Uploads from Stuck in Customs, tagged field

And on the Way to Paradise…

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:14:37 -0700

On the way to Paradise, New Zealand is Glenorchy. Be sure to stop here and take a walk around their new boardwalks that go out through the wetlands. You better set aside 2-4 hours, like all the “little” walks around here!

Some days have the water at a pretty high level, and you can sometimes see nice shapes like this one here.

- Trey Ratcliff

Click here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.

Tom with the Horse

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:27:44 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

The first time Tom and I took photos of horses was on Oahu. This was our second horse-encounter here in New Zealand! He got up close with his fisheye while I backed up with the 70-200 f/2.8 to get this shot.

I really like those mountains behind Tom. I want to get a shot of them this winter when they are all covered in snow!

- Trey Ratcliff

Click here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.

Sheep Says Baaaaa

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:11:58 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

I know I sound like a total tourist, but I still like watching sheep. Maybe because I’ve lived here less than a year, but they are still fun for me to watch. They kind of move around like lily pads on a pond, in kind of a random way. Every now and then they line up and run to one area or another, but it’s mostly random drifting. And it’s fun for me to catch the random drifting and try to compose something interesting. As more and more sheep enter the frame, it cranks up the degree of difficulty, like Olympic diving!

- Trey Ratcliff

Click here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.

Wild Horses in Queenstown

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:21:57 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

This is Max Patte’s latest creation. I saw them by accident while I was playing golf at The Hills here. I came over the hill to this little par 3 and I thought they were real! I was so shocked… it was a very strange reaction, actually. I’ll never forget it. It was surreal… and I love that feeling of not knowing if something is real or fantasy, and really getting lost, even if just for a moment.

- Trey Ratcliff

Click here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.

The Lost Cliffs of Oahu

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 23:05:13 -0800

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

This is a very very very rare re-processing of a photo! I usually never go back to a work.. so, this is more the exception than the rule.But I started trying a few different things with Photomatix (that you can see in the Photomatix presets at the site), and I just like the overall feel of the photo better than the previous version. I don’t see myself going back to re-do whole swaths of photos… this one just grabbed me for some reason.

- Trey Ratcliff

Click here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.

Tableau Vivant Of Wild Horses

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 23:16:13 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

It was about 2 A.M. and the sun was just dipping into the horizon for a short stint. These horses were frolicking about in a huge flat field a bit inland from the end of the fjord. They were all so lively and alert, jumping and posing here and there. And then they set up in a very interesting configuration, and I barely had time to put on the right lens before it all drifted apart.

- Trey Ratcliff

Read the entire post at the Stuck in Customs blog.

Farm Between Fjords

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:46:01 -0800

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

The fjords of Northern Iceland weave in and out of the ocean, each one ending with a strong peninsula that juts out into the sea. Just on the inland side of these wide peninsulas, there are many lakes and little farms that sit nestled between little mountains and hillocks. They fit in so naturally that you almost don't even notice them. I try to take extra care to notice every one.

For this one, I got out of my car and went on a short hike over to this little stream that ran alongside the old home.

- Trey Ratcliff

Click here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.

Patagonia Alive

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:25:40 -0800

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

While walking across this open field in the Andes, I stopped countless times to open up my tripod. I'd only walk a short distance before looking around again and seeing everything anew.

I'd like to go back here on another epic hike. Perhaps I'll go in the deep of winter next time. This place would be even more amazing under a fresh snow.

- Trey Ratcliff

Read more (and see a behind-the-scenes video from the new app, Stuck on Earth) here at the Stuck in Customs blog.

Curving Around Iceland

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 09:37:59 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

Curving Around Iceland
Iceland is pretty. Do I have to keep saying it? Maybe I do... you know... you know how a girl likes to be reminded in a gentle way all the time that she is pretty? Yes, I guess I can extend this to Iceland... so... you may tire of me saying it, but I'll keep saying how pretty Iceland is.

- Trey Ratcliff

From the original entry here at the Stuck in Customs blog.

