began scouting for good compositions to use in the upcoming sunset. To my dismay, try as I might, I just couldn't find anything I liked. It was frustrating, because normally the dunes offer me something that more than tickles my fancy (like this, for example). This time, though... nothing. Welcome to the life of a landscape photographer: sometimes, that's just the way it goes. To make matters worse, the clouds were not cooperating at all and were completely absent from behind the Sangre de Cristo mountains where I wanted to make my image.

But, all was not lost! With a little help from Mother Nature, I was about to make lemonade outta lemons. (Thanks, Mom!)

As the sun started to set, I noticed in the distance that a bunch of people were hanging out at the top of High Dune, which is where 90% of those who actually make it to the top of the dunes go. Even better, a bank of clouds was billowing directly above them, and it was starting to coming alive with brilliant sunset hues. Turns out the dunes had something to offer after all.

Please be sure to view the large version, as it makes it easier to see the people atop High Dune. (Although admittedly they're still just dots -- a large print is really the best way to view this image. I posted a close up of the people below the image so that you can see the detail.)

That's all for now. Until next time, take care. And be nice to your mom! ^_^

High Atop The Dune Summit

Twilight Delight

As promised, here is some wildflower action straight from the mountains of Colorado. That's right: I'm getting right to the point this time. (Hey! Don't act so relieved.)

On day two, our campsite was in an idyllic field of wildflowers. Literally right in the middle of it! One had to be careful not to step on a flower. Just after dusk, a curious fox emerged to inspect the situation, and with him came good luck.

Later that evening, I made this image. It was a perfectly still night, very silent and beautiful. Here's to you, Mr. Fox. ^_^

Be sure to check out the LARGE VERSION of this one -- it really does it a lot more justice.

As always, thanks for reading and, until next time, take care. And don't forget to stargaze at least once before summer's over!

"Twilight Delight"

Flower Power!

Vampires would hate me right now.

After today's wildflower shoot, my veins are drier than a calculus lecture. There's not a drop of blood left -- my heart might as well take the rest of the night off.

So, where did all my blood go? Well, it didn't exactly go anywhere -- it was taken. Stolen. Snatched from my body against my will! That's right, today I was blood-raped. And all I'm guilty of is trying to make some art. Sheesh.

Of course, the perpetrator of this heinous act was none other than the Mighty Minnesota Mosquito. Him, and a few hundred of his damn friends. Yep, the Purveyors of the Prairie made quick work of me today.

Nevertheless, I came away with a decent image. And, it's a good thing, too! I leave for the wildflower country of central Colorado in a few days and the last thing I need is a bad-luck omen. Of course, some might say that getting bitch-slapped by a bunch of murderous insects is a pretty bad sign in itself. Not me, though. I got the shot, and that's all that matters.

Below is the image from today's shoot. I hope you like it -- I almost died making it, after all.

Next month, I should have some new wildflower images from Colorado. They say it's a record bloom this year, so I have high hopes. Until then, take care. And don't forget your bug spray! ^_^

"Summer On The Prairie"

Boulder Mountain Magic

As a kid growing up in the 80's, my favorite movie character was Indiana Jones. I was enthralled by the way he could think his way out of just about any situation. He was a master at improvisation, and that mastery was demonstrated over and over in the three Indy films (let us not speak of the abomination that was the fourth movie).

As a nature photographer, that same ability to adapt and improvise is crucial. Last November, when Marc Adamus and I were shooting in Utah, improvisation literally saved the day.

Late on our final day of shooting, we were trying to get to Capitol Reef National Park in time for sunset. By the time we reached Boulder Mountain, still a ways from the park, it became clear that we weren't going to make it. So, what did we do?

We improvised.

We pulled our vehicles over and had a quick discussion. After a few minutes, we reached a consensus: we would stop right where we were and make the best of what Boulder Mountain had to offer. It turned out to be a fortuitous decision.

We quickly fanned out across the area, each of us scouting on our own for good compositions. We didn't see each other for several hours. When all was said and done, we both came away with images we were happy with. Marc made this beauty, and I created the image you see below.

Improvisation and adjusting on-the-fly had turned lemons into lemonade for us. Later that night, we camped on Boulder Mountain and celebrated a successful trip with a roaring fire and our good friend Don Julio. ^_^

Tree of Triumph

Celebrating With Don

Eat your heart out, Bob Marley.

Zion.

If you listen to reggae music, then you've no doubt heard that word many times. In the world of reggae, Zion refers to a Utopian place of unity, peace and freedom. Heaven, if you will.

So, knowing that, it just seems natural that they named Zion National Park like they did. There's a reason it's one of the most visited national parks in the world: it's heaven on Earth.

I'm not going to launch into a big speech about the wonders of Zion National Park -- a few minutes with your good friend Google is all you need. Plus, it'll save you the horrors of witnessing my attempts at eloquence. Nope, I'm just going to show you my favorite image I made while there on a moonlit sunset last November. You know what they say: a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, it's probably worth two thousand of my words. ^_^

As always a larger version can be seen HERE in my Landscape Galleries. Until next time, take care.

"Zion Twilight"

I usually hate getting carded...

...but not this time.

Recently, three of my images (specifically: this one, this one, and this one) were selected by Sun Day Greetings for use in their greeting card line. They sent me some samples of the cards, and I must say that they're pretty nicely done. Stop by their site and check 'em out!

That's about all I have for now. I've been busy writing a photo essay about St. Croix for publication on Nature Photographers Online Magazine. When it's done, I'll be sure and post it here. Until then, take care. And send a card to someone you love! ^_^