Wishing you and yours a Healthy, Happy and Festive Holiday season from all of us at Planet Chey Photographic Gallery. Peace!Friday, December 11, 2009
Happy Holidays!
Wishing you and yours a Healthy, Happy and Festive Holiday season from all of us at Planet Chey Photographic Gallery. Peace!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Many Faces of Buddha Photo Project.
For years I have been fascinated by Buddha and how he looks different from region to region - I started photographing Buddha in many forms and have entitled my project "Many Faces of Buddha" - my hope is to get the chance to travel to Asia, Indonesia, Thailand and any other regions that have followed Buddhism and compile a collection of photos to be part of a book project. I have started a Facebook page to let you share your photos of Buddha with the world - wouldn't it be fun to see how many pictures of Buddha we can collect - I know there are some beautiful ones out there and I'd love to see them - so become a FAN on Facebook and share your good karma - Namaste'. http://www.facebook.com/cheyenne.rouse?v=feed&story_fbid=223754270375#/pages/Many-Faces-of-Buddha-Photo-project-by-Cheyenne-L-Rouse/138718132565?ref=tsAspens in Black & White
Aspens in Black & White - now that the snow has fallen and there are really no bright colors to speak of in the "Stands of Aspen" they almost look Black & White to me - I just love Black & White - don't you? Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Find us on Facebook
Please join us on Facebook - keep up with Gallery postings, photo workshop and tour announcements as well as Photo Tips and some of my favorite Photo Locations! http://www.Facebook.com/Planet.Chey.Photo.Gallery
Rock Art & Ruins SW Photo Tours!!
Photograph and learn about the mystical places throughout the SW with Cheyenne. With her photo expertise and degree in American Indian Studies (with an emphasis on the Ancient SW) - you are sure to feel the magic of the SW like she does!
Contact Cheyenne at 435.640.6880 or chey.rouse@gmail.com for more information. Spring trips are booking NOW!
Contact Cheyenne at 435.640.6880 or chey.rouse@gmail.com for more information. Spring trips are booking NOW!Saturday, October 3, 2009
We made the COVER of the 2010 Lonely Planet Extreme Travel Calendar!
How exciting - One of my Adventure Sports photos made the cover of the 2010 Lonely Planet Extreme Travel Calendar!! It's always nice when your hard work pays off and you actually get to see your photos published - my agents handle all of my sales now and I don't often see where my photos end up being published all over the world - so it was nice to get a copy of this calendar in the mail!Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Magic Aspens - Original Fine Art Photograph - 11x16
Original Fine Art Photograph - Signed by Cheyenne L Rouse Title: Magic Aspens
Photographer: Cheyenne L Rouse
Size: 11x16 - Glossy Color Print*
*I used a special computer software, which I don't often do, to give this photograph a watercolor painting qualtiy - the colors are so brilliant and beautiful, it would make a gorgeous framed piece in any home or office.
Location: Christmas Meadows, Uinta Mts, Utah
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Color or Black and White?
The Great Salt Lake in both color and black and white - which do you prefer? I call these photos "Cotton Candy Clouds" - guess I had a little influence from going to the Utah State Fair the night before!
All rights reserved (c) Cheyenne L Rouse
All rights reserved (c) Cheyenne L RouseSaturday, September 12, 2009
September Photo Tip: Chasing Light
Chasing Light© Cheyenne L Rouse
When people used to ask me what I did for a living I said, “Well, I chase light for a living” and of course they always looked at ime like I was crazy – ok, maybe I am but there was a method to my madness when it comes to light. Light can make or break a photograph – if you have flat dull lighting then the result is of course, a flat, dull picture – unless you know some tricks of the trade to work with. If you have warm dramatic light then you have a PHOTOGRAPH!! I would (and still do) chase light until I found DRAMA – to me a photograph should evoke emotion and that is what I worked for – color, drama and emotion. Here are some basic lighting tips that might help you find the drama too.
Direct Sunlight Natural light
is usually the best type of light source. Since the sun is the source of all natural light, it is important to understand that there is no such thing as "bad sun light" in a photo; you just need to learn how to use the available light rather than fight it. For example, direct sunlight is a very hard light that creates more shadows and extreme contrast levels between light and dark colors. This could be great for a black and white photo, but maybe not for a color portrait. So, if direct light will not work for you, you can try to diffuse the light by partially blocking it with a sheet or a diffuser, which is a piece of equipment most pro photographers carry. Or, you can find some shade to place your subject in.
Overcast Sunlight or Window Light
Contrary to direct sunlight, an overcast sky or light from a window will give a softer, more diffused light to your photo. You will see less of a contrast between black and white colors with this kind of light. Many photographers prefer overcast light to direct sunlight because it is generally easier to work with, especially if you are photographing people (people also tend to squint in direct light).
