Amazing how long it feels since we were all at Monument Valley with Russell and Tom. Probably cause Photoshop World was so soon afterward. That was a blast too! Both trips were great but i had no idea what Vegas Photoshop World would be like. In the last couple days I’ve had some time to really play with the images from Monument Valley and some of the nearby sights. The trip was over so fast and having such a good time i wanted to show some of that experience, fun and beauty that the rest of us were seeing.

Images captured with D3, AF-S NIKKOR 24-70 f2.8, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24 f2.8, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film

O this is just too much fun. For the first time in the many years that my folks have been trying to get me to go to Photoshop World, I’m finally here. Now they kept telling me it was going to be a different experience but i had no idea until i got here. The first thing big noticeable thing was everyone saying hello. It was easy, Dad had me by one hand introducing to everyone, here’s Jake. It was funny and exciting at the same time. Then there are the Precons, different shooting venues where you spend a day a learning about that particular area of photography. I went to the Real World Concert Photography mostly cuz i had never done it before! O and Scott Diussa is a good friend and was co instructing it with Allan Hess. Knew absolutely nothing about it.

It was completely different then any other subject i have photographed before. Between the settings, the composition and the general atmosphere of the other photographers. I’m used to waiting and watching the subject learning it’s habits over time, that’s just necessary in wildlife. Or even the quickness of aviation knowing the planes are coming around the pylons. But this! O know it’s all about moving around, getting the shot, the unpredictable nature of the players and the every changing light. It was intense, but a lot of fun. Only been here a day and I’m already learning.

Images captured with D3s, AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 VR 2.8, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film

Yep they most certainly are. Out there in the desert with the rocks, open skies, and beautiful light, the mood is easily set for B&W’s. The possibilities just seem to be endless, like this butte. Now I never heard the name for it but I’m sure there is one, or three, since everything out there was once named by the Navajos and then later renamed by Harry Goulding. Amazing how much history is in that valley considering it’s full of…rocks.

A less known area yet in no way lacking of splendor is the private tour needed behind the 17 mile loop. To our great surprise was first the amount of vegetation around caused by the somewhat recent rainstorm and second that so much rain had come through that it had pooled in some areas and created mud, that dried. I know what you’re thinking, why take a picture of mud? Well the light hitting it was late afternoon light, and the cracks in between each tile became prominent with the shadows. Since the best black and whites are made from light and contrast it’s as Dad would say a no brainer. Always fun throwing him in here, kinda like a little voice in the back of my head, why not try this, what is the meaning of that, if you move this slider….

Images captured with D3, AF-S NIKKOR 24-70 f2.8, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film

Yesterday we got to go on a private tour to some areas that you can go only go to with a Navajo guide. It’s not hard to see why they don’t won’t many people back in those places, they were great spots. This one is back behind a formation called the dragon. From this point you can see all the way back to the Mittens and Merick. The view was spectaular and the clouds came in bringing in that great drama that is otherwise unseen in the rock walls. Now there are a few more formations to see but not right now.

Images captured with D3, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24 f2.8, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film

One of my favorite places down here is the Valley of Gods. It doesn’t have the same mittens or formations as seen on 17 mile loop but it does have a certain tranquility to it. The light bounces around from one side of the canyon to the other and creates drama between the clouds and their shadows. The road itself is a lot of fun not only to shoot but also to be launched out of your seat, Dad made that happen a couple of times.

Images captured with D3, AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm 2.8, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film

It’s just like i remember it, the formations, the light…the dust. Yep it’s all still here, hard to believe it i know the rocks not moving and all. It’s fun being here this time with the folks and Russell, much more conversation taking place than me being here myself. After a rousing dinner at Swinging Steak, a great place that cooks everything on a swinging grill over a mesquite fire, it was off down the road chasing the storm and potential opportunities. We got to a pullout and stopped as the last god beam disappeared. The light shown through the clouds creating patches of light all over the place including this one butte. Not a lot of drama but enough to have some fun.

Images captured with D3, AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm 2.8, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film

Action! I still can’t believe it but for the second time this summer I’m back down in Monument Valley, this time i get to be with my folks and some friends. I won’t be camping this time, which is a big switch from the last trip when i woke up under that massive open sky every time i opened the tent. The view at The View Hotel is still great, even though it’s a tongue twister. The skies weren’t as magnificent when we arrived, the clouds just weren’t there. That didn’t stop us from taking a few clicks while enjoying the approaching night.

Images captured with D3, AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film

Always like window photography, shooting as we go down the road, stopping when something appealing appears. The three of us were heading down the road and were outside Big Pine when we found just a spot. The clouds were gearing up for something so naturally we had to stop. Good thing too cuz it turned out to be a fun little spot.

The sun poked through the clouds making some magic happen but nothing too spectacular. The drama in the clouds was more interesting than the light itself. Road shooting is always fun, driving down the highway just looking out and enjoying the area. No guarantees but that goes with every shoot. The adventure and suspense in finding that one little spot that might make something happen make it all worth while.

Images captured with D3, 24-70 AF-S, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film

No it’s not! Sure could be though the way the clouds are coming out of the mountain. Perfect clouds for a black and white, whispy ones always are intriguing. The lines and the light parting through add to the drama. When it comes to black and white the light makes everything.

Image captured with D3, 24-70 AF-S, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film

Nothing like sitting on a rock looking out at Alaska and the critters that are a part of it. This time it was the Hoary Marmots that we were watching and enjoying. This spot is a bit more accessible than the mountain slopes we were working on in the arctic. Of course it did require a 2.4 mile hike up to the outcrop and then the same back. When we got up there the marmots behaved like all marmots do. The whistles went off across the ridge and the nearest ones ducked down. We setup on a rock and waited for the little guys to come back out and some of them really were small. This fellow was for sure a kid that we saw bounce around and climb the rocks. Out of the 6 that we photographed he was the most energetic and cooperative. He even went out and grazed for a while.

There was five adults around and three of them would frequently be up on a rock spire that was perfect for sun bathing. It was about 20 feet high and the top was flat, perfect for lying on. This rock was just a haven for them, with tunnels going in and out, separate ledges on multiple levels, and a perfect view for watching the surrounding area for predators. These marmots were great to work with because it gave a bit more perspective to the Alaskan. A big difference that we saw was the affect people just walking through had on them and their tolerance to us. The ones in the Arctic being so excluded from people made them much more shy. It was still great biology to see.

Images captured with D3, 600f4, TC-14e, on Lexar UDMA Digital Film