My "Rust in Peace" photos featured in AAA Highroads TV Show!

My new book, Ghosts of the West, is RELEASED!

My new book, Ghosts of the West is RELEASED!

Ghosts of the ...

Celebrate the Amer...

By Photography by Che...

Book Preview

I wanted to share with you how I got the inspiration for my "Ghosts of the West" Photographic Series....as of today my project on Kickstarter.con is 26% funded and I only 34 days to get it FULLY FUNDED...please join me or spread the word!!! Here is the link - "Ghosts of the West" - you can participate for as little as $6 and EVERY level of funding has GREAT REWARDS!!!!

Thank you to all of you that have supported me so far, I look forward to sharing this project with you and the world!! - Cheyenne

Ghosts of the West promo

Buy a Photograph and help Haiti!

FREE SHIPPING to anywhere in the world on any of the Fine Art Photographs purchased from my Gallery PLUS 10% of the sale will go to help the people of Haiti in the form of a donation to the RED CROSS! Won't you help me help Haiti? Please order today!http://www.etsy.com/shop/PlanetChey

Thank you!

New Year, New Name, New Look!

We have BIG plans for our Gallery in 2010 - I have decided to change the name of my Photo Gallery from Planet Chey Photographic Gallery to Ancient Light Photographic Gallery. I feel the name is more "fitting" for the photographs that I shoot and the feeling that I want to come through my photographs - at times when people ask me what I do for a living, I say; "I chase light for a living!" and that is the light that I love.

A new Website/Gallery is currently being built - so look for BIG things to come! http://www.AncientLightPhotos.com

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and yours a Healthy, Happy and Festive Holiday season from all of us at Planet Chey Photographic Gallery. Peace!

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=ts

Aspens 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?

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!

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!

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/2010-Lonely-Planet-Extreme-Travel-Wall-Calendar/Silver-Lining/e/9781435115125

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

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31702851

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

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/

Design Style Guide - Listing Details

Design Style Guide - Listing Details

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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

Stock Photos: www.CheyenneRouse.com

Photo Tips: The Art of Photo Composition

The Art of Photo Composition

I 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!

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!!!

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.