Experiment with Different Kinds of Light
The only way to really understand what different types of light does to your photos is to get comfortable shooting in all kinds of light. For example, go outside and take a shot of someone or something in the direct sun (no shade). Then, place the same subject in an open shaded area and take the shot. Try again on an overcast day, and try a shot in the direct sun but using a sheet or diffuser to block the light coming into the shot. Also, try "bouncing" the light by using light that is reflected off a building as your main light source. See how many different light scenarios you can photograph, then go back and examine the effect on each picture. This will give you a great understanding of what different light does to your pictures: how it affects the tone/mood, the color contrast, and other elements in the photo. Also, pay attention to how different light changes the color temperature of the photo. Is there a shift in color from one photo to the next? Does one look colder or warmer than the others? There is no right or wrong way; it's all a matter of what you are after in your shot.
Indoor Light and Flash
Indoor photography comes with its own set of lighting varieties and challenges. Try the same experiment I suggested above indoors: use natural light from a window with no flash, a direct flash in a dark room, a direct flash in a partially lit room, a diffused flash, a bounced flash, low light (candle), and so on. The idea is to experiment and get as comfortable as you can with as many light situations as possible. That way, you are prepared for almost every lighting scenario.
Happy shooting!
http://PlanetChey.Etsy.com
http://www.cheyennerouse.com/
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Photo Location: Mesa Arch - WOW!!!
MESA ARCH
© Cheyenne L Rouse
Location facts: Imagine a magical red rock arch that lights up as it frames a vast wilderness of towers, spires, mesas and canyons. Mesa Arch in Canyonlands NP in S Utah is another wonder of nature that will fill you with a sense of awe when you see it, especially when you see it at sunrise. The magic only happens at sunrise, so set your alarm; this is going to be an early day.
Skill rating: The short trail from the parking lot leading to the arch is rated EASY the hard part is waking up well before dawn to arrive before the sunrises.
Photo Tips: This could be one of the most exciting and anticipated pictures that I have ever taken. I had seen images of this arch in magazines many times and wondered for years where it was and finally, after a little detective work, I found it. Nowadays it is pretty easy to find the locations that you see in pictures with all of the information available . It also depends on how hard you want to work to get to a particular location; in this case the work is easy. Some of the locations that I have sought have meant days of backpacking through the wilderness or climbing a mountain to get the shot that I desired, so when I say that this location is easy I really mean it.
I suggest getting to Mesa Arch at least a half hour to 15 minutes before sunrise, the Visitors Center posted the sunrise and sunset times daily, this will give you time to find your spot and get set up. Due to the popularity of this arch you may find yourself tripod leg to tripod leg with other ambitious (some would say crazy) photographers. There is not much set up space as it is a pretty tight area, so the earlier that you can arrive the more likely you are to get the spot that you desire. Be careful not to get too close to the edge near the arch it is right on the rim of the canyon and one wrong step will land you on the White Rim Trail 1000 feet below.
When I shot Mesa Arch I arrived as early as I could to avoid any crowds, well I was too late as there were already a few photographers positioned and they were not terribly happy to see one more person added to the crowd. Certainly we would like to think, I know that I would, that we will be the only photographer that will be shooting in a particular location but unfortunately you will be hard pressed to find photo-solitude anymore, especially in S UT, it has become a photographers Mecca, the secret is out so expect company.
After you arrive and have chosen your spot, set up your camera and tripod and get out your lens, a 24-70mm lens will give you excellent results. If you have a fixed focal length then keep the other lenses at hand for a quick change as you will only have a short time (about 5-10 minutes) to capture the arch in all of it’s morning glory. If you have a zoom (I think they are indispensable) then you should be all set to shoot without a lens change.
No matter how bright the sky gets don’t shoot until the sun lights up the arch, it will be hard to be patient here because the scene is so amazing and your trigger (shutter) finger will be itching. Check your exposures, metering off of the sky above the arch is good or just go with the exposure that your camera chooses. I would suggest bracketing here to insure that you get the shot. Setting your aperture to a small setting (f/16 or higher) will maximize the depth of field. I think a horizontal shot works best here but you may want to experiment, put a longer lens on your camera and shoot a vertical, remember there are no rules so have a field day.
Take the time before the sun rises to look around and notice where you are; you are standing at one of the most amazing sunrise locations in the country. As you look through the arch you can see the La Sal Mountains looming in the distant, Washer Woman Arch and Airport Tower down in the canyon standing at attention waiting for the sun to rise. Just think, a huge segment of the population is sitting in morning traffic somewhere on a freeway at this very moment and you are here in the wide open wilderness that is Canyonlands NP, isn’t life great!
