Capturing Alaska

with Wayde Carroll

 

 

 

2009 Photo Safari Client Photos!

 

 

   This week I wanted to feature some of my favorite images from clients of last summer's photo safaris. There were so many wonderful images that it was hard to narrow them down to just a few each.

   I'm constantly amazed that we can have a group of people taking images in the same location and still end up with absolutely different, fantastic photos. I am ever learning through the eyes of others on these trips. It's such a joy to look at a collection of photos and realize that I ddin't see everything there was to see at all. I'm learning as much as my clients!

   I want to thank everyone for sharing their images and for spending some time with me!

 

 

 

Alaska

 

 

Gary Kling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sara Kling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ann Wallace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack Wallace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carol Yorkanis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Yorkanis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank Baensch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ursula Baensch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank Dombroski

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marie Wittmer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lorraine Roman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stacy Tanner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sylvia Fishbein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costa Rica!

 

 

 

 

Denise Sutter

(Mana mana!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Margie Determan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ed Rotberg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   *Note: (Shameless self promotion:) For those interested the Alaska Photo Safari is run through Alaska Wildland Adventures. The Costa Rica Photo Safari is offered through Journeys International. We are also starting a new "Photo Base Camp" based in Cordova, Alaska, through Journeys International.

 If anyone wants more info just contact me through the blog or at my website: www.waydecarrollphotography.com

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capturing California!

with Wayde Carroll

 

 

2009 KVMR Celtic Festival, Grass Valley, CA

 

 

 

 

Natural light portrait of a Scottish clansman.

 

 

Natural light portrait trying to show a sense of place as well.

 

 

I backpedaled, snapping photos with a wide angle lens, as this group marched by.

 

 

This image uses selective focus (wide aperture) to isolate the Queen from the foreground subjects.

 

 

The magnificent Merloc the Magician. I specifically asked him to come over to this background. Backgrounds can make and break a photo!

 

 

Detail of one of the walk in musicians. People are encouraged to bring their instruments and play along. I love the jug. Cropping in tight makes this a little more intimate.

 

 

Using a zoom lens at 200mm really compressed this scene and makes the crowd look more closely packed than it was.

 

 

 Dougie MacLean. One of Scotland's most successful and respected musicians.

 

 

Dougie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off-camera flash made these kids pop out in the late afternoon dappled light.

 

 

Sometimes a little camera tilt can add some added interest and dynamic to a photo.

 

 

 

 

Fast shutter speed!

 

 

This guy was in the shade and the background was bright behind him. Off-camera flash to the rescue again!

 

 

I just loved the repetition of form in the shadow.

 

 

I took a lot of photos to make sure I got a decent one of these two dancing to the live music.

 

 

I used a high ISO and set my camera for tungsten white balance to render more natural color from the yellow flames.

 

 

Poet Molly Fisk and friend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Buchanan, Enter The Haggis

 

 

Enter The Haggis, backstage. I love this band! Mixture of celtic and hard riving rock n' roll.

 

 

World class fiddler, Lisa Schneckenburger

 

 

The Reel Stepsisters!

 

 

Cathy Jordan of Dervish, from western Ireland.

 

 

 

    I can't recall the exact number off the top of my head, but I think this was the eighth year I've photographed the KVMR Celtic Festival held at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, California each October.

   It is always one of the highlights of the year. As a photographer there is are so many exciting image possibilities it's amazing. From the action of live bands, sword melees, dancers, and children running about, to the colorful and visually stimulating reenactment groups portraying various clans of Scotland and Ireland. Details of exsquisit hand made period dress, portraits, candids, and the beautiful pine forest all make for two days of non-stop photography.

   To make it even better there are world class celtic musicians playing all day on several stages and of course- Guiness. 

   Another thing that makes this event special is the people. After doing this so many times I end up running in to many of the same people over and over. The many smiles and greetings make it a joy to work. I could even say I've made some great friends there. A special treat for me is being able to be backstage with the musicians and to have access to the stage during performances. It's wonderful how down to earth some of the more famous celtic performers really are. I have to thank Amy Terhorst of Empire Events for having me back so many times. She runs a top-notch event.

   For anyone who happens to be in California, or just has a real interest, I'm working on putting together a "travel photography" workshop there next year. The plan is to have a couple of sessions together before the Celtic Fest. Then I'll give everyone certain assignments during the event and hold a couple different "lessons" there. Then we'd all meet up the day after and share photos etc. I think it could be a blast.

   Even if you decide just to go to the festival on your own, it's well worth it. I'm sure there are similar festivals wherever you are. They are a wonderful opportunity to practice a wide variety of photo skills.

Capturing Alaska

with Wayde Carroll

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Colors, Hope, Alaska

 

 

 

  Two weeks ago, with winter fast approaching and fall colors in full bloom, I was itching to get my kids out for one more outdoor excursion. Between work, weather, and school, I was having a heck of a challenge finding a time for us to get out. It was rainy and the forecast showed more of the same. I was afraid that if we waited for good weather we'd miss the season all together. I checked the weather report and the coming Friday had the best chance of decent weather. Cloudy with scattered showers.

