Uploads from David Shield Photography, with geodata

Convict Lake Sunrise

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Wed, 08 May 2013 08:24:08 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Convict Lake – Mammoth Lakes – Eastern Sierras

www.davidshieldphotography.com/

Using the same processing methods as my previous post, this was the version I liked best. Once I have processed a couple more images through each program, I will reveal the program I was most impressed with. This particular image version was not processed using Capture One software.

This was a good image to experiment with, as I originally posted this shot a few years ago, using Photomatix HDR software. Being new to digital photography at that time, I believed that HDR was the best way to produce the most evenly exposed images.

This image was taken in 2009, on my mother’s birthday, so that was another reason to post this newest version, this week.

Happy Mother’s Day mum, and to all precious mothers everywhere!

Nikon D700
18-35 f/3.5 at 30mm
1/6 Second
f/22
ISO 200
Polarizer
Manfrotto Tripod
Giottos Ballhead

Inflating the Colors

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:51:02 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

As all my recent travel plans have been canceled last minute, due to weather related conditions, I thought it would be a good time to experiment with optional workflows. Specifically, I was curious to try other software programs that are known to include full featured RAW conversion tools.

I began by downloading trial versions of what I believe to be the most popular software programs for RAW conversion. These are Adobe Lightroom 4, Capture One Pro 7, DxO Optics Pro and Oloneo’s HDR+RAW software. Downloading the software and completing conversions on two images took an entire afternoon; however I was both pleased and a little surprised with my initial findings.

After running the first test image through each program, the image posted above was the version I liked the most. Once I have completed conversions on at least three or four different images, I will likely publish a more in-depth review of my favorite program, as part of a blog.

The image itself is another shot I took during the inflation of a hot air balloon. I purposely chose the most colorful balloons for this type of shot, in an attempt to capture very bright vivid images. This shot was originally captured using a Pentax 645 camera and Fujichrome Velvia. The transparency was scanned and saved to a disc.

First test image favorite: Capture One Pro 7

www.davidshieldphotography.com

Ansel Adams Wilderness

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:14:14 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Mt. Ritter, Mt. Banner – Ediza Lake – Ansel Adams Wilderness

www.davidshieldphotography.com

This area is one of the prime wilderness destinations in all of the Eastern Sierras. Of the many trails that begin near the town of Mammoth Lakes, the Agnew Meadows Trailhead leads hikers and backpackers to a multitude of beauty and solitude. The trailhead follows the Shadow Creek drainage, up to Shadow Lake. From there, hikers can choose to head towards Ediza Lake, Thousand Island Lake or Garnet Lake. Either of those choices will not disappoint, and will reward outdoor enthusiasts with arguably some of the most pristine vistas to be found anywhere in the wilderness.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be; DO NOT forget mosquito repellant!

Nikon D700
18-35 f/3.5 at 28mm
1/13 Second
f/22
ISO 200
Polarizer
Manfrotto Tripod
Giottos Ballhead

Sierra Wilderness Sunrise

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:39:54 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

North Peak and Shamrock Lake - 20 lakes Basin - California

www.davidshieldphotography.com

This is the area I chose for my first Sierra backpacking experience. This view is just one of the rewards attained after hiking about 3.5 miles from the trailhead located at the parking lot next to Saddlebag Lake, which is about 2 miles from Yosemite National Park’s eastern boundary.

I posted a similar shot back in 2009; however this is a slightly wider version, and one that I processed using my current post-process workflow. As mentioned in previous posts, my current workflow concentrates on optimizing white-balance, for accuracy and of course for my own output style.

For a sense of scale, look closely just to the right of center where a small tent is visible with even smaller reflection.

Nikon D700
18-35mm f/3.5 at 26mm
0.3 Seconds
f/22
ISO 200
Polarizer
Manfrotto Tripod
Giottos Ballhead

Painted Ladies City Twilight

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 07:57:39 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Painted Ladies – Alamo Square – San Francisco

www.davidshieldphotography.com

I took this image of the famous row houses known as the Painted Ladies, last December. It’s one of those images I thought would be a good addition to my portfolio. As this view has been photographed many times, I would like to attempt to shoot this scene in a slightly different way. Therefore, I will return to this spot in the future, as I have an idea to capture a version that might stand out a little from the masses.