It is almost show time and you might be feeling the butterflies in your stomach about now, excited about the phenomenon that you are about to witness. Ok here goes, the sun is rising and the arch is starting to glow. The sun rises on the left side of the arch in summer and on the right side in the winter, which side is it on for you? By now the underside of the arch should be bathed in a rich intense red and you maybe be jumping up and down unable to contain yourself knowing that you are photographing such a beautiful and magical scene. Wait until you have finished shooting to do your jumping up and down!!
I also wanted a shot with a hiker on top of the arch and wondered how the other photographers would react to my desire. I politely asked if anyone would mind if my friend got on top of the arch. They didn’t seem to mind, most of them anyway, I got one grunt from the crowd but majority rules so my friend made his way up to the top of the arch. This arch is much smaller than it appears on in pictures; it is only about 50 feet long and 5 feet wide so use caution when you do this, as the drop into the canyon is a long one. Hiking on arches has always been discouraged by rangers but is not prohibited at least not at the time of this writing; you should check with the rangers first. The silhouette of the hiker on the arch has turned out to be one of my most popular shots; it is so inspirational and beautiful. I used an orange filter on a few shots for added drama, like this place needs anymore more drama added!
Recreational activities: The most common activity here seems to be photography although sightseeing and picnicking are popular too. Remember to use extreme caution when hiking on arches and canyon rims. Make sure to check with the rangers at the visitor’s center for hiking safety information and guidelines.
HOT TIPS
Best season: year round
Best time: sunrise
Best lens: Wide-angle - 24mm to 70mm lens
To view more Fine Art Photographs please visit http://PlanetChey.Etsy.com
Location facts: Imagine a magical red rock arch that lights up as it frames a vast wilderness of towers, spires, mesas and canyons. Mesa Arch in Canyonlands NP in S Utah is another wonder of nature that will fill you with a sense of awe when you see it, especially when you see it at sunrise. The magic only happens at sunrise, so set your alarm; this is going to be an early day.
Skill rating: The short trail from the parking lot leading to the arch is rated EASY the hard part is waking up well before dawn to arrive before the sunrises.
Photo Tips: This could be one of the most exciting and anticipated pictures that I have ever taken. I had seen images of this arch in magazines many times and wondered for years where it was and finally, after a little detective work, I found it. Nowadays it is pretty easy to find the locations that you see in pictures with all of the information available . It also depends on how hard you want to work to get to a particular location; in this case the work is easy. Some of the locations that I have sought have meant days of backpacking through the wilderness or climbing a mountain to get the shot that I desired, so when I say that this location is easy I really mean it.
I suggest getting to Mesa Arch at least a half hour to 15 minutes before sunrise, the Visitors Center posted the sunrise and sunset times daily, this will give you time to find your spot and get set up. Due to the popularity of this arch you may find yourself tripod leg to tripod leg with other ambitious (some would say crazy) photographers. There is not much set up space as it is a pretty tight area, so the earlier that you can arrive the more likely you are to get the spot that you desire. Be careful not to get too close to the edge near the arch it is right on the rim of the canyon and one wrong step will land you on the White Rim Trail 1000 feet below.
When I shot Mesa Arch I arrived as early as I could to avoid any crowds, well I was too late as there were already a few photographers positioned and they were not terribly happy to see one more person added to the crowd. Certainly we would like to think, I know that I would, that we will be the only photographer that will be shooting in a particular location but unfortunately you will be hard pressed to find photo-solitude anymore, especially in S UT, it has become a photographers Mecca, the secret is out so expect company.
After you arrive and have chosen your spot, set up your camera and tripod and get out your lens, a 24-70mm lens will give you excellent results. If you have a fixed focal length then keep the other lenses at hand for a quick change as you will only have a short time (about 5-10 minutes) to capture the arch in all of it’s morning glory. If you have a zoom (I think they are indispensable) then you should be all set to shoot without a lens change.
No matter how bright the sky gets don’t shoot until the sun lights up the arch, it will be hard to be patient here because the scene is so amazing and your trigger (shutter) finger will be itching. Check your exposures, metering off of the sky above the arch is good or just go with the exposure that your camera chooses. I would suggest bracketing here to insure that you get the shot. Setting your aperture to a small setting (f/16 or higher) will maximize the depth of field. I think a horizontal shot works best here but you may want to experiment, put a longer lens on your camera and shoot a vertical, remember there are no rules so have a field day.
Take the time before the sun rises to look around and notice where you are; you are standing at one of the most amazing sunrise locations in the country. As you look through the arch you can see the La Sal Mountains looming in the distant, Washer Woman Arch and Airport Tower down in the canyon standing at attention waiting for the sun to rise. Just think, a huge segment of the population is sitting in morning traffic somewhere on a freeway at this very moment and you are here in the wide open wilderness that is Canyonlands NP, isn’t life great!
