Fall Leaves 2010
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The color along June Lake Loop is in decline but there are areas with good color for this weekend. Gull Lake has great color and will hold through this coming weekend. A walk around the back of the lake will more than satisfy your color quest. The hillside between Silver and Grant Lakes is in peak color this weekend. This photo was made on November 2, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens with 3mm rise movement on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
LAST CHANCE FOR COLOR THIS YEAR. The color at the south end of Silver Lake on the June Lake Loop just won’t give up without offering you one last opportunity to capture aspen color. This is the warm first sunrise light of the day with Carson Peak in the distance. There is no Photoshop work on this photo. I used the Landscape Picture Style. The hillside between Silver and Grant Lakes is in peak color this weekend. This will be the last good color for aspens in the Eastern Sierra this year so don’t miss it. It is worth the drive. This photo was made on November 2, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 40mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/45 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter on a tripod. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
In Yosemite, the best oak color will be found this weekend in El Capitan Meadow. As with the black cottonwoods, back lighting and side lighting combined with a polarizing filter will make the colors really stand out. Otherwise the color will be rendered very pale. This photo was made on November 3, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 24mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. I let the sun peek through the branches for a nice little sun star for effect. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The only trees putting on a good show of color in Yosemite are the big leaf maples. This scene is pictured along the south valley road near Bridal Veil Fall. The dogwoods are very pale this year and probably won’t show much color before falling. This photo was made on November 3, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 70mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/60 sec. at f-8 using ISO 1600 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Cathedral Rock stands sentinel over the color in Yosemite’s Leidig Meadow. The black cottonwood trees that line the Merced River can be seen in the distance. The color in the valley isn’t great but it is there. The best oak color can be found in El Capitan meadow. This photo was made on November 3, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens with 5mm rise movement on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
I’ve heard more pundits and so called color experts proclaim the color is finished in the Eastern Sierra. Shhh. Don’t tell the trees that. Don’t you be fooled either. The color is very nice around the June Lake Loop. It is the key area for color this weekend. Tioga Canyon even has color still. If you’re a color junkie, this might be the last weekend to get it. This has been a great year. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 70mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The hillside above Silver Lake is perfect and awaiting your camera this weekend. The peak color will come next week so don’t wait, shoot it now. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 40mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color around Silver Lake is in full color. The west shore is falling quickly but, as you can see, there is great color elsewhere. This will be the last good weekend for color here. It is beautiful so make it count. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 90mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
There is great color along the June Lake Loop this week. Some of the early color from last week has fallen but the color here now is worth the drive. June and Gull Lakes are perfect. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 45mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The aspens at Sorensens Resort put on a great show the last two weeks but have now lost their leaves for the season. It is still a good place to spend the night if you’re planning a multiple day shooting trip. This photo was made on October 27, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 40mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 800 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The large back bay, that I call simply the back bay because it differentiates it from the Beaver Pond, is almost completely down. The winds were picking up so I wouldn’t bother making the drive. The heavy rains last weekend made the already deep ruts in the road even deeper to this area. Avoid it unless you have a high clearance vehicle. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens with 2mm fall movement on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color is still holding at the Beaver Pond above Lundy Lake. It won’t hold past the weekend though. Shoot it now for the last time this weekend. The wind came up about noon and the leaves are making a valiant effort to hold on for you so don’t pass up the one last shot this weekend. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens with 4mm of fall movement on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color at the postcard view is still nice even though it is loosing leaves quickly. This scene won’t have much color next week so get it now. I spent several hours exploring this area today and was the only photographer around. It is an eerie feeling to be the only one around with such beautiful scenery to shoot. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 50mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
