Dan’s Blog

"Look through the whole viewfinder"

Mon, 17 May 2010 11:52:35 -0700

When you are excited about a subject; the creative juices flow, you compose quickly, figure your depth of field, shutter speed, ISO, adjust all those settings, and try to squeeze all that in before the image goes away....

I am addicted to shooting quickly, and this often results in unintended “stuff” in the photograph. One of the most difficult things I have learned is to slow down a bit, and scan my eye around the entire view finder. It is amazing how many times I see "that dead twig", "the off color", "the plastic bottle", or something that I really wouldn't want in the photo. Take that extra second to check, see, and recompose. It is amazing how many times just a bit of “foot zooming” will make the difference between a fantastic image and a cull.

The center of interest is the key to your image, take a moment to make sure that you are including only what you want. That extra “stuff” will many times be the first thing that your viewers will notice, & that is not the message you want to tell.

"Don't stop shooting after the sun goes down"

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:54:30 -0700

A well thought out composition will fall flat if you don't have some kind of special light. It is normally best to leave the camera in the bag during the middle of the day - the light is harsh, bright white, full of deep shadows, and often just plain uninspiring. The most magical times are just before sunrise and just after sunset. The light turns warm, looses a lot of the scattered blue rays, contrast becomes softer, and life starts to settle down for the night - or is waking up for the day. This is normally dinner or breakfast time - some times it is better to just go hungry!

Canyon country - Winter journey

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:20:34 -0800

It’s been a while between entries – so here is a bit about my latest journey. 10 days in 2 of the 4 corners – Zion, Paria/Vermilion, Moab, The Comb, and Canyon de Chelly. Absolutely super – nice and cold, a lot of snow, a bit of rain, really friendly folks, and wonderful stories from a Navajo Grandmother – Sally Tsosie. My traveling buddy Alex, did most of the driving & cooking and more or less put up with my snoring. I broke out the high altitude tent, sleeping bag and parka & they worked out just fine – it was a bit chilly on a few nights.

The truck ran over 2000 miles on vegetable oil and bio diesel. We stopped only once for a top off of 20 gallons of regular diesel. It felt really strange passing by gas stations! (the veg oil actually almost smells good – a big difference from the diesel!)

I am becoming a huge fan of the red rock and cap rock country – April is almost convinced for a spring break trip into the Escalante Staircase .... (the two Navajo necklaces were a big help)

Gypsy Marie and Timothy

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:13:37 -0700

On October 17th, 2009, Gypsy Marie Luna and Timothy Beard started the next phase of their journey with a wonderful ceremony and celebration. They
were attended and cheered by family and
friends at the historic Camarillo Ranch,
located in Camarillo California.

Click “Read More” for a slideshow of the day.

Lisa and Michael

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:42:51 -0700

Saturday, August 22, 2009 Lisa Worley and Michael Ryan celebrated their marriage on a bluff overlooking Zaca Creek and the Los Olivos wine country. The Ceremony and Reception were hosted graciously by the Firestone Vineyard & Winery, Los Olivos.
This day was extra special for us, as I had watched Michael grow through Cubs and become an Eagle Scout. Mike and Lisa will be heading for Texas and Mississippi, where Mike will be an Air Force flight instructor.

Please click below on “Read more” for a slideshow and access to the photographs..
Their photographs are now available for viewing and purchase! The link follows the slide show.