It is almost show time and you might be feeling the butterflies in your stomach about now, excited about the phenomenon that you are about to witness. Ok here goes, the sun is rising and the arch is starting to glow. The sun rises on the left side of the arch in summer and on the right side in the winter, which side is it on for you? By now the underside of the arch should be bathed in a rich intense red and you maybe be jumping up and down unable to contain yourself knowing that you are photographing such a beautiful and magical scene. Wait until you have finished shooting to do your jumping up and down!!
I also wanted a shot with a hiker on top of the arch and wondered how the other photographers would react to my desire. I politely asked if anyone would mind if my friend got on top of the arch. They didn’t seem to mind, most of them anyway, I got one grunt from the crowd but majority rules so my friend made his way up to the top of the arch. This arch is much smaller than it appears on in pictures; it is only about 50 feet long and 5 feet wide so use caution when you do this, as the drop into the canyon is a long one. Hiking on arches has always been discouraged by rangers but is not prohibited at least not at the time of this writing; you should check with the rangers first. The silhouette of the hiker on the arch has turned out to be one of my most popular shots; it is so inspirational and beautiful. I used an orange filter on a few shots for added drama, like this place needs anymore more drama added!
Recreational activities: The most common activity here seems to be photography although sightseeing and picnicking are popular too. Remember to use extreme caution when hiking on arches and canyon rims. Make sure to check with the rangers at the visitor’s center for hiking safety information and guidelines.
HOT TIPS
Best season: year round
Best time: sunrise
Best lens: Wide-angle - 24mm to 70mm lens
To view more Fine Art Photographs please visit http://PlanetChey.Etsy.com
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Photo Tips: The Art of Photo Composition
The Art of Photo CompositionI am going to start this column by putting you on the spot and asking you, as one photographer to another, a very important question. When creating an image do you ask yourself what you would like to say with this particular image? Because we know that every picture is worth a thousand words…we want to make sure that those ‘thousand words’ are going to be a really dynamic ‘thousand words’.
What I am trying to say here is composition is key to making a statement with your photos. In my opinion, the difference between a snapshot and a photograph is the thought that went into composing the image. In most cases, before I head out to shoot I have a preconceived visual image in my head of what I would like to return with, sometimes down to very small details. Certainly I leave room for spontaneity, which can result in very nice images as well.
I am sure that you page through many magazines looking at other photographer’s work and certain images stop you in your tracks. What is it about that image that attracted you? Could it be an eye pleasing composition? Could it be how simple the shot is? Could it be the warm light? Maybe the image conveys a mood or moment in time that you can relate to. The fact is the image communicates something to you. That is what photography is all about…communication. Now see how important those ‘thousand words’ are?
Next time you are shooting a photo give yourself an assignment to just work on your composition. When your camera is all set up on your tripod (it better be!) look through your viewfinder and scan the entire frame. Believe it or not most people just glance through the viewfinder then wonder why a telephone pole is sticking out of the top of Fred’s head. They did not take the time to scan the viewfinder to see if there were any distracting details that could have been eliminated.
A common problem is trying to say too much with your photo. If there is too much going on in the photo it becomes a confusing and misunderstood photograph. Have ever had to explain a photo to someone? If you did then that photo had poor composition. A photo with good composition speaks for itself and draws your eye into it effortlessly. Keeping color to a minimum is a good starting point, try not to have too many colors in the image opposing and complimentary colors are nice. For instance if you are in the desert shooting a red rock scenic make sure you get some real blue sky in there to make that red rock stand out even further or a wildflower in bloom against the brilliant red rock.
Your lens choice will also effect your composition, try different lens for your shot; it is amazing how different focal lengths can change your composition. For that red rock landscape shot try a real wide angle (20mm) lens and then try a telephoto lens (200mm) and see which one you like better. There is no right or wrong only whether you like the final result or not.
The beauty of photography is that is has no rules (we like that) only guidelines. OK, there is one rule but that we will call it a guideline, the rule of thirds. This is when you visually divide your viewfinder into a grid of thirds or nine squares. This ‘rule’ has been used by painters and photographers for centuries and helps make for a balanced picture. The trick is to keep any subjects out of the center square; your photo will have much more impact if you keep your subject off to sides or at the intersections of these nine boxes. Placement of your subject too near to the edges of the frame can be very distracting and even confusing to the viewer. We want our images to have visual impact and interest don’t we?
When shooting action, whether it is hiking, running, skiing make sure that the subject is traveling ‘into’ the frame and not out of the frame. Or if the subject is standing still in the frame make sure they are looking into the frame and not out of the frame it helps lead the viewers’ eye into the image and not away from it.
Remember to take your time when ‘creating’ photographs; slow down, observe and analyze. Keep things simple. Look before you shoot. Here is a composition checklist to keep in mind next time you head out:
• Select your subject or theme
• Best camera position?
• Which lens should I use?
• What aperture and shutter speed?
• Vertical or horizontal?
• Subject position?