There is still good color in Lundy Canyon but it will take some good lens work to make it outstanding. The color up to the lake is mostly fallen but areas such as this can still be worked. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 50mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color along Monitor Creek on Hwy 89 toward Monitor Pass is brilliant today. There’s a nice range of light greens to seep orange. There’s also nice shooting on the water as well. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 50mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-11 using ISO 800 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color on Conway Summit (stop 7 on the map) is almost finished. There are a few large masses of color but you’ll have to do some careful cropping to get them. This shot shows a good mix of trees so you can see what to expect. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 45mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color along the East Fork of Carson River on Hwy 89 toward Monitor Pass Road is in full color today. It will have the best lighting after noon. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 50mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-11 using ISO 800 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The cottonwood color around Topaz Lake and Antelope Valley (stop 5 on the map) is just about perfect. Some areas are in full color with others about half turned. This puts the region on schedule for color this year. Be sure to read my Best Bets article for other shooting ideas in this area. This photo was made on October 26, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 70mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Waterhouse Meadow in Hope Valley is still showing some nice color. Notice the trees with fallen leaves too. All this will not last until next weekend. Shoot it now. This photo was made on October 27, 2010 with a Canon 70-200mm zoom lens set at 105mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color along Alpine Mine Road in Hope Valley was very nice today. I had a chance to work with my trusty 24mm tilt/shift lens to correct convergence distortion in vertical subjects but also to create e natural sun-star. This photo was made on October 27, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/45 sec. at f-22 using ISO 800. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Motif No.1 (cabin) of Hope Valley is flanked by trees that have lost all their leaves for the season. Right behind the cabin though, you’ll notice a lot of color. There is color in the valley but you’ll have to think creatively to capture it. This photo was made on October 27, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 50mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color in the west end of Hope Valley is pretty good. Some areas are completely down but others have full color and foliage. This photo was made on October 27, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 65mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-1 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Along Hwy 89, dropping down into Hope Valley from Luther Pass, the color intensifies. The Northern part of Hope Valley is just about right for shooting. This photo was made on October 27, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 55mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Big Meadow, at the southern end of Christmas Valley (stop 1 on the map) is beginning to turn nicely. The color is a bit early but will be nice next week. This will be another good place to shoot next week. This photo was made on October 27, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 800 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section -
The color in Christmas Valley (stop 1 on the map) are really nice now. The color will be good all weekend and well into next week. This photo was made on October 27, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 40mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 800 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
When shooting Benwood Meadow in Christmas Valley (stop 1 on the map) I noticed frozen pools of water with frozen blades of grass sticking out. Each blade was caked with ice crystals. Since fall colored leaves were frozen in the water, I decided to include it in the gallery. Let your eyes notice everything and your mind receptive enough to allow you to shoot it. This photo was made on October 27, 2010 with a Canon 70-200mm zoom lens set at 100mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/500 sec. at f-2.8 using ISO 100. I also used a Canon 12mm extension tube behind the zoom lens which allows me even closer focussing range. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Benwood Meadow in Christmas Valley (stop 1 on the map) dawned today at 24 degrees. That’s plenty cold enough to put ice crystals on all the grasses. It’s difficult to tell in this photo but the entire meadow was shimmering like diamonds for about 15 minutes. As soon as the air warmed up everything became water drops. with a narrow window of opportunity, you need to shoot quickly. Kneepads help on the wet ground. This photo was made on October 27, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 28mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-13 using ISO 800 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Benwood Meadow in Christmas Valley (stop 1 on the map) dawned today at 24º. that’s plenty cold enough to put ice crystals on all the grasses. It’s difficult to tell in this photo but the entire meadow was shimmering like diamonds for about 15 minutes. As soon as the air warmed up everything became water drops. with a narrow window of opportunity, you need to shoot quickly. Kneepads help on the wet ground. This photo was made on October 27, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 28mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-13 using ISO 800 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
This week it’s all about Lundy (stop 9 on our map). For weeks, I’ve been inundated with emails always asking about Lundy Lake and the back canyon. Well, the color is finally here and putting on quite the show. It is much better than last year because all the color is turning at the same time which is better for photography. The Beaver Pond and back bay are outstanding and well worth the wait. This photo was made on October 20, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 30mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The postcard view of Lundy Lake finally has color. It is best in the morning when the trees are side-lighted. This photo was made on October 20, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 45mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color along Rush Creek, just north of Silver Lake on the June Lake Loop road is perfect. Even on overcast days, the color is very vivid. This photo was made on October 20, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 55mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/2 sec. at f-22 using ISO 50 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