  What  the hey! I knew it wouldn't break my kids hearts to miss a day of kindergarten and the fourth grade so we went for it!

 I never told them what I was planning so it was an exciting morning for me. I got them both loaded up in the car to go to "school". We stopped by Dino's donuts and my son noticed we'd be a little late to school. "Yeah, just a little" I replied.

  I then started south on the Seward Highway, not knowing exactly where we were going. I just wanted to get out and see the beautiful fall, anywhere. My five year old was the first to notice "this isn't the way to school". "It isn't?", said dad, "well I guess we'd better take the day off!"

  It was wonderful to see their smiles and to feel like we were co-conspirators in sneaking a day off of school. As they asked where we were going we were heading down the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet. I looked across the water and said "Do you want to check out Hope? We've never been there." 

 "Sure" they replied in unison. I don't think they cared, they were just happy to be out as well.

  It was a drizzly, overcast, day but we were able to hike among glorious colors on the Gull Rock Trail in the Chugach National Forest, and we found the Discovery Cafe that served up great burgers, chili, coffee, and pie!

  It wasn't planned to be a photo excursion but I couldn't help but capture a few images during the day. It turned out to be one of those days I'll never forget!

 

 

View from Kenai Peninsula rest stop on the way to Hope.

 

 

The town of Hope as viewed from the campground.

 

 

The road to the  Hope campground.

 

 

Gull Rock trail.

 

 

Hope campground.

 

 

Hope Campground

 

 

Fall colors, Chugach mountains.

 

 

Fall colors, Chugach mountains.

 

Capturing Alaska

with Wayde Carroll

 

 

 

 

 

Nevada County, California

 

 

  I am in Nevada County, California, this week on assignment. I lived here for eight years and spent many more camping and exploring this region. I still work for some of my favorite "old clients" here whenever I can.

  I love visiting the Grass Valley, Nevada City area. Not only can I visit old friends and revisit favorite haunts- such as my favorite donut shop!- but there are a multitude of wonderful things to keep the photo enthusiast leaping in creative ecstasy!

   Historic gold mines and their accompanying charming towns, stunning hiking trails, rodeo, wildlife,  and my favorite river in the world are just some of the highlights. 

  I love Alaska like crazy but I'm glad to have another beautiful place to "work" a couple of times a year.

 

  Below are some of my favorite images from the area.

 

 

 

 

South Yuba River State Park

 

 

South Yuba River State Park

 

 

South Yuba River State Park

 

 

South Yuba River State Park

 

 

South Yuba River State Park

 

 

Empire Mine State Park

 

 

Empire Mine State Park

 

 

North Star Mining Museum

 

 

North Star Mining Museum

 

 

Penn Valley Rodeo

 

 

Alta Sierra

 

 

Bridgeport, South Yuba River State Park

 

 

Nevada City

 

 

Middle Fork, Yuba River

 

 

Tahoe National Forest

Capturing Alaska

with Wayde Carroll

 

 

 

Lifestyle Images with Kikkan Randall and Jeff Ellis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   A few days ago I got together with Kikkan Randall and Jeff Ellis for some lifestyle images pretty much for the fun of it. For those of you who don't know, Kikkan is a two-time U.S. Olympian and was the first woman from the United States to medal in a World Cup Cross-Country Skiing event. Jeff has a long list of accomplishments as a member of the Canadian National Cross Country Skiing Team. Both have their sights set on the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.

   I met Kikkan and Jeff because I was lucky enough to be the photographer for their wedding last year in Talkeetna. We ended up doing an engagement shoot along with the wedding and later I did a wedding gown session with Kikkan in the studio. I had a great time with them at every occasion and eventually asked them if they would like to get together for some fun stock photography. They were both interested in getting some lifestyle images for their web sites and possible editorial use. They wanted something other than photos of them skiing!

   It took us several months to finally find a date that worked for all of us that had amenable weather as well!

 

 I had a big list of locations and ideas and we barely got to a third of it. Each location and activity turned out to be too good and it was hard to stop shooting. I have to say it was amazing to have world class athletes skate-skiing for photos. I kept worrying about making them repeat passes too much and they just replied that they could go all day. It's incredible to the their level of fitness. Sort of like me! (Ha!)

   We did several portraits and set up a few activities over the course of a few hours. I was able to play with some lighting and practice my "action" photography skills. I had a ball and really enjoy both Kikkan and Jeff. We're able to have fun while "working". I'm hoping we'll get together again soon for more!

   I have to say that it's a thrill to see two top athletes that are such humble, gracious, intelligent, and down right nice people. They're the type of people I'm proud to be rooting for. I'll be keeping an eye on this year's Cross-Country World Cup events like never before. Go Kikkan! Go Jeff!