• Scan frame for distractions
• Now…wait for that decisive moment and shoot.
I know that I am always harping on you to experiment and enjoy the process…but I mean it! Don’t be afraid to shoot a lot of film – pixels (whatever you shoot) if a particular subject really attracts you. Don’t be timid with that camera, get out there and go for it! I hope these ideas and tips help you out. Please visit my online Photo Gallery on Etsy to view more of my work – www.PlanetChey.Etsy.com or my Stock Photography website – www.CheyenneRouse.com
Happy shooting!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
New Photographs added to Etsy Gallery
Summer is winding down and what a GREAT summer it was, ah still is, it's not over yet but I did put a FALL color photograph on my Gallery, just to psych myself up for the "next season". I have also added one of my favorite Sepia Cowboy Boot shots as well as a location that is VERY special to me; Mesa Arch in Canyonlands NP - there is NO better place to watch a summer sunrise....so inspiring! I hope your summer was a great one too!!!Sunday, July 5, 2009
Quote-O-Graphs on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFsVkQh8b9U - I posted a short video of my new collection of "Quote-O-Graphs" on YouTube - have a look....Quote-O-Graphs are my way of showcasing some of my favorite photography with some of my favorite inspirational quotes from Buddha to Rumi to Ralph Waldo Emerson - they make great gifts - custom orders taken.
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Wild Wild West on YouTube
Check out our new promo video on YouTube - it was fun to make - ain't technology GREAT! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhi50bV0owo - Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Earth Laughs....
"The Earth Laughs in Flowers" - one of my favorite quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson is now one of my favorite Quote-O-Graphs - have a look: 
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26874661
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26874661Custom orders are available!!!!
Planet Chey Photo Gallery featured on POE!
Hello everyone - I am proud to share some of my latest press - the Photographers of Etsy (P.O.E) is featuring my work and Gallery - http://photographersofetsy.blogspot.com/ - enjoy! Ann Wilkinson did a GREAT job - thank you! :o)
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Introducing Quote-O-Graphs
Intr
oducing my new line of "Quote-O-Graphs" - I am combining some of my favorite Fine Art Photographs with my favorite inspiring quotes. Quote-O-Graphs are also available as custom gifts - you tell me the quote or phrase you want on any photo in my collection (with in reason) and I will do my best to make it happen. Visit my Gallery and click on the "Quote-O-Graphs" section to see these inspiring photographs. http://PlanetChey.Etsy.com
oducing my new line of "Quote-O-Graphs" - I am combining some of my favorite Fine Art Photographs with my favorite inspiring quotes. Quote-O-Graphs are also available as custom gifts - you tell me the quote or phrase you want on any photo in my collection (with in reason) and I will do my best to make it happen. Visit my Gallery and click on the "Quote-O-Graphs" section to see these inspiring photographs. http://PlanetChey.Etsy.comTuesday, June 16, 2009
My Esty shop is "written up"!
Check out the Etsy Shop Spotlight (right sidebar) on the Mystic Wynd blog: http://mysticwynd.blogspot.com/ - just look for my orange Cowboy Sunset photo!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Labyrinths of Light - A Sacred Photo Journey
Below is an article that I wrote some years ago about one of the most amazing photo experiences I have had and feel very fortunate to have had it - keep in mind this trip was back in the days of film - remember those?!?! Enjoy! To see more of my photography please visit my website: http://www.cheyennerouse.com/ or my online Gallery: http://www.planetchey.etsy.com/ All photos and text on this blog are copyrighted by (C) Cheyenne L Rouse - All Rights Reserved 2009
Labyrinths of Light
There are rare jewels hidden throughout Northern Arizona and Southern Utah called slot canyons. To my knowledge this beautiful and sacred phenomenon occurs nowhere else on Earth. These meandering labyrinths of light scream to be photographed; the trick is how to capture them as you see them.
Slot canyons are challenging to photograph since they are usually very dim dark places with occasional beams of light that shine down in laser like rays. Film does not see, as much as we would like it to, the same way our eye sees. It sees mid-tones and the canyons are painted with a palette of very bright and very dark tones, this is what makes it kind of tricky to get a good exposure with the wide variation of tones.
My first trip to photograph a slot canyon was several years ago, but one I will not soon forget. It was magical and sacred to me. I had seen an image in a magazine of one of these ‘things’, at the time I did not know what they were called, I just knew that I had to find this location and photograph it for myself. So the detective work began, I asked around and showed the picture I had pulled from the magazine and I got a few leads then “Bingo”, I saw another photo with a caption that read “somewhere outside of Page, Arizona”. I figured that the hard part was over all I had to do was get to Page and I should be able to find a slot canyon from there.