There is great color all around the June Lake Loop road (stop 11 on the map) and it is going to peak this coming weekend. Just remember plenty of memory cards. You’ll need them. This photo was made on October 20, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 80mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
It seems Conway Summit has had great cloud action this year or I’ve been very lucky. The color is still good here but it is becoming a bit thread-bare. My guess is that this is the last weekend for good overall color. This photo was made on October 20, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 30mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
A block east of the courthouse (yellow trees in the distance) is one of the best hamburger stands in California. I’ve been eating lunch there for over 20 years. On return trips I usually stop for a vanilla cone. Painted bright red, you can’t possibly miss it. their last day of the season is October 31 so stop in and say hello. They hire a lot of the local high school kids. If you mention the Friday night game, you’ll have ongoing conversation the entire time it takes for your order to be prepared. -
This is the best color at the Bridgeport Courthouse (stop 6 on the map) that I’ve seen in at least eight years. Bridgeport has some interesting places to visit. It’s also a good place to eat. This photo was made on October 20, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The trees are doing very well in Antelope Valley (stop 5 on the map). My estimate is that they are right on schedule as they usually are peaking the last weekend of October. The same goes for the trees in Round Valley and Bishop. This photo was made on October 20, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 50mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
I ran into two photographers, Jan and Bill Clark from the Sacramento area, enjoying the morning at Hope Valley’s Motif No.1. The color throughout this valley is outstanding and will put on quite the show for visitors this weekend. Just be prepared for the throngs of people. Someone appears to have cut down several dead branches to clear a photographic angle. The color will intensify by this weekend. This photo was made on October 20, 2010. -
The foliage in Yosemite is about two weeks away. The big leaf maples are beginning to turn in scattered fashion but everything else is still green. There isn’t much water flowing either. My suggestion is to shoot the color in the Eastern Sierra because it is peak right now. This photo was made with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 45mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-13 using ISO 800 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
This is the only color from big leaf maples in the park and it only lasts about 300 yards. It is across the road from Fern Springs as you enter the valley. Stick to the speed limit and you’ll make the color last longer as you drive by. This photo was made with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 50mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/60 sec. at f-8 using ISO 1250 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The infamous Yosemite sugar maple was planted many decades ago across from the Chapel. This meadow area was the original site of the Yosemite village in the 19th century. It was full of hotels, stores and galleries. This is the only color like this in the valley. This photo was made with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 50mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
A close up shot of the leaves makes a nice visual pattern and really focuses in on the color. This photo was made with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 55mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color in the Bishop Creek area is still very colorful. I don’t trust chatter on the internet about color because so much of it is very subjective or wishful thinking. I do admit that it is nice around here with all the crowds gone. Only a few photographers and some fishermen. Now I have time to get back to some of my old haunts such as this area I call Willow Valley. It is just past Big Bend and not quite to Parcher’s Resort. I climb to the ridge above the valley to show the flood of color. Thirty years ago, I would have ran to the top. Now it’s a slow steady pace. I love the lonely road through the valley toward South Lake too. Soon, this area will be very lonely. All the photographers and fishermen will be in their homes marveling at their catches. I’ll make my last trip through here in a couple weeks to say goodbye for the 31st time. I always grieve with my last trip. I can not imagine what it would be like not to have the foliage and the mountains to photograph each year. This photo was made on October 16, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 50mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. Since I was shooting backlight, I used my Flare Buster to shield the lens from flare. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color in the area of Cardinal Village (stop 18 on the map) is wonderful. The hike from the store back to the creek is very nice right now. After you finish shooting the color, stop in the cafe and have a nice lunch. Both my photo workshops the previous two weekends enjoyed lunch here. The owners, Ken and Shale Ann, really know how to treat their guests. Thanks for a great retreat. This photo was made on October 16, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