Nikon D7000
16-85mm f/3.5 at 50mm
15 Seconds
f/8
ISO 125
Gitzo Tripod
Vanguard Ballhead

Spiraling

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:02:13 -0800

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Mechanics Library - San Francisco

www.davidshieldphotography.com

This second post, captured during my recent interior shoot, was taken from one landing lower than my previous post. For this shot, I specifically wanted to show as much detail of the lower railing as possible. As there is one main area of wall in this shot, I decided to also do some extra post-processing, and add some punch to the yellow tone. For this, I used two Photoshop layers; one for Color Balance, and one for Hue/Saturation.

Nikon D7000
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 at 11mm
5 Seconds
f/11
ISO 125
Gitzo Tripod
Vanguard Ballhead

As I experienced surprising success with my ‘Lighting the Past’ Berkeley Pier shot, both through my website and Flickr, I wanted to share my latest blog, explaining what was for me the secret to reviving that particular image.

The Blog: davidshieldphotography.wordpress.com/

This Spiral Coil

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 07:32:24 -0800

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Mechanic’s Library – San Francisco

www.davidshieldphotography.com

I felt very privileged to be granted access to photograph this beautiful old spiral staircase, located in Downtown San Francisco’s Mechanic’s Library. For me, this is a very rare interior shoot; however I had a great time.

Getting shots of this scene is totally about concentration. What did I want to include in the images I took from here, and what did I want to exclude from the scene?

IN: A pleasing composition, exposed correctly throughout as much of the image as possible and with sufficient sharpness from back to front, or in this case; top to bottom. Being able to use a tripod makes achieving this, a lot easier.

OUT: Camera strap, tripod feet, and even my own feet. If you have attempted to photograph something like this with a wide-angle lens, you will know exactly what I am talking about. Being able to use a tripod makes achieving this, a lot harder. :-)

Nikon D7000
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 at 11mm
1.6 Seconds
f/11
ISO 125
Gitzo Tripod
Vanguard Ballhead

Lighting the Past

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:18:45 -0800

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Old Berkeley Pier – Berkeley – California

www.davidshieldphotography.com/

I am so looking forward to getting back into my photography work. I plan to get back to shooting this week, for the first time since the beginning of December.

I have had several images to post; however decided to wait until I had more time to correspond. I am starting with this image taken in April, last year. I had initially decided not to even process shots from this first visit to Berkeley Pier, due to the plain sky. I have since returned to this spot, and posted an image featuring some nice cloud cover. When reviewing this image a second time, I decided that I did like the overall light in the scene, and therefore, just recently processed this and added it to my website.

After two attempts at capturing this view, there are elements I like from both shots; however at least one more shoot at this location is needed to capture the shot I want.

Nikon D7000
16-85mm f/3.5 at 70mm
173 Seconds
f/22
ISO 125
B+W ND Grad
Singh-Ray ND Grad
Manfrotto Tripod
Giottos Ballhead

Watchman and Virgin River

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 08:38:01 -0800

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Watchman and Virgin River - Zion National Park - Utah

Close to the main entrance of the park and just off the road, is this impressive view, captured during an autumn sunrise. Another American icon; this image is one of my personal favorites.

Shot with a Mamiya 6 and Fujichrome Velvia, rated at ISO 40. No filters.

www.davidshieldphotography.com/

Iconic Peace

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 07:58:30 -0800

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Schwabacher's Landing - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming

I wanted to begin 2013, with an image that contains both meaning and emotion. On December 19, 2012, I became a United States Citizen, so I knew that I wanted to post an image of one of America's most iconic views. However, I felt even more emotion after the tragedies that recently took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

My thought was to name this image 'Iconic Peace' wishing that one day peace will become as iconic as the beauty of nature we have become so happily use to.

On this cold morning, there were no clouds in the sky to dramatize the scene. As I could not settle on a less photographed composition, I decided to wait until a good part of the mountain peaks were bathed in sunlight. I attached a polarizing filter to my lens, and turned it until the color was at its most vivid. Although rather chilly, it was a perfectly calm morning, and I was able to capture yet another perfect mirror of The Teton Range.

Happy and Peaceful New Year to All!

www.davidshieldphotography.com/

Morning Sunlit Tree Tunnel

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 07:44:18 -0800

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Tree Tunnel - Point Reyes National Seashore

www.davidshieldphotography.com/

This tree tunnel shot was not part of my original itinerary; however after setting up and waiting for sunset at one of the local beaches, high winds started to kick up. After similar conditions led to my D700 being out of commission for a while, I had to abort the sunset shoot and figure out what I wanted to do for sunrise.