The Towering Rice Field

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:09:42 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

Once again back in Zhangjiajie. These spires are murder to walk up and down. I thought I was in reasonably good shape, but these things will suck the life out of you!

At the top of one of them, there is this lonely rice field just on the edge of a 1000+ foot drop. The whole place is beautiful, old, and beyond belief.

Horse in Landscape

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 02:41:36 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

Remember what I said a few days ago about reasons for no stopping for almost every horse photo in Iceland? Forget I said that. I don’t know what I was talking about. Go ahead and stop… I mean, how on earth can you pass this buy?
These horses remind me a bit of the sirens in Odysseus, distracting me from my destination… But, really, that analogy falls apart because I had no destination in mind, so I allow myself plenty of wonderful distractions.

- Trey Ratcliff

Green Mountain, Red House

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:02:41 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

"Is the house really THAT red?" my wife asks me. Yes, oh yes, it is... But now I am taking her to Iceland with me, so she can see these bright colors for herself...

I don't know if it's a Scandinavian thing or what, but we just don't see colorful houses like this in the states. I think we either have brick, or white, or slightly off-white, or perhaps a light beige, or maybe something daring like a mauve-eggshell-white... I mean, I'm just as bad... mine in stucco. I don't even think my homeowner's association would let me paint it red. But, knowing Austin, with a bright red house, we'd probably have a few commies show up in Che Guevara shirts, wondering where the free pizza is...

- Trey Ratcliff

Read more here at the Stuck in Customs blog.

The Golden Horse in Iceland

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Fri, 20 May 2011 09:17:53 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

The Golden Horse in Iceland
We worked on this one tonight in the webinar, and I hope people didn't get too bored. It's very strange, because I am talking to myself for over an hour, and I only get occasional feedback when Andrea stops watching reruns of Ricki Lake. Anyway, I'll just assume that people like seeing it, since people keep showing up.

Read more here at www.stuckincustoms.com.

Flowers in the Field

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 22:55:46 -0800

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

New Zealand is endlessly pastoral... scenic farm after scenic farm... so relaxing! Every so often, you come to one of these fields that full of thousands of colorful flowers. They seem to go so well with that soft, cornflower blue sky at those latitudes.

The only problem is talking yourself into stopping at one farm versus another! Because, you know... as a guy, I rank everything. I can't help it. So, I'm always comparing one little farm to the next little farm. And there is so little difference between Awesome Scene #1 vs. Awesome Scene #2, that I just get confused about which one to stop at... and then I keep diving hoping that a #3 will pop up making #1 and #2 seem like silly choices! But, of course, I always quickly realize that #1 and #2 were already perfectly amazing, so what the heck was I waiting for anyway?

from Trey Ratcliff at www.stuckincustoms.com

Natalia on the Farm

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:28:02 -0800

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

Natalia on the Farm
After getting back from one of those long hikes in Patagonia, I stayed with my Russian friends at a small hotel in El Chalten. It was a little family-run operation and the daughter Natalia helped out by running errands and these sorts of things. I took her around with me to take some photos in the little town, and she was happy to pose! It was plenty easy to find all kinds of interesting backgrounds, since El Chalten is a picturesque little town with old buildings, horses in fields, and mountainous backdrops.

Read more here at my travel photography blog, Stuck in Customs.

The Golden Knights are Bad Ass

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:54:37 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

The Golden Knights are Bad Ass
I have not had much time this weekend to process new photos, but I did take a moment to process this one.

This was taken during an evening demonstration on the night before OpenCamp began. It was an unforgettable night with the Knights! After falling a few miles from the sky, the skydivers would open up their chutes & pyrotechnics and let loose. Since I had jumped with them the day before, they let me get up close on the landing to get some tight shots.

from Trey Ratcliff at www.stuckincustoms.com

Running Wild, Across the Meadow

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:55:21 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

I was just returning from one little adventure and then I stumbled onto another one!

Every day, about this time, a few dozen horses from the ranch run free across the meadow to graze in distant pastures. They stay cooped up inside the corral for most of the day, so they love the chance to run free. The cowboy rides behind them, cracking his whip. It echoes through the valley and everything seems right in the world.