This is the intense color at Bishop Park being photographed by the photographer in the next Gallery photo. This is the peak weekend for color at this location. This photo was made on October 16, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color at Bishop Park is outstanding today. This is Suzanne from Lake County, California photographing the intensely colored foliage. She is but a handful of photographers I’ve come across today. Needless to say, there are no lines forming at any of the best shooting spots. This is a big change from the two previous weekends with all the photo workshops over here. This photo was made on October 16, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Misty Falls (stop 19 on the map) is surrounded by full peak color. What a joy it is to have such intense color and plenty of memory card space to capture it with. This is morning light and the ambient light before the sun reached the bottom of the canyon was equally brilliant. This photo was made on October 16, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 55mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color is so intense today along the South Fork of Bishop Creek, I am hoping I have enough memory cards to capture it all. Everywhere I turn I see color. There are so many photogenic areas along this creek. I am concerned that the upcoming storms will not treat these leaves well. This photo was made on October 16, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 28mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The last color to show at Table Mountain is nice and red. The final show of the year is exciting to see. I guess most photographers haven’t heard that the color here is still very nice because I’ve only seen a handful today. Those that are here are really enjoying it. This photo was made on October 16, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The shadows cast interesting patterns on the carpet of colorful leaves along the South Fork of Bishop Creek in the Table Mountain area (stop 20 on the map). The winds today have pulled many leaves to the ground and I think this will be the last good shooting weekend in the area. This photo was made on October 16, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 24mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. The polarizer minimized the glare off the leaf surfaces for better color. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color along the old Parcher’s Road (stop 19 on the map) is falling rapidly. There is color everywhere. Unfortunately, most of it is on the ground. My guess this will not hold through the upcoming storm. The color here is excellent and very saturated. This photo was made on October 16, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 24mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The hillside at Meadow Glen along the South Fork of Bishop Creek (stop 19 on the map) is in full color today. The color is peak so these leaves won’t weather well in the upcoming storm. Don’t fear though because all the green will turn next week. This photo was made on October 16, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 24mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/20 sec. at f-16 using ISO 400. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
This is the weekend everyone has been waiting for. The peak weekend is here for the east end of Hope Valley. Mow your lawn next weekend. Come now. The color here is magical. It is almost impossible to take a photo of it because it is so beautiful. Well, that is not going to happen so bring lots of formatted memory cards, pack a lunch and plan on spending the day here and at Motif No.1 (the cabin). Round out the day with a quick trip to Monitor Pass and you will will have seen it all. This is the perfect weekend for Hope Valley. It makes a nice day trip as well. This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 40mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/60 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The cabin (Motif No.1) at the west end of Hope Valley finally has some good color. This is fresh color so I expect it will hold until next weekend too. This is the perfect weekend for Hope Valley. It makes a nice day trip as well. This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 70-200mm zoom lens set at 70mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color is very good at the west end of Hope Valley. It is a little newer color so I feel it will last into next week better than the east end. This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 50mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The east end of Hope Valley (stop 2 on the map) is in full peak color this weekend. Don’t miss it. It will knock your socks off. This is Sorensen’s Resort. This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 40mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Christmas Valley (stop 1 on the map) is beginning to show some color. There are a few nice trees scattered around. I look for the best color net weekend. This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 30mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Color is finally appearing in the Markleeville area (stop 3 on the map). This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens with with 9mm rise (upward shift) on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/250 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
There is good color along the Carson River south of Markleeville (stop 3 on the map) on Hwy 89 en-route to Monitor Pass. This is new color so it should last until next weekend. This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 30mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Seems there are skeptics judging by my emails so I thought I’d show the sign. There is good color on Monitor and there is good color on Hwy 89 at the Hwy 4 junction. This will be the last good weekend for Monitor. This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 40mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Watch out for Antelope Valley (stop 5 on the map) because it is waking up. Next weekend it will be worth a trip over here all by itself. This is the secret foliage shooting area when everyone else goes home after Hope Valley and Bishop Creek have fallen. This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 80mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