I added Page, Arizona to my list of stops on my annual summer whirlwind road trip. I lived in San Diego at the time so when I finally got out on the road I crammed as many photo opportunities and locations in as I could into the two weeks. I lost a few travel partners “Slow down” “Can’t we stay here another day?” they would say, I would reply “No, I have to get all of these pictures shot before I go home”. So needless to say traveling alone became the norm for me. I had a strict itinerary and I ended up dropping more than one unhappy and tired travel partner at the airport when we reached a major city. I could see their eyes spinning in their head as they gathered their bags from the car and headed into the airport. I guess my warning wasn’t strong enough, “Only the hardy need apply”. I guess an indication that I was in too much of hurry was when I would clear their breakfast plates from under them and they weren’t even done yet! Hey, I’ve got places to go and people to see. Only have I learned over the years that good pictures take time and getting to know a place.
When I did get to Page I saw quite a few brochures and posters for slot canyon tours. Oh no, I thought someone else knows about these ‘things’. The word was just starting to circulate in the photo industry about ‘slots’ and I was in on the bottom floor.
The canyon that I wanted to photograph was called Antelope Canyon and it was on the Navajo Reservation, so a permit or guide was needed. I called around and the tours were kind of pricey and on a photographer’s road trip budget ‘tours’ weren’t included. I made one more phone call and spoke to a real nice guy who was also a photographer and we struck a deal for the next day. It was a 3-mile hike or 4WD in to the canyon and I did not want to hike in lugging all of my equipment and my car did not have 4WD. My guide said he had a big beefy Suburban with AC and good stereo; this was going to be fun!
Usually I am up at crack of dawn when on the road to catch that great sunrise shot. My guide said “Sleep in we don’t have to be in the canyon until around noon”. Yippee, I can get a bit more shuteye...NOT! Those of you who camp a lot know that the minute the sun starts it’s climb into the sky the whole world, in the campground anyway, wakes up. So much for that, I used my time wisely and got my road warrior vehicle all straightened up and organized.
I met my guide and his beefy Suburban at 11:00 at the agreed upon location and I climbed in and off we went. We drove outside of town for about 15 minutes and stopped at a gate and a Navajo man and my guide exchanged a few words and he then opened the gate. In we drove, arriving at a vertical slit in a rock wall and I got out of the car and walked in, my first impression was that I felt like I was in a holy place, it was so beautiful. The temperature outside was in the high 90’s inside the Cathedral Room, as it was called, it was in the 70’s. My guide had told me to bring pants and a long sleeve shirt, good suggestion. It got cooler the further back into the slot you when.
I was in such awe of this amazing place that I just wandered back through the canyon running my hands along the soft, cool sandstone walls. My guide motioned me over and said, “Wait until you see this”. I got my camera (28-70mm lens on) out and put it on the tripod and he told me to focus on the spot of light that was in front of me on the ground and he stood to the side of me and threw some of the red sand over the hot spot. It was magical a mystical beam of light appeared as if a flying saucer were over the canyon beaming it’s search light down, I was so struck by it that I forgot to shoot. So he did it over and over and I pushed the shutter button for as long as the beam lasted. I tried all sorts of speeds and exposures for this one and the best one was f/16 at 10 seconds. When in doubt, bracket your exposures. Remember, film is cheap coming back to the slot is not.
I use Fuji Sensia 100 ASA almost exclusively and was very happy with the results. I am sure Velvia would have done a very nice job but most of my shots are of action sports so I need that extra stop on my film. I found the best lens was my 28-70mm although with a long lens (300mm) you can aim up and capture some of the very dramatic curves with the light reflecting off of them. Exposures varied from f/16 at 20 seconds to f/22 at a ½ second. Exposures certainly depend on the time of day that you are in the canyon, as the light is constantly changing.
My guide left me alone and said he would be back in a couple of hours. Now I could just wander and enjoy the beauty and solitude. I felt like I had to whisper while I was in the canyon, this particular canyon was very sacred to the Navajo and I did not want to be disrespectful. Was I wandering around in their church? Sure felt like it. I saw maybe one or two other photographers; I was here on a good day. My guide said he has seen the Cathedral Room with photographer’s tripod legs overlapping each other, especially in the late afternoon when the western light hits the entrance wall and bathes the entire room in a warm orange glow. So I guess the secret was out about the slots and they forgot to tell me.
Speaking of the Cathedral Room, that was our next stop. My guide had returned and said it was ‘show-time’. We made our way through twists and turns to the main room; it was alive with every color of orange you could imagine, so warm and inviting. The photo gods were smiling on me that day; we were the only people in the room.