After much thought, I drove to this spot. By this time, it was dark; however I noted that sunrise was going to be behind me. Therefore, I returned here in the morning and set up. I waited until the sun was just high enough to cast warm orange light on the trees, and took the shot.

One of the easier shots I have taken, with neither a dramatic story nor dramatic image to present. No complaints though, as I am happy enough to have been able to capture this pleasant scene.

Nikon D7000
16-85 mm f/3.5 at 62mm
1 Second
f/16
ISO 125
(No Filters)
Gitzo Tripod
Vanguard Ballhead

Where Land Meets Sky

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 08:07:13 -0800

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Lake Champlain - Vermont

www.davidshieldphotography.com

It was great to find this slide of a colorful sunset I captured while in Burlington, Vermont. The bad thing was that the slide was very dusty, so I cleaned it up the best I could, before having it scanned onto a disc.

I am 99.99% sure that I used a Nikon F100 camera and Fujichrome Velvia film, to capture this moment.

Enchanted Road Home

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 07:13:09 -0800

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Route 1 Coast Highway – Sonoma County - California

Well, I have been very busy lately, and I expect my time on Flickr to be a little sporadic for a while. I started leading workshops last month; one to Mono Lake and the other at Sand Harbor. The workshops were small in size, but a lot of fun. I used to lead larger workshops in Utah and Oregon, and I am happy to be getting back into this field, albeit slowly.

This is the image I used in my latest blog post. For no particular reason, as I could have used almost any other of my images. I just wanted to post this short, from-the-heart commentary.
The Blog: davidshieldphotography.wordpress.com/

Packing up your gear after a couple of hard days shooting and scouting, then beginning the drive back home doesn’t always mean that there will be no more photo opportunities. I noticed a few scenes similar to this one, while driving this stretch of road. As this particular scene immediately evoked a workable composition, I pulled to the side of the road and set-up.

Nikon D700
18-35mm f/3.5 at 35mm
1/100 Second
f/13
ISO 200
Singh-Ray ND Grad
Manfrotto Tripod
Giottos Ballhead

Mono Morning Glow

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 08:08:18 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

South Tufa – Mono Lake

www.davidshieldphotography.com

This was from the calm after the previous evening’s storm. I have had a few images ready to be posted; however I didn’t want to post a new image until I caught up with comments. I am still in the process of checking out newer images from contacts.

While this image does not have the more colorful sky found in my Mono Lake Symphony image, I appreciated being part of a tranquil late summer sunrise here. Once again, I used a 10-stop grad to enhance color and light. Using this grad also creates a small dramatic effect, by showing cloud movement, which adds a sense of dimension, while also contrasting quite well with what one might perceive to be a calm and peaceful scene.

Nikon D7000
16-85mm f/3.5 at 25mm
81 Seconds
f/22
ISO 125
B+W ND Grad
Singh-Ray ND Grad
Gitzo Tripod
Vanguard Ballhead

Sunset Curtain Call at Seljalandsfoss

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 09:58:18 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Seljalandsfoss – Iceland

www.davidshieldphotography.com/

This image inspired my latest blog post for two reasons. First, due to the nature of the conditions here, I did not expect to get this shot. You have to wonder why out of about 50 photographers, only me and two other people were set up behind the falls. A soaking spray from the waterfall made it extremely difficult to avoid getting water droplets on the lens. I set my aperture to f/8, to allow for a shorter exposure and less chance for droplets, and quickly placed the lens cap over the lens in-between each exposure.

The main reason for the blog was to present a Photoshop Tutorial. The way I processed this image is nothing new; however if you have not tried this processing technique, I can tell you that it is one of my favorite, and once you get through the small learning curve you may not need or want to go back to alternate techniques. Whether you use on-camera filters, HDR software, or are simply looking for a way to process better pictures from imperfect exposures, this image blending technique is priceless.

You can find the information in my blog, here:
davidshieldphotography.wordpress.com/

This processing technique has been a go-to option for both pros and novices for a long time. There is much more reference material available in books or on the internet that describes this technique.

Nikon D7000
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 at 11mm
2-Image Blend (No Filters)
f/8
ISO125
Gitzo Tripod
Vanguard Ballhead

Mono Lake Symphony

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:55:58 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Being a Landscape Photographer is not just about standing around for hours taking pictures. It’s about standing around for hours waiting for a moment.