This is the Bridgeport Courthouse (stop 6 on the map) and this stop represents the entire area from Burt Canyon to Conway Summit. Finally a good year for the grand cottonwoods in Bridgeport. Good color from the hot days and very cold nights. Most years these leaves turn a fish-scale silver and then brown. This is a very good year. This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens with with 8mm rise (upward shift) on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/250 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Here’s another angle on Conway so you can judge for yourself the amount of color. My estimate is at 60-70%. This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 105mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/350 sec. at f-6.7 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Conway Summit (stop 7 on the map) is in full color. This angle shows great color and nice clouds. Color is about 60%. This photo was made on October 15, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 105mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/350 sec. at f-6.7 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section -
Our workshop group did another sunrise this morning. I was 50º compared to yesterday’s 24º. Mountain sunrises aren’t as interesting as those in the valley. this was made about 30 minutes before sunrise and we caught the alpenglow just right. Then it was off to McGee Creek! This photo was made on October 10, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 15 sec. at f-2 using ISO 400 and a one-stop graduated neutral density filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color at McGee Canyon is very nice today. My workshop group really had a great time with deep colors and rich blue skies. It is worth the drive and one mile hike to see the show. Next weekend will see the canyon beginning to drop their leaves but the shooting along the creek is legendary. This photo was made on October 10, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 40mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/60 sec. at f-13 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
There is some color at June Lake. This postcard view however, is still green. This photo was made on October 10, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 40mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Most of the June Lake Loop is still green. This road at Silver Lake is solid green. There is nice color at the southern end of the loop at June Lake. This photo was made on October 10, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The entire area around Silver Lake on the June Lake Loop is just beginning to turn. My guess is that next weekend will finally see some color. Nowhere near peak but enough to burn off a few frames. June and Gull Lakes are where the color is. This photo was made on October 10, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 28mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The saturated color in the west end of Hope Valley at Motif #1 is still allusive. It should be great for next weekend unless there’s snow or high winds. This photo was made on October 10, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 70mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The Beaver Ponds and back bay at Lundy Canyon are very green. My guess is that next weekend they will be slightly turning. My money os on the week of Oct. 21-23 for best color. Save yourself the drive and the congestion as it will surely be packed with photographers that haven’t heard that it is still green. This photo was made on October 10, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 30mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
You have all been asking about Lundy Canyon and the lake. As you can see, it is still green but starting to turn. My guess is that next weekend will see some nice color but far from its peak. The canyon up to the lake does have nice color now. This photo was made on October 10, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 45mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
There is certainly good color here in hope Valley. The green is light in color and should be great this upcoming weekend. The west end seems to be a week later than the east end this year. This photo was made on October 10, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
There has to be a reason for our workshop group to get out before sunrise. Click on the next photo in the gallery to see why. -
This is one of those iconic High Sierra images. The foliage in the foreground is perfect today. Next weekend, probably not. This photo was made on October 9, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 28mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
This is the moment everyone waits for. The slight glow about 30 minutes before sunrise. The reason everyone waits so eagerly for it is because soon the sun will be over the horizon and it will begin to warm up the 24º temperature. That’s the only drawback to shooting this early. It always seems to be worth it once your nose and fingers thaw out. It is always a bit tricky to convince the workshop to get up way before dawn but it usually pays off with some really nice photos. This photo was made on October 9, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 2 sec. at f-16 using ISO 400 and a one stop graduated neutral density filter. The lens required -8mm fall (downward shift) and -1º tilt (downward) for maximum image coverage and depth-of-field. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The sunrise today was beautiful but cold. My thermometer read 24º. Cold temperatures can freeze your camera battery so keep a spare handy. Switch the one in the camera with the warm one in your pocket periodically. This photo was made on October 9, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/10 sec. at f-13 using ISO 400 and a 2-stop graduated neutral density filter. The lens required -8mm fall (downward shift) and -1º tilt (downward) for maximum image coverage and depth-of-field. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Now that the drama of sunrise is over, I can concentrate on a tilt/shift demonstration for my group. I like shots like this because the rock in the foreground has a lot of detail. that makes setting up for a tilt/shift shot that much easier. Tilt/shift lenses give you the ability to use wide-open apertures for maximum depth-of-field. This photo was made on October 9, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/1500 sec. at f-4 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. The lens required -9mm fall (downward shift) and -1º tilt (downward) for maximum image coverage and depth-of-field. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Several members of our photo workshop found this vantage point very useful for shooting the Sabrina Basin shot that follows in the gallery. This photo was made on October 9, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 105mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The Big Bend area is showing its age. The leaves here were fantastic the last two weeks so the area has earned a good winter’s nap. Next week, there won’t much left to shoot from the road. This photo was made on October 9, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The trees near Table Mountain are dropping rapidly. My guess is this will be the last good weekend here. This photo was made on October 9, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 50mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The old Parcher Road along Bishop Creek is perfect for color today. My guess is the=is will be good for the weekend of Oct. 15-17 as well. This photo was made on October 9, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 28mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
This stand of aspens, that normally grow straight, receives the fisheye treatment from an 8mm lens. Distant objects aren’t as affected as much as near ones. This photo was made on October 9, 2010 with an 8mm Fisheye lens set on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Water blurs are always popular during a workshop. This scene along South Bishop Creek near Table Mountain offer a long view of the creek. The late afternoon ambient light helps get the shutter slow enough for the blur motion. This photo was made on October 9, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 80mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 3 sec. at f-16 using ISO 50 and a polarizing filter to knock down the glare off the water. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Every workshop I teach usually has a star photography component. All through the 1980s and 90s we’ve always shot landscapes by moon light and experimented with star trails. Since the advent of digital photography, we now have the ability to shoot star fields. Star fields are vast areas of stars such as the Milky Way that, before digital photography, were very difficult to shoot. Digital allows us to photograph stars as individual points of light instead of streaks like we did with film. It’s a great era we live in with digital photography. So many things are possible today. This photo was made on the chilly night of October 8, 2010 with a Canon 15mm Fisheye lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 20 sec. at f-2.8 using ISO 6400. The fisheye lens allowed me to get the entire Milky Way from the west to the east. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color cascading down the hillside at North Lake resembles a lava flow. But this is a foliage flow. It’s very impressive. The scrub color was better last weekend and these trees here won’t have their leaves by next weekend. This photo was made on October 8, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 28mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
I like to experiment with different lenses. I like this shot in the tree tunnel at North Lake in late afternoon because the shadows are intriguing with the sun peeking between the trees. This photo was made on October 8, 2010 with a Canon 14mm super-wide lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-16 (to create the sun star) using ISO 400. For information on creating sun stars, exposure, lighting, filters and composition please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Today was the first day of our second photo workshop in the Eastern Sierra. We happened to be shooting the tree tunnel at North Lake where we caught the attention of a Sacramento area videographer named Kit Tyler who was working on a documentary project. As you can see today is the day to be at North Lake. The colors will be in decline this next week. This photo was made on October 8, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 28mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
I stopped enroute back to Bishop after a long day’s shooting to make a panorama using stitching software from Photoshop. It consists of eight individual vertical images. This photo was made on October 7, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 85mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-1 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
This aspen forrest is located in Sabrina Basin and has an unusual characteristic. It was made on the road to North Lake on October 7, 2010 with a with a 180º circular fisheye lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Today there was a thin dusting of snow in the North Lake (stop 16 on the map) area. These leaves contrast nicely with the white snow. This photo was made on the road to North Lake on October 7, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 55mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
This is a different view of the tree tunnel at North Lake (stop 16 on the map). Note how the side lighting on the trees brings out the detail in the leaves. This photo was made on the road to North Lake on October 7, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 55mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color at North Lake (stop 16 on the map) is very good today. There are small areas that are loosing leaves but, the overall area has nice color. This photo was made on October 7, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on using a tilt/shift lens, exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color at the waterfall south of Cardinal Village is past it’s peak in color. However, the rest of the area is still green. This photo was made on the road to North Lake on October 7, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 24mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The massive color in the foreground and the peaks in the distance are one of those views of Sabrina Basin (stop 17 on the map) that really conveys the feeling of the high Sierra. This shot is best made in the morning just after the sun clears the ridge to the east. Note the little dusting of snow on the ground. This photo was made on October 7, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 45mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/80 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color is good in the Table Mountain area of the South Fork of Bishop Creek today. Much of the east side of the road at Willows Valley hasn’t even turned yet. This will be a good year for color because there are large areas of Bishop Creek that are still green. Next week will see even more color when the current color areas fall. This photo was made on October 7, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 75mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/3 sec. at f-22 using ISO 50 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