I wanted to get a shot of someone standing with a pack on in the middle of the room. I looked around to see who that ‘someone’ would be. I didn’t have much choice and no offense but I fit the model/victim profile better than he did. I set my camera up on my tripod again and got it all situated with the auto timer on, since I was going to be the victim. My guide suggested that I meter off of the highlights on the wall and with his years of experience photographing these canyons I took his advice. I threw my camera pack on my back and pushed the shutter button and had 10 seconds to get into place and hold very still. My exposure was at 10-20 seconds so any movement would make my image blurry. I held my breath when I heard the shutter click. I did this over and over with backpack, without backpack, sitting, standing, jumping…you name it. “OK, I’m pooped we can go now” I said.
The light was fading fast as we walked out of the canyon. What a special day I had and I couldn’t wait until I saw my images. My guide was great and so helpful with tricky exposures. We climbed back into his beefy SUV and back to Page we went all the while I was chatting about the amazing day I had just experienced. I thanked him and we went our separate ways.
The images that I got back from the lab were better than I had ever imagined. I was so excited as I spilled each box onto the light table gasping and screaming as each colorful slide appeared. The fact that I experimented with different exposures and made sure to bracket made the all the difference in the world…remember film is cheap so shoot a lot of it!
There are rare jewels hidden throughout Northern Arizona and Southern Utah called slot canyons. To my knowledge this beautiful and sacred phenomenon occurs nowhere else on Earth. These meandering labyrinths of light scream to be photographed; the trick is how to capture them as you see them.
Slot canyons are challenging to photograph since they are usually very dim dark places with occasional beams of light that shine down in laser like rays. Film does not see, as much as we would like it to, the same way our eye sees. It sees mid-tones and the canyons are painted with a palette of very bright and very dark tones, this is what makes it kind of tricky to get a good exposure with the wide variation of tones.
My first trip to photograph a slot canyon was several years ago, but one I will not soon forget. It was magical and sacred to me. I had seen an image in a magazine of one of these ‘things’, at the time I did not know what they were called, I just knew that I had to find this location and photograph it for myself. So the detective work began, I asked around and showed the picture I had pulled from the magazine and I got a few leads then “Bingo”, I saw another photo with a caption that read “somewhere outside of Page, Arizona”. I figured that the hard part was over all I had to do was get to Page and I should be able to find a slot canyon from there.
I added Page, Arizona to my list of stops on my annual summer whirlwind road trip. I lived in San Diego at the time so when I finally got out on the road I crammed as many photo opportunities and locations in as I could into the two weeks. I lost a few travel partners “Slow down” “Can’t we stay here another day?” they would say, I would reply “No, I have to get all of these pictures shot before I go home”. So needless to say traveling alone became the norm for me. I had a strict itinerary and I ended up dropping more than one unhappy and tired travel partner at the airport when we reached a major city. I could see their eyes spinning in their head as they gathered their bags from the car and headed into the airport. I guess my warning wasn’t strong enough, “Only the hardy need apply”. I guess an indication that I was in too much of hurry was when I would clear their breakfast plates from under them and they weren’t even done yet! Hey, I’ve got places to go and people to see. Only have I learned over the years that good pictures take time and getting to know a place.
When I did get to Page I saw quite a few brochures and posters for slot canyon tours. Oh no, I thought someone else knows about these ‘things’. The word was just starting to circulate in the photo industry about ‘slots’ and I was in on the bottom floor.
The canyon that I wanted to photograph was called Antelope Canyon and it was on the Navajo Reservation, so a permit or guide was needed. I called around and the tours were kind of pricey and on a photographer’s road trip budget ‘tours’ weren’t included. I made one more phone call and spoke to a real nice guy who was also a photographer and we struck a deal for the next day. It was a 3-mile hike or 4WD in to the canyon and I did not want to hike in lugging all of my equipment and my car did not have 4WD. My guide said he had a big beefy Suburban with AC and good stereo; this was going to be fun!
Usually I am up at crack of dawn when on the road to catch that great sunrise shot. My guide said “Sleep in we don’t have to be in the canyon until around noon”. Yippee, I can get a bit more shuteye...NOT! Those of you who camp a lot know that the minute the sun starts it’s climb into the sky the whole world, in the campground anyway, wakes up. So much for that, I used my time wisely and got my road warrior vehicle all straightened up and organized.
I met my guide and his beefy Suburban at 11:00 at the agreed upon location and I climbed in and off we went. We drove outside of town for about 15 minutes and stopped at a gate and a Navajo man and my guide exchanged a few words and he then opened the gate. In we drove, arriving at a vertical slit in a rock wall and I got out of the car and walked in, my first impression was that I felt like I was in a holy place, it was so beautiful. The temperature outside was in the high 90’s inside the Cathedral Room, as it was called, it was in the 70’s. My guide had told me to bring pants and a long sleeve shirt, good suggestion. It got cooler the further back into the slot you when.