Read the rest (and help me pick my new phone!) here.

Pasture Sentinel

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:53:31 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

Pasture Sentinel
After I drove through Nelson, I was ripping along the highway and noticed an old farmhouse. I'm not sure how I noticed it, but the area was so different, I just had to stop. I spent 90% of my time taking photos of the farmhouse, and on the way back, I saw this tree. It stood solitary and wonderful; I had to grab a shot.

from the blog www.stuckincustoms.com

Chihuly in Space

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:49:10 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

Daily Photo - Chihuly in Space
I know you guys don't get tired of the Chihuly pieces, and neither do I! In fact, I like this one so much that I use it as my desktop wallpaper.

Just as much thought goes into lighting these as it does the creation. I always wonder if he has the "lighting scenario" in mind when forming the piece and its colors. Or maybe, it's just so awesome and naturally formed that it looks good under any kind of light. Heck, it would probably even look good in a 7-11 at 1 AM when all the pasty-lonely people stumble in for a Big Gulp and a Snickers. I can say this because I am often one of those people.

By the way, you all are free to use my images as desktop wallpaper, for fun, on your blogs, etc. That is the beauty of the Creative Commons license. If you are going to use them for any commercial purposes whatsoever, contact licensing at stuckincustoms.com -- the team there will take care of you.
Charging the iPad Problems
Having trouble charging your iPad? I've updated my HyperMac Review a bit with information on how I am using it to keep things charged on the road. My Macbook Pro just ain't cuttin' it!

I also have much greater luck when plugging it directly into the wall with the plug that was included. In just a few hours, the iPad is full. The USB connection to my new MacBook Pro just charges it way too slow! I think we have all gotten used to how fast the iPhone charges... and the iPad is just a different beast. I will keep testing the this battery thing and let you know how many charges it can supply... I'll update the HyperMac review here when I figure it out. Anyway, there are two options for your charging the iPad problems - hope they help!
from the blog www.stuckincustoms.com

The Valley of Abundance

nobody@flickr.com (Stuck in Customs) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:53:03 -0700

Stuck in Customs posted a photo:

Daily Photo - The Valley of Abundance
I started the day in Queenstown and decided to cut out early because it was too stormy. That was too bad, because I was really excited about going up the mountain to do the street-luge. I did it near Rotorua on the north island and had a great time.

Anyway, I was disappointed to leave, but I had a good feeling about where I was going to next towards Milford Sound. The feeling paid off, because I found this place as the sun was setting! This valley could have been more perfect, but I just don't know how! On this one, I used my 70-200mm lens, which is typically not a lens I use a lot for landscapes. I made a little handheld video that I am going to get edited together for the newsletter crowd to see first!
Updated Camera Recommendations and Equipment List
People commonly ask me how to get an "HDR Camera" (see link for recommendations). Well, I have to tell them that there is no such thing as an "HDR Camera". But there are certain types of cameras that are better at making HDR photos than others. The secret to HDR is not really in the camera, but in the software and process. If you are new, I have all that laid out in my HDR Tutorial.

I used to recommend the Nikon D40 as a good entry-level camera, but I just can't do it any more. Yes, you can make a decent HDR out of a single RAW file, which the D40 can certainly do, but it is not always optimal. I have organized the three categories of camera into "Good", "Better", and "Best" to make it simple for people that are just getting into the sport.

I talk to thousands of people that are new to photography (or just about to get more serious about it), and you'd be surprised how many people ask me, "So where do I get an HDR Camera?" The most important thing is that your camera can do auto-bracketing. I only know about and recommend Nikon cameras -- I am just not all that familiar with Canon. Although, if you have a Canon DSLR camera, you should be just fine.
New Newsletter Soon - Free How-To Video
If you like the photo above, I have a how-to video that will be included with the newsletter. It's free, and I promise not to spam you. I send about one per month, and try to fill them up with beautiful things... The newsletter is spreading like wildfire! If you are not yet on it, fill out the simple form at stuckincustoms.com and get ready...

from the blog www.stuckincustoms.com