This is a good example of the color at the dam at Lake Sabrina (stop 17 on the map). The color is good here. This photo was made on October 7, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 28mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/250 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
According to a Bay Area reporter, the color was stripped from the leaves in Bishop Creek. This is a shot of the tree tunnel at North Lake (stop 16 on the map) which is the highest lake we shoot on our foliage tour at 9,300 ft. As you can see there is plenty of color here this weekend. If you want to shoot color, this weekend is the best time to come. All the passes are open. This photo was made on October 7, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens set at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Not every day will be sunny and not every photo needs to include beautifully colored foliage. The canyon walls at McGee Creek (stop 14 on the map) were very interesting. Use the weather to your advantage by selecting subjects that really make use of the conditions. I also decided to change my Picture Style setting on the camera and selected Monochrome. Here I used a long telephoto lens setting to zoom into small details. I used the clouds that were moving around them for character. On a sunny day, this shot wouldn’t be very interesting. This photo was made on October 3, 2010 with a Canon 70-200mm zoom lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-16 using ISO 400 on a tripod. For information on exposure, lighting, lenses and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Today we concluded our photo workshop with a hike into McGee Creek Canyon. This is one of my favorite hikes because it takes me into an area filled with color opportunities and usually wall-to-wall color. It’s an easy walk about a mile back for the best color. This photo was made on October 3, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. -
The color along McGee Creek (stop 14 on the map) today was great. The overcast skies allowed us to really enjoy some long shutter speeds to allow the water to move during the exposure. This photo was made on October 3, 2010 with a Canon 24mm Tilt/Shift lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/8 sec. at f-4 using ISO 400. Normally, one would use a small aperture of f-22 for depth-of-field. Using a -1.5º tilt allowed me to have everything from the leaves in the foreground to the trees in the distance in sharp focus with a wide-open aperture. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
This colorful scene along a packer’s trail in Sabrina Basin, with majestic High Sierra peaks in the distance, fulfills our vision for fall colors in the mountains. This photo was made on October 2, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/20 sec. at f-22 using ISO 400 and a circular polarizing filter to darken the sky and allow the foliage to stand out. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
I took my photo workshop group to North Lake this morning. The clouds and still water combined to make a memorable event and some great photo opportunities. This photo was made on October 2, 2010 with a Canon 24mm Tilt/Shift lens on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and 2-stop graduated neutral density filter to compensate for the darker reflection. For information on exposure, lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color is perfect this weekend at Lake Sabrina. The storms called for during the upcoming week may affect the color. This is my favorite view of the lake. This photo was made on October 2, 2010 with a Canon 24mm Tilt/Shift lens with a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/30 sec. at f-22 using ISO 400 and polarizing filter to darken the sky. For information on lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Today was completely overcast with even a few sprinkles of rain. But the color was just that more intense due to the diffused lighting. The secret to shooting on overcast days is to keep the sky out of your compositions. This photo was made on October 1, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/2 sec. at f-22 using ISO 400 and polarizing filter to cut the glare off the water. For information on lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
There is a lot less light on subjects on overcast days. This allows the photographer to sharpen their skills in capturing rushing water over rocks with long time exposures. This creates that soft water blur everyone loves to see. This photo was made on October 1, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens at 90mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 4 sec. at f-22 using ISO 100 and polarizing filter to eliminate the sky reflection off the water. This allows you to see into the water for the rock details. For information on lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Overcast days create soft diffused light along South Bishop Creek (stop 19) which offer the photographer the chance to shoot foliage without harsh contrast created by sun light. Overcast days allow you to shoot all day long without worrying about which direction the sun is illuminating your subject. This photo was made on October 1, 2010 with a Canon 70-200mm zoom lens at 100mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/2 sec. at f-16 using ISO 100 and no polarizing filter. For information on lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The colors are so intense along the South Fork of Bishop Creek (stop 19) you just have to stop. Today was diffused lighting from overcast skies so