I was in such awe of this amazing place that I just wandered back through the canyon running my hands along the soft, cool sandstone walls. My guide motioned me over and said, “Wait until you see this”. I got my camera (28-70mm lens on) out and put it on the tripod and he told me to focus on the spot of light that was in front of me on the ground and he stood to the side of me and threw some of the red sand over the hot spot. It was magical a mystical beam of light appeared as if a flying saucer were over the canyon beaming it’s search light down, I was so struck by it that I forgot to shoot. So he did it over and over and I pushed the shutter button for as long as the beam lasted. I tried all sorts of speeds and exposures for this one and the best one was f/16 at 10 seconds. When in doubt, bracket your exposures. Remember, film is cheap coming back to the slot is not.
I use Fuji Sensia 100 ASA almost exclusively and was very happy with the results. I am sure Velvia would have done a very nice job but most of my shots are of action sports so I need that extra stop on my film. I found the best lens was my 28-70mm although with a long lens (300mm) you can aim up and capture some of the very dramatic curves with the light reflecting off of them. Exposures varied from f/16 at 20 seconds to f/22 at a ½ second. Exposures certainly depend on the time of day that you are in the canyon, as the light is constantly changing.
My guide left me alone and said he would be back in a couple of hours. Now I could just wander and enjoy the beauty and solitude. I felt like I had to whisper while I was in the canyon, this particular canyon was very sacred to the Navajo and I did not want to be disrespectful. Was I wandering around in their church? Sure felt like it. I saw maybe one or two other photographers; I was here on a good day. My guide said he has seen the Cathedral Room with photographer’s tripod legs overlapping each other, especially in the late afternoon when the western light hits the entrance wall and bathes the entire room in a warm orange glow. So I guess the secret was out about the slots and they forgot to tell me.
Speaking of the Cathedral Room, that was our next stop. My guide had returned and said it was ‘show-time’. We made our way through twists and turns to the main room; it was alive with every color of orange you could imagine, so warm and inviting. The photo gods were smiling on me that day; we were the only people in the room.
I wanted to get a shot of someone standing with a pack on in the middle of the room. I looked around to see who that ‘someone’ would be. I didn’t have much choice and no offense but I fit the model/victim profile better than he did. I set my camera up on my tripod again and got it all situated with the auto timer on, since I was going to be the victim. My guide suggested that I meter off of the highlights on the wall and with his years of experience photographing these canyons I took his advice. I threw my camera pack on my back and pushed the shutter button and had 10 seconds to get into place and hold very still. My exposure was at 10-20 seconds so any movement would make my image blurry. I held my breath when I heard the shutter click. I did this over and over with backpack, without backpack, sitting, standing, jumping…you name it. “OK, I’m pooped we can go now” I said.
The light was fading fast as we walked out of the canyon. What a special day I had and I couldn’t wait until I saw my images. My guide was great and so helpful with tricky exposures. We climbed back into his beefy SUV and back to Page we went all the while I was chatting about the amazing day I had just experienced. I thanked him and we went our separate ways.
The images that I got back from the lab were better than I had ever imagined. I was so excited as I spilled each box onto the light table gasping and screaming as each colorful slide appeared. The fact that I experimented with different exposures and made sure to bracket made the all the difference in the world…remember film is cheap so shoot a lot of it!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Planet Chey Photo Gallery on Esty!
Hello! Just an update to let you know that my Planet Chey Gallery on Esty (http://planetchey.etsy.com/) is growing every day - more photos from my collection are being added all of the time. Also - I've been lucky enough to have my "Baja Beach" photo featured in a few "Etsy Treasury" postings as well as on a fellow artists blog: http://canadianrockiesart.typepad.com/canadian-rockies-art/2009/05/wordless-wednesday-my-etsy-art-treasury-1.html - Nathalie makes beautiful jewelry - so take a look at her Esty store - I have made it one of my favorites! Have a GREAT day!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Help support the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance today!
I am announcing today that a portion from the sale of every photograph I sell at my Planet Chey Photographic Gallery on Etsy (http://planetchey.etsy.com/) will go to support the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance - http://www.suwa.org/ - SUWA is the voice for the spectacular red rock wilderness of S Utah that I have had the privilege to visit and photograph for years.
A short four hour drive from my home in Park City is a wonderland of red rock arches, spires, buttes and mesas that look like time has forgotten - if you ever get a chance to visit this amazing area of our country it will change you forever....it sure changed me - after my 1st visit in 1989 I went back to Miami, packed my stuff and moved west.....they say once you get that red sand in your hiking boots it's hard to get it out!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Announcing the opening of my Planet Chey Photo Gallery on Etsy
I am announcing the GRAND OPENING of my online photo gallery/shop - Planet Chey Photographic Gallery - http://PlanetChey.etsy.com - prints from my collection are available to order in sizes 5x7 - 16x20 - prints are affordably priced from $14.99 - $49.99. Prints make a great gift for that special someone or add a warm touch to any room or office. Plesae stop by for a visit - thank you! :o)
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