Two hours earlier: There I was again, wondering if all my planning and scene envisioning was going to come to nothing. On this occasion, I was standing in the pouring rain at Mono Lake, looking up to the sky trying to decide whether to laugh or cry. I just stood there for probably 30 minutes, when all of a sudden my attention was drawn to the western skies. For it was there that I could see that the storm was coming from, and it was from the West that I could now see some patches of blue beginning to form.

As sunset drew closer, I determined which area of the sky would provide the best chance for drama and color, and then set up my tripod and camera so I could capture the unfolding moments.

Even though there were other potentially good views worth shooting, I decided to concentrate on this one scene. I shot different exposures, to capture the scene in various ways while the changing light painted it’s colorful brush strokes. I used a four-minute exposure for this particular image, to extract as much color and drama as possible from the scene.

Nikon D7000
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 at 14mm
241 Seconds
f/11
ISO 125
B+W ND Grad
Singh-Ray ND Grad
Gitzo Tripod
Vanguard Ballhead

Precious Life

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:19:12 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Skógafoss – Iceland

Visiting this waterfall was not part of my original itinerary; however I was just about to drive past it when it appeared rain was about to settle in for the rest of my trip. I decided to stop here as this would probably be my last chance for a shoot.

As it was very overcast, I waited for the crowds of onlookers to dissipate until there was eventually just one person at the base of the falls gazing up at its enormous power and beauty.

Nikon D7000
16-85mm f/3.5 at 85mm
1/125 Second
f/8
ISO 125
Gitzo Tripod
Vanguard Ballhead

Evening Light at Kirkjufellsfoss

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:22:15 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Kirkjufellsfoss - Iceland

www.davidshieldphotography.com/

If only I could turn back time! Soon after touching down in Reykjavik, I began the 4-hour drive to Grundarfjordur, to photograph highly picturesque Kirkjufellsfoss.

Upon arrival I quickly located this view; one of which I planned to photograph in this area. I decided to scout the area first; however feeling very tired after my travels I decided to check-in to a motel and get some rest before shooting throughout that evening and night. The next thing I remember was waking up realizing that I had slept through both sunset and sunrise…What a lightweight!

Considering that this was a short trip, I wanted to stick to my planned itinerary, and continued to the next destination. Luckily, while scouting out the area during the previous day I was able to capture this particular image. As good early evening light was present, I opted to experiment with this scene, by using a 10-stop grad filter for a long exposure.

Nikon D7000
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 at 14mm
100 Seconds
f/11
ISO 125
B+W ND Grad
Gitzo Tripod
Vanguard Ballhead

Once Upon a Time in Berkeley

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 08:08:19 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Old Berkeley Pier – Bay Area – California

To make a long story short; shooting in the Bay Area this past weekend was plan D! Even shooting in Berkeley on Sunday morning was plan B. However, I am glad that I made it here, as I have been trying to get this shot for over a year now. The first two times I visited this area, there were either no clouds or too many. The sky was finally decent for this third attempt. I like the color in this scene; however I would like to capture something similar in the future, but with better detail and color definition in the Golden Gate Bridge.

The evening before was spent shooting a view of Downtown San Francisco from a location I have not shot from before. This is yet another ongoing project, due to that scene being partially obscured by low grey clouds and fog.

Nikon D7000
16-85mm f/3.5 at 72mm
79 Seconds
f/11
ISO 125
B+W ND Grad Filter
Singh-Ray ND Grad Filter
Gitzo Tripod
Vanguard Ballhead

Seljalandsfoss Morning View

nobody@flickr.com (David Shield Photography) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 07:37:03 -0700

David Shield Photography posted a photo:

Seljalandsfoss - Iceland

Never underestimate the importance of travel!

During my recent visit to Iceland, I felt compelled to search for compositions that I had not seen in magazines or posted on the internet. There is something about new travel that I believe makes a landscape photographer look at scene composition more intensely. My latest blog goes in to a little more detail about this in a commentary regarding what I believe is a great subject for debate. “New Gear vs. New Travel.”

My Blog: davidshieldphotography.wordpress.com/

While I spent the previous evening photographing this waterfall from up-close, I decided to walk around the perimeter of the falls during the following morning and try to find a fresh location for a sunrise capture.

While not necessarily spectacular, I found great interest in this view. I liked the perspective and scene balance, and what is more important; no rain jacket was required to shoot this particular view.

Nikon D7000
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 at 14mm
0.8 Seconds
f/22
ISO 125
Singh-Ray ND Grad
Gitzo Tripod
Vanguard Ballhead