that opened up wonderful shooting opportunities. I love the rich green grass contrasted with the vibrant fall foliage yellows and the white bark of the aspens. This photo was made on October 1, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens at 105mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1 1/2 sec. at f-22 using ISO 400 and polarizing filter to cut the glare off the water. For information on lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The peaks and color in upper Rock Creek Canyon (stop 15) are just magnificent. The lower half of the canyon is real green. It is worth the long drive back to the lake too. This photo was made on September 30, 2010 with a Canon 70-200mm zoom lens at 200mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and polarizing filter. For information on lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Rock Creek Lake (stop 15) is in full color this weekend. Even in the overcast skies of Thursday, the color was brilliant. It is well worth the drive. This photo was made on September 30, 2010 with a Canon 24-1050mm zoom lens at 24mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-8 using ISO 400 and polarizing filter. For information on lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Convict Lake is always a great lake to photograph because of the great detail in the background mountain. If you’re expecting color though, you’re at least a week away. This photo was made on September 30, 2010 with a Canon 24mm tilt/shift lens at on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-13 using ISO 400 and polarizing filter. For information on lighting, filters and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
June Lake and all the lakes on the June Lake Loop are very green. It’s a nice road to take if you want gas or food but color is at least a week away from beginning to turn. Spend your time in the Bishop Creek to Rock Creek areas for the best color. This photo was made on September 30, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens at 28mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/90 sec. at f-11 using ISO 400 and filter. For information on lighting and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
Virginia Lakes Areas (stop 8 on our map) is in full color this weekend Even the canyon from Conway Summit is in full color. You can also find wonderful color on the Dunderburg Meadow Road off of Virginia Lakes Road. This photo was made on September 30, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and filter. For information on lighting and composition, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color in the basin on the road up to Lake Sabrina on the North Fork of Bishop Creek is in great color right now. Lake Sabrina is perfect this weekend. I just hope it lasts through my photo workshop on Oct 8-10. The color all over is really vivid due to the hot days and cold nights. I hope we don’t get snow showers like last year. This photo was made on September 29, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens at 24mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f-9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter mounted on a tripod. For information on using filters, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color is here! Well, you’ve been asking about the color in Hope Valley (stop 2 on our map) and now we’re seeing it. The color is here and I can recommend adding it to your itinerary this weekend. You’ll have to work at it though because good color like this is patchy. Check this week’s Best Bets for the details of what and where to shoot this weekend. This photo was made on September 28, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens at 35mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f/9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter mounted on a tripod. For information on using filters, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
I call this icon of Hope Valley, Motif #1. Not because everyone shoots it but because it is one of my benchmark photos that I use to gauge the color for the area. This cabin is at the west end of the valley opposite from Sorensons at the east end. My guess is that we’re ten days away from good color here. If the hot weather and cold nights continue, the trees behind this cabin will explode with rich color. This photo was made on September 28, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens at 80mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/125 sec. at f/9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter mounted on a tripod. For information on using filters, please check our Tips and Techniques section. -
The color at Conway Summit (stop number 7 on our map) is coming on quickly. Hot days and cold nights, especially with 40º+ variations, make for vivid color. Water (rain) and moderate temperatures create more subdued shades of color. Maybe this explains the nice color we’re seeing everywhere. The color here along with Virginia Lakes and the ridges looks good. Conway is the only area with this much green still. We should have a great color season this year thanks to the hot weather. This photo was made on September 28, 2010 with a Canon 24-105mm zoom lens at 105mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/180 sec. at f/8 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter. For information on using filters, please check our Tips & Techniques section. -
There isn’t any color (except for a tree here and there) in Christmas Valley (stop 1 on our map) so you can drive straight to Hope Valley and know you’re no missing anything. -
Monitor Pass (number 4 on our map) is beginning to show some nice color. A week ago very little was turning. We should get two weekends worth of nice shooting in this area. The road from Hwy 4/89 split has no color so you’ll be making a destination out of this stop. There is no color yet between here and Conway Summit. Bring a lunch and enjoy the day. You can buy a lunch at the Deli in Woodfords. Nice folks too. This photo was made on September 28, 2010 with a Canon 70-200mm zoom lens at 145mm on a Canon 5D MkII full frame sensor camera. The exposure was 1/250 sec. at f/9.5 using ISO 400 and a polarizing filter mounted on a tripod. For information on using long lenses and using filters, please check our Tips & Techniques section.