 

 

 

Capturing Alaska

with Wayde carroll

 

 

 

Roadside Gift

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capturing Alaska

with Wayde Carroll

 

 

Wonder Lake

 

 

View from Eielson Visitor's Center

 

 

Reflection Pond

 

 

Denali and friends

 

 

 

 

Grizzly Scenic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fresh Snow!

 

 

Grizzly Mother and Cub

 

 

Grizzly Sow

 

 

Grizzly Cub

 

 

Red Fox

 

Willow Ptarmigan

 

The following images are from the Kantishna Roadhouse. The portraits are of Emmitt Peters Jr. His father won the second Iditarod and he himself will be training for the race once he finishes film school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Splendor!: Denali National Park and Preserve

 

 

   I've been hearing about the glorious, yet elusive, fall color spectacular in Denali National Park and Preserve for years. I have been to the park many times but I've never been able to time the fall colors just right.

  In Denali, the colors are at their height for only a brief time, maybe a week or two. I've been there when I could see the flora starting to turn. I've been there when the peak had clearly passed and the tundra was a dull brown as opposed to the fabled brilliant red of fall. A few times I had heard from other photographers that the peak is happening right "NOW"! But obligations kept me from hustling on up there.

   Well, this year it finally happened! On my third, and final, trip of the summer I was rewarded with what was truly some of the most magnificent scenery I've ever been privileged to set eyes upon.

   I was in the park for three days and you could literally see a difference every day. On the way in I felt  "Wow, this truly is stunning" On the last morning It was more like "Holy Smokes" (something along those lines), this is unbelievable!" To add to the glorious coloring I was blessed with a low angled, early morning, sun that added a warm glow to everything as well as interesting shadows and nice side lighting on the mountains to make every detail "pop". There wasn't a trace of haze in the skies.

   Maybe for the first time, I couldn't take my eyes away from the scenery as we took the bus out of Kantishna and back to the park entrance. I had been given a gift and I wasn't going to waste it.

  I took some nice photos when I could. I even saw some nice wildlife, but on this day the Park itself stole the show.

 

 

 

Capturing Alaska

with Wayde Carroll

 

 

Out on the Water

 

 

  All of the following images were taken on a recent trip in the Kenai Fjords National Park. No matter how many times I go out there I'm always surprised at how gorgeous it is. Every trip reveals something new whether it's weather, wildlife, landscape, ice, or an infinite combination of them all.

  Typically I boost my ISO to around 800 to give me the fastest shutter speed possible. This will help counter the effects of the constantly moving boat. When shooting I spread my legs wide and lean against the side of the boat. This forms somewhat of a human tripod and adds some stability.

  A polarizing filter is effective sometimes, especially on sunny days. What I do is keep a polarizer in my pocket so that I can pull it out, rotate it while looking through it, and see if it's doing anything I like. I see so many people that think they have to screw it on the lens before judging it's effect!

  Also, keeping my camera covered and having a towel handy is a must to wipe of errant spray from rain and/or waves.

 Lastly, try and be ready for anything. I missed an Orca breaching because I wasn't quite set up yet!

 Bad photographer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capturing Alaska

with Wayde Carroll

 

 

Creamer's Field

 

 

 

Canada Goose photographed using the continuous tracking focus mode. This is great for moving objects because it continually tracks and predicts where your subject will be as long as you hold the shutter release button half way down. I also had the camera in the continuos shooting mode so I can fire up to five frames per second. It's amazing how accurate the tracking is even in this mode.

 

 

Detail of the old dairy building. I had to add some exposure to account for the brightness of the scene.

 

 

Sandhill Cranes coming in for a landing. This looks like a composite of three images of the same bird landing but it was actually three birds following one another in line. A shutter speed of 1/2000 of a second was used to "stop" the action.

 

 

A view of the field and the Dairy building. There weren't many cranes yet.

 

 

The air was thick with fireweed seeds being released with the help of a slight wind. Having the cotton-like puffs back-lit by the sun, and then choosing a dark background, really made them stand out.

 

 

It was raining like crazy the night before and the air was full of smoke from the near by fires. I thought the first day of our trip would be a bust but as you see the weather treated us well after all!

 

 

Another view of the dairy building. The sky had some whitish haze in the background at the time. In situations like these I like to try and find some natural framing to add some interest to the blank space above.

 

 

I didn't spend much time around any kind of farms growing up and I just fell in love with the barley crop. So many textures and colors. Beautiful.

 

 

Close-up of barley plant.I needed a fast shutter speed to account for the wind.

 

 

I loved the contrasting colors and the repetitive direction.

 

 

Another way to deal with dull skies is to exclude as much as possible.

 

Sometimes it's nice to experiment with your depth of field. (your range of apparent sharpness). By using a wide open aperture (F2.8 here) I was able to isolate the foreground plants from the dairy behind.